Author: Raiders Godfather

Week 1 is in the books, and we learned a lot about the division. In some cases, there were new things to discover, and, in some cases, we learned our concerns were well founded.  Let’s rock and roll….

GRADES

Chiefs

The Chiefs are the returning division champs and after week one, Mahomes and company look like they are planning on repeating. Patrick Mahomes was 30 of 39 (76.9%) for 360 Yards and 5 touchdowns. Isiah Pacheco had 12 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown. Travis Kelce had 12 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 7 carries for 42 yards with 3 receptions for 32 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense had 3 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. Harrison Butker was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. When you score 44 points in the opening week, you are putting not only the division but the entire AFC on notice.

Grade: A

 

Chargers

The Chargers have been one of the pre-season favorites to make a Super Bowl run and they got off to a great start with a win in their home opener. Justin Herbert was 26 of 34 (76.4%) for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns. Austin Ekeler had 14 carries for 36 yards with 4 receptions for 36 yards. Keenan Allen had 4 receptions for 66 yards. The defense had 6 sacks and 5 tackles for loss with 3 interceptions. Dustin Hopkins was 1 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This was a great way to start the season for Chargers.

Grade: A-

 

Raiders

The Raiders were a playoff team last year and created some hype with the additions they made but the offensive line and secondary remained a large concern and for good reason. Derek Carr was 22 of 37 (59.4%) for 295 Yards and 2 touchdowns with 3 interceptions. Josh Jacobs had 10 carries for 57 yards and 1 reception for 16 yards. Davante Adams had 10 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 5 tackles for loss. Daniel Carlson was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. The bright spots were watching Davante Adams go nuts and Jacobs averaging 5.7 yards per carry but, when you surrender 6 sacks, fumble 3 times and create no turnovers, you cannot expect to win especially on the road.

Grade: C-

 

Broncos

The Broncos started the Russell Wilson era in primetime against the Seahawks and though it was a close game it did not have a fairytale ending, it was more like a nightmare. Wilson was 29 of 42 (69%) for 340 yards and a touchdown. Melvin Gordon had 12 carries for 58 yards with 2 receptions for 14 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 4 receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 3 for 4 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. The Broncos got within the 3 yards line and only scored 3 points. They are also the first team since 1987 to lose two fumbles at their opponent’s one yard line. Clock management and going for a 64-yard fieldgoal was, well puzzling to say the very least.

Grade: C

 

PREDICTIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

This will be a flat-out barn burner. The winner will take early control of the division and remain undefeated. Thursday night special too.

Chiefs 31 Chargers 24

Spread: -3.5 Chiefs

Over/Under: 54.5

 

Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders

This should be a great game but injuries and needed adjustments for both teams from week one makes this a very hard game to predict.

Raiders 28 Cardinals 24

Spread: -5.5 Raiders

Over/Under: 51.5

 

Houston Texans at Denver Broncos

The home opener for the Broncos should be great game for them. The offense should be front and center in this game.

Broncos 28 Texans 16

Spread: -10 Broncos

Over/Under: 44

Last Week: 2-1

 

This was a very interesting start to the season but there are a lot of questions still to be answered. Football is back and none too soon.

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is a process; working together is success.”

-Edward Everett Hale

This start to this season is very different than the last 6 years. The reason: the division is not only the best in the NFL, but there is also much more parity (at least on paper). Each team could win this year. Each team also could lose as well. There are a lot of questions to be answered and boy oh boy does that make it that much more interesting.

The Broncos traded for QB Russell Wilson. The Chargers traded for DE Khalil Mack. The Raiders traded for WR Davante Adams. The Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill (YAHOOOOO).

There are some great additions to each team, but each team also has some serious question marks. Good, bad or indifferent, the game is played on the field and we are less than two weeks away from the start of the 17 game death match.

