AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos first-round TE Noah Fant had the best game of his young career by far on Sunday against the Browns, catching three passes for 115 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown romp. Fant’s previous career-high had been 37 yards, so Broncos HC Vic Fangio is hopeful the rookie will be able to build confidence from his breakout game. 

“I think it can,” Fangio said via NFL Media. “I’m a believer in doing it on the field gives you confidence. Not imagining it, not sitting on some psych’s couch and not thinking it. You have to go out and do it. He did it [Sunday].”

“He’s had other times this year where he’s done it, albeit inconsistently,” Fangio added. “Hopefully this will be a game that can put him over the top and at least he knows he can do it. If a game’s not going his way in that regard, he still knows he can do it. The next play might be the one.”

Chargers

• The Athletic’s Daniel Popper writes there’s no guarantee Chargers C Mike Pouncey returns next season, while the coaching staff is confident in replacement C Scott Quessenberry.
• Popper believes the team will re-sign QB Philip Rivers to a one or two-year deal this offseason and kick the can down the road regarding their long-term quarterback situation. 

Raiders

• According to Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News, Raiders DT Maurice Hurst had a $21,000 fine for roughing the passer rescinded following a successful appeal.