Author: Raiders Godfather

What in the hell is going on in the AFC West. One week you are going nuts and pulling out your hair, the next you are celebrating like its 1999. Let’s go…

GRADES
Chargers
Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense was spectacular putting up 421 yards of offense and 38 points only to see the defense completely blow. You want to talk about horrible, let’s see……..the Lions offense put up 41 points on 533 yards of offense with 200 yards coming on the ground. To understand how bad the defense was, the Lions punted only once in this game. This was an embarrassing showing for them as they wasted another outstanding performance from Herbert, Allen and company.
Grade: C- (Offense: A/Defense: F)

Raiders
The Raiders offense faced its hardest foe of the season going up against the Jets top 6 defense. HC Pierce simplified things and ran the ball with Josh Jacobs for 116 yards and controlled the clock. The Raiders scored the lone touchdown of the game in the 4th quarter on a great grab by rookie Michael Meyers. The defense held the Jets out of the end zone and only allowed 4 fieldgoals. This game was far from pretty but a win is a win.
Grade: B

Broncos
The Broncos pulled off the upset of the year to date. The defense was great in this game and created 4 turnovers while holding the Bills to 22 points. Russell Wilson was back to his old self completing a magical throw for a touchdown to Courtland Sutton. The Broncos were the laughing stocks of the league when Miami put 70 up on them. The last three weeks they have defeated the Packers, Chiefs and Bills proving they are not to be taken lightly and can beat anyone in the league.
Grade: A-

PREDICTIONS
Las Vegas Raiders at Miami Dolphins
This could get ugly and quick.
Dolphins 34 Raiders 13
Spread: +13.5 Raiders
Over/Under: 46.5

Los Angeles Chargers at Green Bay Packers
This is a must win for both teams.
Chargers 24 Packers 20
Spread: -3 Chargers
Over/Under: 43.5

Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos
This will be a defensive slobberknocker.
Broncos 20 Vikings 17
Spread: -2.5 Broncos
Over/Under: 42.5

Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs
A Superbowl rematch……strap in!
Eagles 24 Chiefs 20
Spread: -2.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 45.5
Season: 18-14

This week is must see tv for the AFC West with the creme de la creme being in primetime on Monday night. Sit back and enjoy!

“When you wish apon a star, makes no differnce who you are. Anything your heart desires, will come to you.”
I know, I know……it is cheesy but it is so applicable in this week’s scenario. Let’s go….

GRADES
Chiefs
This was hyped as the “Game of the year” to date with two of the most powerful offenses in the NFL clashing. It ended up being all about the defense. The Chiefs defense scored near the end of the 1st half to give them a 21-0 lead at halftime. The offense was shutout in the second half and almost blew that big lead but the defense made a enough plays in the end to secure the victory.
Grade: B+

Raiders
Ok, ok, ok….it really happened. The Raiders fired HC Josh McDaniels, GM Dave Zeigler and OC Mick Lombardi. Antonio Pierce was made the Interim Head Coach and did this team respond. The offense was good and scored 30 points for the first time this season with Aiden O’Connell at quarterback and Josh Jacobs scoring twice. The defense went nuts in this game with 8 sacks (Madd Maxx with 3 sacks), 8 tackles for lose and 2 interceptions. This was a different team this week.
Grade: A

Chargers
Justin Hebert and Chargers offense was really off this week. With that said, a punt return for a touchdown and Austin Ekeler rushing for 2 touchdowns was all the firepower they needed. The defense was crazy good in this game with 8 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries. This was not a pretty game by any means but it was a telling game for the Chargers. Their special teams and defense were outstanding while their passing game struggled. This was a good win.
Grade: B+

PREDICTIONS
New York Jets at Las Vegas Raiders
This is a must win for both team.
Raiders 20 Jets 17
Spread: +1.5 Raiders
Over/Under: 36.5

Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Chargers
Another must win for both teams.
Lions 27 Chargers 23
Spread: +3 Chargers
Over/Under: 48.5

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Primetime and it could get ugly.
Bills 28 Broncos 17
Spread: +7.5 Broncos
Over/Under: 46.5
Season: 16-13

This season has taken a much needed twist for the division. We are seeing the defenses win games. The second half of the season will be very interesting and fun. You never want to see someone lose their job but somethings have to be said:
FUCK JOSH MCDANIELS!!!