The Chiefs have owned this division for the last 6 years and the division has produced only 3 wildcard spots during that time. The question is will we see a division that beats the hell out of each other and only the division champion gets into the playoffs or will we send multiple teams to the show. Time will surely tell.

 

DIVISION STAT LEADERS

Passing Yards:

1. Justin Herbert – 5,175 Yards
2. Derek Carr – 5,025 Yards
3. Patrick Mahomes – 4,890 Yards
4. Russell Wilson – 4,400 Yards

This is the cream of the cream. Not only will Herbert lead the division in passing yards, but he will also lead the NFL. Carr gets arguably the best receiver in the league and one of his best friends to help get him to 5k. Mahomes will knock on the 5k door yet again with his new receiving corps. Wilson will have his career year in Denver.

Rushing Yards:

1. Javonte Williams – 1,200 Yards
2. Austin Ekeler – 1,150 Yards
3. Josh Jacobs – 1,100 Yards
4. Clyde Edwards-Helaire – 950 Yards

This was bar none the hardest to predict because every team will be using a two headed monster in the run game. Williams will establish himself as the guy in Denver, but Gordon will be in the mix. Ekeler will be the guy for the Chargers and is the best receiving back in the division but the addition on Michel will take some of those carries away. Jacobs will be the lead back for the Raiders but White will be utilized to spell him. Edwards-Helaire is the lead guy in Kansas City but the addition of Jones will take some of the carries away.

Receiving Yards (Wide Receivers):

1. Davante Adams – 1,700 Yards
2. Keenan Allen – 1,200 Yards
3. Mike Williams – 1,050 Yards
4. Jerry Jeudy – 1,025 Yards
5. JuJu Smith-Schuster – 1,025

Adams will be the guy in the division and will be top 5 in receiving in the NFL. Allen and Williams will form the only 1,000 yard receiving tandem in the division. Jeudy will top 1,000 yards and Sutton (975 Yards) will just miss giving them a 1,000 yard tandem as well. Smith-Schuster will be the lead guy on the outside for the Chiefs.

Receiving Yards (Tight Ends):

1. Travis Kelce – 1,125 Yards
2. Darren Waller – 1,025 Yards
3. Gerald Everett – 525 Yards
4. Albert Okwuegbunam – 500 Yards

Kelce will be, well……Kelce. He will be top 2 in receiving yards in the NFL. Waller will bounce back this year and post a 1,000 yard season. Everett will be a solid receiving option. Okwuegbunam could post higher number if he stays healthy.

 

PREDICTIONS

Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals

This will be one of the funniest games to watch all season. There will be lots of offense, but the bigger question is which defense will step up.

Chiefs 31 Cardinals 24

Spread: -4.5 Chiefs

Over/Under: 53.5

 

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers

Nothing like starting the season against a division foe. There are so many sub-stories in this match-up that it is impossible to list them all. Buckle-up!

Chargers 27 Raiders 24

Spread: -3 Chargers

Over/Under: 52

 

Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks

Russell Wilson returns to Seattle in Prime Time. This one is going to be fun.

Broncos 27 Seahawks 14

Spread: -6 Broncos

Over/Under: 42

 

Football has returned and this is going to be a fantastic season. Every game in this division is must see tv. Buckle up boys, war has been declared!

Well gentlemen (and lord), the wait is finally over. We are a day away from the draft and this one is going to be very interesting.

The Chiefs have 12 picks with two picks in each of the first four rounds. This should help them refortify the team. The Chargers have 10 picks with four in the final round. The Broncos have 9 picks after trading multiple selections for QB Russell Wilson. The Raiders have 5 picks after trading their top two picks for WR Davante Adams.

This mock will be the first three picks for each team. Let’s rock and roll….

Denver Broncos
Team Needs: OT, TE, LB
Picks #64 Abraham Lucas, OT Washington State
Lucas is a big right tackle with the frame to wall off defenders. With Russell Wilson at the helm, protecting him becomes priority number one. Lucas should be the starter for years to come.

