This week of football was insane. The division saw some fantastic and some not so fantastic football. Overall, it was must see football as all three games came down to the final quarter and in some cases, down to the the final possession.
Let’s rock and roll…………..
GRADES
Chiefs
At the start of the season it was a two man race for MVP between Russell Wilson and Josh Allen. Not so fast, Patrick Mahomes showed everyone in this game that he is in the mix for that honor. Mahomes was 30 of 45 (67%) for 372 yards and 4 touchdowns. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 5 carries for 14 yards with 3 receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs had a total of 30 rushing yards on 12 carries. Travis Kelce had 10 receptions for 159 yards while Tyreek Hill had 9 receptions for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss but surrendered 435 yards of offense to go with 31 points, NO BUENO! Harrison Butker was 2 of 3 on fieldgoals and 3 of 4 on extra points. This game could have gone the other way as the Panthers missed a 67 yard fieldgoal to end the game. Mahomes put this team on his back and pulled this one out.
Grade: B
Broncos
The Broncos have got to find a way to score better in the first half. For the second week in a row they fell behind by double digit points at the half. This week they could not pull off the last second dub. Drew Lock was 25 of 48 (52%) for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He was also the leading rusher with 7 carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. Jerry Jeudy had 7 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 7 tackles for loss with 1 interception. Brandon McManus was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This team may not be winning but they are starting to make plays and are developing.
Grade: C
Chargers
Heartbreak after heartbreak, they just keep on coming for this team. They had what appeared to be the winning last second touchdown play only to have it overturned after replay showed that Donald Parham had the ball stripped away from him and it hit the ground. Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert continues his OROY play by going 28 of 42 (67%) for 326 yards and 2 touchdowns with 5 carries for 24 yards. Kalen Ballage made his Chargers debut with 16 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown with 2 receptions for 15 yards. Keenan Allen had 9 receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss with a fumble recovery. Michael Badgley went 2 for 3 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This will be a dangerous team once they are healthy.
Grade: C
Raiders
This game should not have been close but the horrible coaching and play calling almost cost them a win. This one came down to two outstanding defensive plays by reserve cornerback Isaiah Johnson and the running game. Derek Carr was 13 of 23 (57%) for 165 Yards and 2 touchdown with two carries for 14 yards. Devontae Booker had 8 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown and Josh Jacobs had 14 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown. Hunter Renfrow had 2 receptions for 60 yards and Nelson Agholor had 2 receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss with a fumble recovery. Daniel Carlson was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. The Raiders were lucky to walk away with a win. Gruden has some serious work to do on his coaching and play calling if this team is going to make a playoff run.
Grade: B
PREDICTIONS
Los Angeles Chargers at Miami Dolphins This one will be one of the better game of the season featuring two young guns in Tua and Justin. Miami has won 4 in a row and they are playing inspired defense. The Chargers have lost 4 of their last 5 by a total of 16 points. Something has to give.
Dolphins 31 Chargers 28 Spread: Chargers +2.5 Over/Under: 48
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders The Broncos have been playing very well in the second half of games but not so much in the first half. The play calling and coaching has not been good for the Raiders yet they are finding ways to win despite of that.
Raiders 34 Broncos 24 Spread: Broncos +5 Over/Under: 51.5 Week 9: 3-0 Season: 19-9 Bye Week: Kansas City Chiefs
Sometimes this game we love can drive you flat out crazy. Bad plays, bad calls and bad execution. On the other side of that coin, this game can bring us great joy and happiness. This season is different in so many ways but two things remain the same, we love this game and we love to talk shit about each other’s team. Long live Football. Enjoy the Week!