This division is the epitome of the term “What the Fuck!”. Every week the lanscape changes but there are some things that stay the same. Let’s go…

GRADES
Raiders
Every week Josh McDaniels reminds us that he is the poster child for birth control. An offense with this many weapons, to play this bad, is all about the coach and play calling. When you have 6 punts, turn it over on down 3 times, throw an interception, allow 6 sacks and 7 tackles for loss, the offense is just not bad, it is disgraceful. McDaniels should not be sitting on the hot seat, he should be sitting on an erupting volcano after this fiasco.
Grade: F- (McDaniels has earned worse coach in Raiders History)

Chiefs
Every sports outlet has deemed this game as the “Mahomes had the flu and Taylor Swift was not there” Game. The Chiefs have not lost a game to the Broncos since 2015, WOW!!! The Mahomes offense was off and scored only 9 points while turning it over 5 times, (2 interceptions and 3 fumbles). When is the last time you can remember saying the Chiefs offense was scoring fieldgoals while they were surrendering touchdowns. This was not a good time to have a bad game when you have to travel to Germany and face the Dolphins.
Grade: D-

Broncos
The curse and losing streak to the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes is OVER! What makes this win so impressive was Russell Wilson only completed 12 passed but 3 were for touchdowns. The Broncos rushed for 153 yards as well. The defense created 5 turnovers and 3 sacks. This game is a perfect way for the Broncos to go into their bye week.
Grade: A

Chargers
The Chargers and Justin Herbert started their first drive at their own 2 yards line. He went on to complete his first 15 passes. The game was pretty much over after that. Austin Ekeler was back to his old self with 123 total yards and a touchdown. This game was never is question as the Chargers won this one in every aspect to include coaching, WOW!!!
Grade: A

 

PREDICTIONS
Kansas City Chiefs vs Miami Dolphins
This game should be a barn bunner, buckle up!
Dolphins 28 Chiefs 24
Spread: -2.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 50.5

New York Giants at Las Vegas Raiders
This is the hot garbage game of the week.
Giants 20 Raiders 13
Spread: -2.5 Raiders
Over/Under: 37.5

Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets
The Chargers offense is starting to dominate.
Chargers 24 Jets 13
Spread: -3 Chargers
Over/Under: 41.5
Season: 15-11

This season is a living example of the greatest quote ever, “Foosball is the Devil!”

We are seven games into the new season and the Chiefs have a commanding three game lead on the Raiders. Oh well…there is always next year…..WTF! Lets go…

GRADES
Raiders
Brian Hoyer went into this game with a record of 0-12 as a starter in his last 12 games, let’s make it 0-13 now. This was a complete disgrace in every aspect of the game. The offense sputtered all game. The defense was destroyed by a rookie undrafted quarterback as well as giving up 173 rushing yards (D’Onta Foreman 3 TDs). Josh McDaniels was outcoached and outclassed in every way. For a team that could have gone over .500 to play like this says they were not prepared by the coaching staff and once again the play calling was horrible.
Grade: F- (Josh McDaniels is the WORSE coach in the the League)

Chargers
Justin Herbert and the Chargers were going head to head with the Chiefs in Arrowhead in the first half and were down by only 7 at the half. The second half was a complete nightmare for the offense and Herbert. Let’s see, interception, 3 and out, 3 and out, 3 and out and another interception. No way are you beating the Chiefs playing like that. To there credit, the Chargers defense only allowed 7 point in the second half. Overall, the Chargers offense killed any chance of them winning this game.
Grade: C-

Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce was unstoppable in this game. Kelce had 12 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown. Mahomes threw for 424 yards and 4 touchdowns. With that said, the Chiefs defense was the story of the day. For the seventh consecutive game, they held their opponent to 21 or fewer points. They are the only team in the league this season to do so. The only thing the Chiefs did not do well was score in the second half.
Grade: B+

Broncos
The Broncos finally won a game at home. The offense was balanced and had 145 yards on the ground and 194 passing yards. Although they got the win, they struggled in the red zone. In four trips inside the Packer’s 20 yard line, they only scored one touchdown. Wil Lutz made 4 fieldgoals and accouted for most of the scoring. The Broncos defense sealed the win with a late interception.
Grade: B

 

PREDITIONS
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
This one could get ugly and quick.
Chiefs 31 Broncos 17
Spread: -8 Chiefs
Over/Under: 46

Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Chargers
This one should be a walk in the park.
Chargers 28 Bears 20
Spread: -8.5 Chargers
Over/Under: 46.5

Las Vegas Raiders at Detroit Lions
Can you say Lambs to the Slaughter
Lions 37 Raiders 9
Spread: -8.0 Lions
Over/Under: 45.5
Season: 13-10

Football is such a great sport so why does this division have to suck ass except for one team. This is getting old but we have to watch and the Cognac bottle is starting to call my name. Onward and downward.

Another week of football and another week of can someone please explain what the hell is going on with this division. Let’s go…..

GRADES
Broncos
When your defense holds the Chiefs to 19 points at Arrowhead, you expect to have a chance to win the game. Well……when you score your first points in the game with 6:07 left in the game, not so much. Russell Wilson is struggling (95 Passing Yards). Sean Payton’s play calling is HORRIBLE. So far, it looks like the Broncos should have kept the 1st round pick. This nightmare of a season has a long way to go.
Grade: D

Chiefs
The Chiefs did not have their best showing in this game but they had T-Swift there so Kelce (124 Yards) went nuts and they found a way to win. The offense was stagnant all night and especially on 3rd down (4 of 13). With that said, Harrison Butker was 4 for 4 on fieldgoals and the defense had 4 sacks, 2 interceptions and fumble recovery. Finding a way to get a division win when you are not at your best is always a good thing.
Grade: B-

Raiders
Once again the Raiders found a way to win a game inspite of bad play calling by Josh McDaniels. The defense was great in the 1st half not allowing the Patriots to run a single play inside of the 20 yard line. They surrendered 14 points in the second half to make the game close but a safety sealed the game for them. Mad Maxx Crosby is on a mission. All in all, this game should not have been close but bad play calling, quarterback injuries (Jimmy G is hurt again) and crappy redzone play kept the Patriots in the game. Something has to be done and NOW!
Grade: B-

Chargers
This is another game of BAD coaching decisions that cost the Chargers the game. The team was down 3 in the second half and instead of taking the easy fieldgoal and tying the game, Staley went for it on 4th and 1 and didn’t get it. In a close game, you have to take the points. Well…..guess what happened, the Chargers lost by 3 at home. This has to stop. This team is too good to lose game like this. The question is when will they realize this.
Grade: C+

 

PREDICTIONS

Las Vegas Raiders at Chicago Bears
This could be the battle of the back-up quarterbacks.
Raiders 20 Bear 17
Spread: -3 Raiders
Over/Under: 37.5

Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos
If there was ever a pickem game this is it.
Packers 23 Broncos 20
Spread: +1 Broncos
Over/Under: 45

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Which teams will show up for this game.
Chiefs 28 Chargers 20
Spread: -5.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 48
Season: 12-8

Football use to be basis addition and subtraction. This season, the AFC West is Advanced Calculus and getting more and more difficult. Whatever is happening, it has become a pain in the ass.

What, where, when, why, how……..football is absolutely insane! This season the AFC West is best described as Yin and Yang. Let’s go……….