Pick #75 Isaiah Likely, TE Coastal Carolina
Likely is smooth and instinctive in the open-field after the catch. He is a vertical threat with very good speed. Teams will have to game plan for him and he will give Wilson an outstanding weapon to go with Albert O.

Pick #96 Brian Asamoah, ILB Oklahoma
Asamoah is one of the most explosive off-ball linebackers. He is good in coverage and has the speed to match up with backs. He will push for playing time in year one.

 

Las Vegas Raiders
Team Needs: OT, DT, WR
Pick #86 Daniel Faalele, OT Minnesota
Faalele is a massive right tackle with exceptional height, bulk and arm length. He has the power to overwhelm defenders in the run game. McDaniels has had success with big right tackles in his offense.

Pick #126 Matthew Butler, DT Tennessee
Butler has the active hands, body control and top-end speed to develop into a disruptive interior pass-rusher. He is also able to play in either line set which is a requirement for the hybrid defense deployed by the Raiders.

Pick #164 Tyquan Thornton, WR Baylor
Thornton has good instincts and the ability to create separation on the move. He’s a vertical threat with elite speed. This is exactly what the Raiders need for their offense.

 

Los Angeles Chargers
Team Needs: OT, DT, LB
Pick #17 Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa
Penning is an outstanding run blocker and relentless mauler who overwhelms defenders at the point of attack. Add him to last year’s pick and the Chargers have a set of the best bookends in the NFL.

Pick #79 Phidarian Mathis, DT Alabama
Mathis has the long arms to lock out blockers. He locates the ball quickly and explodes to and through ball carriers. He is really good against the run and has pass rush ability, that is something the Chargers really need.

Pick #123 Brandon Smith, ILB Penn State
Smith is a rangy run-defender who flies around the field and has outstanding speed. A true thumper in the middle is something that is needed to improve the Chargers horrible run defense.

 

Kansas City Chiefs
Team Needs: WR, EDGE, ILB
Pick #29 Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas
Burks is a thickly built receiver who excels after the catch and is a mismatch. He is AJ Brown 2.0 but because of his 40 time at the Combine he slips to the bottom of the draft and right into Andy Reid’s hands. What a steal.

Pick #30 Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Mafe has one of the fastest get-offs in this class. He has impressive torso flexibility and explosive finishing burst. He should be great on the other side of Frank Clark.

Pick #50 Christian Harris, ILB Alabama
Harris is a sideline-to-sideline run-defender who sifts through traffic and closes well. He is a great fit and is a technical guru with defensive schemes.

There are going to be a lot of trades and a lot of surprises in this draft. Not sure how it is all going to play out but it should make for some interesting tv. Here is to hoping your team shits the bed. Til then………FO!

Well gentlemen, we are a little over two weeks away from the 2022 NFL Draft and things have never been more exciting in the division. With all of the free agent signings and trades, the division is a lot tighter and the draft has become a required success for each and every team.

The Mock Draft will cover each teams top three picks.
Let’s get it…

Denver Broncos
Team Needs: LB, TE, OT
Pick #64 Trey McBride, TE Colorado State
McBride is a reliable target with great hands and a above average blocker in the run game. With the Broncos trading Fant and with Okwuegbunam’s injury history, getting another quality tight end is a must.

Pick #75 Troy Anderson, LB Montana State
Anderson is an athletic freak with Wide Receiver speed. He is also a tackling machine and would be a instant plug and play guy.

Pick #96 Rasheed Walker, OT Penn State
Walker will need some time to develop but should be ready to start sooner rather than later. The Broncos have been a revolving door at Right Tackle. Drafting Walker should put that to rest.]

 

Las Vegas Raiders
Team Needs: IDL, OT, WR
Pick #86 Phidarian Mathis, DT Alabama
Mathis has size, strength and the ability to play in any defensive front. He also has some pass rush ability.

Pick #126 Abraham Lucas, OT Washington State
Lucas has size, power and movement skills that make him an excellent pass protector. He is pretty good in the run game.

Pick #164 Tyquan Thornton, WR Baylor
Thornton is the fastest receiver in the draft and that is exactly what the Raiders need to add to the team. He has the ability to take the top off of the defense but he will have to add some weight and muscle.

 

Los Angeles Chargers
Team Needs: OT, DT, WR
Pick #17 Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Penning a flat out mauler and plays with a chip on his shoulder. This would give the Chargers a set of the best bookends in the game and open up their offense even more.

Pick #79 John Ridgeway, DT Arkansas
Ridgeway is a big, strong Nose Tackle that is almost impossible to move in the run game and will be a beast in the middle.

Pick #123 Calvin Austin, WR Memphis
Austin is short (5’8″) but he is a flat out burner and a nightmare to cover. This guy in the slot will be a fantastic option for the Chargers offense.

 

Kansas City Chiefs
Team Needs: WR, DE, ILB
Pick #29 Skyy Moore, WR Western Michigan
Moore was the best all-around Wide Receiver prospect at the Combine. He does everything really well and can play both in the slot and on the outside.

Pick #30 David Ojabo, DE Michigan
Ojabo was considered a top 10 pick but because of his injury (Torn Achilles) he slips down to the Chiefs and they get the steal of the draft.

Pick #50 Christian Harris, LB Alabama
Harris is a high-upside athlete with fantastic coverage skills. He is a great fit and is a technical guru with defensive schemes.

The draft is going to be so interesting this year. How many remotes will get destroyed? How much alcohol will be consumed? Will there be more celebrations or commiserations? Stay tunned……Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel.

“there is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.”
― Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings

While attending the National War College, this book was required reading. Since the start of free agency, each team in the AFC West has applied this mentality and have left the rest of the NFL in its dust. The strength of this division is unbelievable and we are still in the middle of free agency with the NFL Draft still to come.

Each year you see a team or two make a big trade or a big free agent signing. What you do not see is a entire division make huge moves that propel it leaps and bounds ahead of the entire NFL. This season will be a downright bloodbath and every week a team in this division will be in a featured game.
Let’s look at the moves each team has made so far….

Denver Broncos:
QB Josh Johnson, QB Russell Wilson, OT Calvin Anderson, OL Tom Compton, DE Randy Gregory, DT D.J. Jones, DT DeShawn Williams, LB Josey Jewell, LB Malik Reed, LB Alex Singleton

The Broncos went all in to get a pro-bowl quarterback and did so with the trade for Russell Wilson. They surrendered 5 draft picks and 3 players to get him and a draft pick but if he can regain his pro-bowl form, this team could be in the mix for a playoff spot. They also were able to sign Gregory who is a terror on the edge.

Kansas City Chiefs
QB Chad Henne, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, OT Orlando Brown, DE Frank Clark, S Justin Reid

The Chiefs did not need to do much but resigning Brown and Clark was very smart. Adding JuJu Smith-Schuster should be great as he will see more one on one coverages on this team than he has ever seen before.

Las Vegas Raiders
QB Garrett Gilbert, RB Ameer Abdullah, RB Brandon Bolden, FB Jakob Johnson, WR Davante Adams, DE Maxx Crosby, DE Chandler Jones, DT Bilal Nichols, CB Anthony Averett, CB Rock Ya-Sin

The Raiders new brain trust started slow but boy oh boy when they did get started. Resigning Crosby was a must and they got it done. To stay up with the rest of the teams in the division, they went out and traded for arguably the best receiver in the NFL and one of the most consistent sack artist as well.

Los Angeles Chargers
QB Chase Daniel, WR Mike Williams, TE Gerald Everett, DT Christian Covington, DT Austin Johnson, DL Sebastian Joseph-Day, LB Khalil Mack, CB J.C. Jackson, LS Josh Harris, K Dustin Hopkins

This was the year that TT and the Chargers decided to swing for the fences and so far it is clean out of the park. He resigned Williams after a career year. Bringing the interception machine that is Jackson to the team was not enough, they also went out and traded for the sack machine that is Mack.