 

GRADES
Broncos
Sean Payton said that Jets Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and his staff for the 2022 Broncos did “one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL”. Fast forward to Sunday, the Broncos had a halftime lead and looked like they were going to run away with this one. Then the second half started with 4 three and outs. Even when it went right it went wrong. On one of the punts the Jets fumbled it and lost it to the Broncos only for them to fumble it right back two plays later. After surrendering 234 yard on the ground, it is starting to feel like the Broncos are the worse team in the AFC.
Grade: D

Chiefs
The Chiefs pulled out the win but they did it with the help of the officials. The Viking were driving and there was a clear case of PI and there was no call. There was a pass on 4th down and there was a clear PI and again, no flag but lets take it to another level. The defender took his helmet off, which by rule, is a clear Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty. Instead of the flag being thrown, the official told him to put his helmet back on, WTF!!! The Chiefs won but really the officials committed grand theft against the Vikings.
Grade: B- (Officials: A)

Raiders
Josh McDaniels is suppose to be an offensive mastermind, how in the hell does Devante Adams only get 4 balls thrown his way. Even when he is covered, he is open, that is why he is one of the best receivers in the NFL. 5 games into the season and they have scored under 20 points and some how they have won 2 games. This game saw the defense win it for the Raiders with 3 interceptions and Madd Maxx going nuts with a sack and 4 tackles for loss.
Grade: B (Josh McDaniels: F)

 

PREDICTIONS
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
This game could turn into the Massacre at Arrowhead.
Chiefs 34 Broncos 17
Spread: -10.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 47

New England Patriots at Las Vegas Raiders
This is the make or break game for both teams.
Raiders 24 Patriots 17
Spread: -3 Raiders
Over/Under: 41.5

Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers
This one will be about which team defense will show up.
Chargers 27 Cowboys 24
Spread: -2.5 Cowboys
Over/Under: 51
Season: 10-7

This season has seen so many things happen so far, so many ups and downs but if this continues, every fan in the AFC West is going to end up going cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Wait….we already are. Nevermind.

This week we saw a bunch of close games and most were mind numbingly tedious. They were predictable but tedious none the less. So here we go,,,,

GRADES
Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes had an off game and it almost cost the Chiefs a win. With that said, Isaiah Pacheco carried the load with 158 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. This game was close into the 4th quarter until the Jets fumbled and the Chiefs went of a 7:24 drive to win the game. A win is a win.
Grade: B-

Broncos
When the Broncos were down 28-7 in the 3rd quarter, it seemed as this was going to end really bad. Then something happened that no one saw coming, the Broncos woke up. The whole team got involved. Russell Wilson threw 2 touchdowns and the defense scored and sealed the game with an interception. This was a fantastic win.
Grade: B

Raiders
Aiden O’Connell made his NFL debut and it was one that showed some possibilities and one that was filled with rookie mistakes. He was sacked 7 times (most were because he held on to the ball too long), fumbled 3 times (which led to 2 touchdowns for the Chargers) and a game sealing interception. With all of that they were in the game but found a way to lose.
Grade: C-

Chargers
When this offense is held to 85 yards and 0 points in the second half of a game, you expect them to lose, the defense had other plans. Khalil Mack reminded the team that drafted and traded him, who and what he was. Mack had 6 sacks and was a one man wrecking crew. Winning a game like this against a division foe on the road is always great.
Grade: B-

PREDICTIONS
Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings
This game should be a shootout and a lot of scoring.
Chiefs 31 Vikings 23
Spread: -4 Chiefs
Over/Under: 52.5

New York Jets at Denver Broncos
This could be a make or break game for both teams.
Broncos 24 Jets 20
Spread: -1.5 Broncos
Over/Under: 43.5

Green Bay Packers at Las Vegas Raiders
This game could be the season for the Raiders.
Packers 24 Raicers 20
Spread: -1.0 Packers
Over/Under: 44.5
Season: 9-5

It’s official, football is meant to drive you crazy. In this division, it is even worse. Well……we can always talk trash to each other.