 

The quarterbacks in the division are second to none. The defensive ends are sick. The receivers are top tier. There are just so many good football players in this division with more to come.

Which ever team/s make it to the playoffs from this division, they will be completely battle tested and should make a deep run. No coach can complain that they don’t have the talent to win as each GM has really done their jobs to this point with the draft to come.

There are some serious football warriors in the AFC West and we should see some incredible football this year. Buckle up gents, it is going to be a fun ride.

“The only reason a warrior is alive is to fight, and the only reason a warrior fights is to win”
― Miyamoto Musashi, A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy

Well gentlemen, the season has come to an end. The NFL Combine has come and gone and we are a week away from the start of free agency. The season was interesting as the division recorded the second best record (38-30) and two teams make it to the playoffs (could have been three if not for a stupid timeout).

The division saw changes at Head Coach in Denver and Las Vegas. The Broncos brought in Nathaniel Hackett. He is a offensive minded coach that has a history working with quarterbacks. They will need this regardless of them drafting one or bringing in a veteran (Aaron Rodgers anyone?). The Raiders brought in Josh McDaniels. They also brought in Dave Zeigler as their new GM. The former Patriot duo come to a team that made the playoffs and are looking to do more.

Let’s do this……..

Denver Broncos
Team Needs: QB, Edge, LB
Pick #9: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

This kid is the most NFL ready of the quarterbacks in the draft and he has that it factor you look for. More than anything, Head Coach Hackett has a history of developing quarterbacks and this kid fits what he likes in a quarterback.

Dream Free Agent: Aaron Rodgers
This is a possibility but the Packers have made Rodgers an offer that will rewrite the quarterback market, believed to be a 4 year contract at $50 Million a year. This would be a great get for the Broncos but I don’t think he will be leaving Green Bay.

 

Los Angeles Chargers
Team Needs: OT, Edge, IDL
Pick#17: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

The “Big Nasty” came from a small school but earned a invite to the Senior Bowl and the Combine and boy did he show out. He man handled everyone he went against and ran a 4.89 at 325 LBS. This guy along with Rashawn Slater will give the Chargers one of the best sets of young Tackles in the NFL.

Dream Free Agent: NT Foley Fatukasi
The Chargers gave up 144 rushing yards a game and have to get better. This kid is monster against the run and is one of the best space eaters in the game and is only 26 years old.

 

Las Vegas Raiders
Team Needs: IDL, WR, IOL
Pick# 22: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

This guy is flat out electric and would have been the first receiver off the board if he had not torn his ACL in the College Football Championship. The new regime has said they will take the best player available and this guy is it. He will not be ready until December at the earliest but what he brings to the table is unmatched.

Dream Free Agent: CB J.C. Jackson
When you are in a division with Mahomes and Herbert, you need an outstanding secondary. Adding a shutdown corner like Jackson to the mix would give the Raiders one of the best in the league.

 

Kansas City Chiefs
Team Needs: WR, Edge, S
Pick# 30: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

This kid is not just a burner, he is a very smart player. Teaming him up with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce will be a nightmare for every defense in the league. He is a legit threat at every level in the route tree. Defending the Chiefs passing attack just got that much more difficult.

Dream Free Agent: WR D.J. Chark
This guy would be the perfect fit into Andy Reid’s offense as the #2 receiver. He has the speed to take the top off of the defense and the size to be a red zone threat.

There will be a follow up after free agency is complete and prior to the draft. Here is to the start of the 2022 NFL Season.

Week 18 is in the books and what an incredible week it was. We witnessed the game of the year and who would have thought it would be in the division, WOW!

GRADES
Broncos
This game was very winnable for the Broncos but a costly fumble and 84 yard return for a touchdown in the 4th quarter was the deciding factor. Drew Lock was 12 of 24 (50%) for 168 yards with 4 carries for 35 yards and 2 touchdowns. Melvin Gordon had 12 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown with 1 reception for 6 yards and a game changing fumble. Tim Patrick had 6 receptions for 95 yards. The defense had 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss. Brandon McManus was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This was a very winnable game but a late mistake hurt the Broncos chances.
Grade: C+

Chiefs
The Chiefs found a way to pull off the victory in the 4th quarter after looking average at best for most of this game. Patrick Mahomes was 27 of 44 (61.3%) for 270 yards and 2 touchdowns with 9 carries for 54 yards. Derrick Gore had 7 carries for 30 yards. Mecole Hardman had 8 receptions for 103 yards. The defense had 1 sack and 3 tackles for loss with a forced fumble and return for a touchdown. Harrison Butker was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. The Chiefs are the #2 seed in the AFC but looked very beatable in their last two games.
Grade: B-

Chargers
This was the game of the year and it should have ended with a tie and both teams getting into the playoffs but Brandon Staley called the stupidest timeout in NFL history that led to a 10 yard run and a game losing fieldgoal. Justin Herbert was 34 of 64 (53.1%) for 383 yards and 3 touchdowns with a interception. Austin Ekeler had 16 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown with 5 receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown. Mike WIlliams had 9 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 3 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. Dustin Hopkins was 1 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This loss was on bad run defense and bad coaching decisions plain and simple.
Grade: C-

Raiders
For the 6th time this season, the Raiders won on the last play of the game (NFL Record). After everything this team has been through, to find a way to not only win this game but knock off a division foe and get into the playoffs, that is the stuff dreams are made of. Derek Carr was 20 of 36 (55.5%) for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns. Josh Jacobs had 26 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown with 2 receptions for 12 yards. Bryan Edwards had 4 receptions for 63 yards. The defense had 3 sacks and 6 tackles for loss with a interception and forced fumble and recovery. Daniel Carlson was 5 for 5 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This game was far from perfect but the Raiders found a way to win.
Grade: B+

 

PREDICTIONS
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
This is the playoffs and anything can happen. These two teams have Superbowl winning quarterbacks and are both cold weather teams. This game should come down to defense and the ability to run the ball as weather is predicted to be 30 degrees.
Chiefs 27 Steelers 20
Spread: -12.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 46.5

Las Vegas Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals
This is a match-up that saw the Bengals win by 19 points in the regular season. The Raiders will be playing in the playoffs for the first time since 2016. This game will be all about big plays, defense and the running game as the weather is predicted to be 25 degrees.
Raiders 26 Bengals 24
Spread: +5.5 Raiders
Over/Under: 49
Last Week: 2-0 Season: 33-22

Win, lose or draw, the Raiders have made all in the Nation proud of them for actually making it to the playoffs after everything that has transpired this season. With that said, it was 5 times more enjoyable to make it by knocking the Chargers off, ending their playoff hopes, sticking it to all the so called experts that did not give us a chance in this game and most of all, enjoying the pain of the Chargers fans (lord, this means you) that promised they would go full emo if they lost to the Raiders and they did. Thank you for making this win even better.

Week 17 is complete and boy oh boy was it an incredible week. Week 18 will see some serious fireworks as there is a playoff spot on the line in the division. Let’s get it.