This weekend we kinda saw things getting back to normal. One team looks good and the rest of the division, well, we have no idea as to what we are getting week to week. No need to prelong this thing……

GRADES
Chiefs
This game was over at the opening kick-off. The Chiefs were up 34-0 at halftime to prove it. The true sign that this game was over was when they pulled Patrick Mahomes out and let Blaine Gabbert not only play but let let him actually throw the ball (5 attempts, 2 INTs). One thing I did not understand was when Mahomes got his ankle rolled up , the team up by 34 points and they left him in the game. Bad coaching decision but it did not cost the team.
Grade: A

Chargers
For the first time in the history of the Brandon Staley Chargers, he was out Chargered by the Kevin O’Connell Vikings. You had to witness this game to believe it. The Chargers were up 4, with 1:51 left in the game and on their own their own 24 yard line, they decided to go for it and failed. Now that is the Chargers we all know and love. The Viking screwed it up with horrible clock management and then ignoring Justin Jefferson (7-149-1) with the game on line, Cousins tried to force the ball in and had it picked off. I guess it had to happen.
Grades: B

Raiders
The Raiders are 0-4 in primetime games with McDaniels as the Head Coach. This game was Staley-esque coaching. When you are at home and one of the best receivers in the game is on fire (Adams 13-172-2), with 2:22 left in the game, at the opponent’s 8 yard line and down 8 points, you kick a fieldgoal, WTF!!! You can’t help but hear Herm Edwards saying “You play to win the game”. Not if you are the Raiders. They are going from bad to flat out stupid. When will enough be enough.
Grade: C-

Broncos
The Broncos gave us a game that no one will be forgetting about anytime soon. Let’s see…..726 yards of offense, 70 points and 3 turnovers, that is what the Broncos gave up. This was way beyond bad or embarrassing, this was other worldly. Did I mention a 70 burger. They surrendered team records in yards and points. No team had score this many points in a game since 1966. Wait…..a 70 burger. There is nothing and I mean nothing good that can be taken from this game.
Grade: F-

PREDICTIONS
Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears
The battle between the 0-3 teams. Who wins????
Broncos 26 Bears 20
Spread: -3.5 Broncos
Over/Under: 46

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Division game that will be ugly for the loser.
Chargers 28 Raiders 20
Spread: -5.5 Chargers
Over/Under: 47.5

Kansas City Chiefs at New York Jets
This game could be ugly and ugly quick.
Chiefs 31 Jets 17
Spread: -9.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 42.5
Season: 6-5

Well let’s face it, this division has more holes in it than swiss cheese and more personalities than Sybil. This could be the weekend that the Chiefs wrap it up, wait, this is only week 4. Oh well, c’est la vie.

What a weird weekend of football. You want to talk about Jekyll and Hyde, that seems to be the best way to describe this division. When Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get”, he was talking about the 2023 AFC West. We have no clue what we are going to get from quarter to quarter.

GRADES

Raiders

The Raiders had the first possession of the game, and it was a masterpiece. They went right down the field and scored a touchdown. The rest of the game was a nightmare. Not a regular nightmare but one that made the ones on Elm Street look like a Disney movie. Every aspect of this team was exposed and not in a good way. Oh well, there is always next year.

Grade: F

Chargers

The Chargers, let’s see, 2-14 on 3^rd down. 2 touchdowns on 5 trips in the red zone. 21 rushing attempts but only 61 yards (2.9 AVG). 4^th and 1 on the Titans 44-yard line and they punted the ball. 1^st possession of overtime and go 3 and out (0 yards). With all of that, they were still in this game and went to overtime. This game turned into a true Brandon Staley special. He is finding new ways to hold this team back.

Grade: C-

Chiefs

The Chiefs got Travis Kelce and Chris Jones back boy did they need them. Kelce caught a touchdown and Jones recorded 1.5 sacks. The offense is still playing subpar, but the defense was damn good. There are things that must be cleaned up but finding a way to win against a playoff team on the road is always a good sign.

Grade: C+

Broncos

The Sean Payton era has gotten off to a rocky start. The offense looked decent but the defense, which was supposed to be the strength of the team, really looked suspect. The Broncos had an 18-point lead and found a way to blow it. They did have a chance to push it into overtime after a last second hail mary touchdown but fell short on the 2-point attempt.

Grade: C-

 

PREDICTIONS

Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs

This game could see the Chiefs offense get back on track.

Chiefs 34 Bears 20

Spread: -12.5 Chiefs

Over/Under: 47.5

 

Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins

Speed kills, can the Broncos handle the Miami track team.

Dolphins 30 Broncos 20

Spread: +7 Broncos

Over/Under: 48

 

Los Angeles Chargers at Minnesota Vikings

Which team’s defense will show up against these powerful offenses.

Vikings 24 Chargers 23

Spread: EVEN

Over/Under: 54

 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Las Vegas Raiders

Whichever team can run the ball will win this game.

Steelers 23 Raiders 20

Spread: -2.5 Raiders

Over/Under: 43

Season: 3-4

 To quote that great philosopher Firv Lil Brandon, “In case u ain’t know, Football is dumb”. We are only a few weeks into this season and drinking again is becoming a distinct possibility (not really). Week 3 please be kind to us all.

What an opening week! The margin of separation for winning or losing was 4 points…….that was for the entire division, all 3 games, UNREAL!!! If this continues, we are in for one hell of a season.

GRADES

Chiefs

The Chiefs played this game without All-Pro TE Travis Kelce (Knee) and All-Pro DT Chris Jones (Contract) and boy did it show. Patrick Mahomes threw for less yards that Jared Goff, wait…..WHAT? With that said, the bigger difference was the second half of the game when the defense surrendered 14 points and the offense only scored 6 points. NO BUENO!!!

Grade: C-

Raiders

The Jimmy G. era has begun. He played ok for most of the game but earned big respect when he drove the team for a go-ahead TD in the 4^th quarter with 6:34 on the clock. The defense came up with quick 3 and out with 5:08 left on the clock. Jimmy G then went on an 11 play, 41-yard drive to end the game with a key play, 8-yard scramble on 3^rd and 7. A win is a win but this one created more questions than answers.

Grade: B

Broncos

Sean Payton made his coaching debut with the Broncos and there was a lot to like about this game. The offense was much more efficient and played with passion. They played this game without WR Jerry Jeudy and lost WR Tim Patrick for the season. The called up 2 receivers from their practice squad prior to this game in WRs Lil’ Jordan Humphrey and Phillip Dorsett. The defense played well and when you only give up 17 points at home you expect to win. As well as Peyton did, he also the reason the Broncos lost this game. He cut K Brandon McManus and traded for K Will Lutz who thanked him by missing a extra point and a fieldgoal. Simply put, that was the game.

Grade: C+

 Chargers

The Chargers have one of best offenses in the NFL, PERIOD! They also have one of the worse defenses and a Head Coach that should be flogged. Some of the coaching decisions in this game were flat out stupid. Hell, they just announced that Tyreek Hill just scored again! Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley ran the ball like flat out beasts. Justin Herbert took what the defense gave him although he was under a lot of pressure and was sacked 3 times. This game could have and should have been a win but was a loss because of bad coaching and lack of defensive adjustments.

Grade: B-

 

PREDICTIONS

Las Angeles Chargers at Tennessee Titans

This game will be all about defense or should I say lack thereof.

Chargers 34 Titans 20

Spread: -3.0 Chargers

Over/Under: 45.5

 

Las Vegas Raiders at Buffalo Bills

Big running quarterback with fast receivers, NO BUENO for the Raiders defense.

Bills 34 Raiders 13

Spread: +8.5 Raiders

Over/Under: 47

 

Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars

Which defense will show up to stop either of these high-powered offenses?

Jaguars 27 Chiefs 24

Spread: -3.5 Chiefs

Over/Under: 51

 

Washington Commanders at Denver Broncos

The key to this game will be the Broncos o-line vs the Commanders d-line.

Broncos 23 Commanders 17

Spread: -3.5 Broncos

Over/Under: 39

Season: 2-1

 

One game in the books, 16 more to go and I am here for it. Do I need to say it, yes, I really think I should, FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!