GRADES
Chiefs
This was tale of two halves. After going 3 and out on their first drive the Chiefs scored 4 straight touchdowns. In the second half the scored 3 points, total. Patrick Mahomes was 26 of 35 (74.2%) for 259 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 carries for 25 yards. Darrel Williams had 14 carries for 88 yards and 2 touchdowns with 3 receptions for 19 yards. Mecole Hardman had 1 reception for 53 yards. The defense had 4 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. Harrison Butker was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. The defense gave up 506 yards of offense and Ja’Marr Chase went nut with 266 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. This loss moved the Chiefs out of the #1 spot in the AFC.
Grade: C-

Chargers
The Chargers started fast and kept their foot on the peddle the entire game. Justin Herbert was 22 of 31 (70.9%) for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns. Austin Ekeler had 17 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown with 3 receptions for 54 yards. Mike Williams had 3 receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. The defense had a sack with 5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble and recovery. Dustin Hopkins was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. This win was big and puts the them a win away from getting into the playoffs.
Grade: A

Broncos
This was a sloppy game on all facets for the Broncos. Missed 4th down conversions (3), penalities that took a touchdown off the board and playing with a back-up quarterback is not a recipe for victory. Drew Lock was 18 of 25 (72%) for 245 yards and a touchdown. Melvin Gordon had 10 carries for 43 yards with 3 receptions for 29 yards. Noah Fant had 6 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 4 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. This loss ensures the Broncos as the only team in the division with a losing record, NO BUENO!
Grade: D

Raiders
This game was NOT pretty in any way but the Raiders resorted back to its old motto, “Just win baby” and got the job done. Derek Carr was 24 of 31 (77.4%) for 255 yards with a touchdown and 2 interceptions. Josh Jacobs had 16 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown with 4 receptions for 17 yards. Zay Jones had 8 receptions for 120 yards. The defense had a sack with 3 tackles for loss. Daniel Carlson was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. Carr has 24 game winning drives since 2015 (Most in the NFL) and Daniel Carlson has ice in his veins. HUGE win on the road that puts them a win away from making the playoffs.
Grade: B+

 

PREDICTIONS
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
The Chiefs need this win for a chance at the #1 seed and the Broncos are playing for pride.
Chiefs 34 Broncos 13
Spread: -10 Chiefs
Over/Under: 44

Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
This is the game of the week! Win and you are in the playoffs. Tighten up your headgear as this one is going to be a slobberknocker!
Raiders 26 Chargers 24
Spread: +3 Raiders
Over/Under: 49.5
Last Week: 2-1 Season: 31-22

To start the new year, the Broncos and the NFL lost one of the most competitive and brightest offensive minds in Coach Dan Reeves. He led the Broncos to 5 division titles and 3 Superbowls. He was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2014. Dan Reeves was a winner at every level as he appeared in 9 Superbowls as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

RIP Coach Reeves.

Week 16 is complete and the Kansas City Chiefs are again AFC West Champions, congratulations! Let’s do this.

GRADES
Chargers
Talk about the worse time to have a bad game, WOW! The Chargers got steamrolled by a 3-11 team while trying to make the playoffs. Justin Herbert was 27 of 35 (77.1%) for 336 yards a touchdown and 2 interceptions with one of them a pick 6. Justin Jackson had 11 carries for 64 yards and 2 touchdowns with 8 receptions for 98 yards. The defense had a sack and 3 tackles for loss. Dustin Hopkins was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals. When your offense turns the ball over 3 times that’s bad but when your defense faces the worse rushing team in the NFL (77.4 Yards per game) and they give up 189 yards and 2 touchdowns, that’s much, much worse.
Grade: F-

Broncos
With their season on the line the Broncos offense stayed in Denver. The defense kept it close but could not do enough to pull out the win. Drew Lock was 15 of 22 (68.1%) for 153 yards. Javonte Williams had 7 carries for 12 yards and a touchdown with 2 receptions for 8 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 3 receptions for 60 yards. the defense had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss with a interception and 2 forced fumbles and recoveries. Brandon McManus was 2 for 3 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. When you rush for 18 yards and go 1 for 10 on 3rd down to go with 153 yards passing, you are not going to win.
Grade: D-

Raiders
The defense was fantastic as was the run game but Carr and the passing game was pretty bad but found a way to win. Derek Carr was 20 of 25 (80%) for 201 yards and a touchdown, a interceptions and a fumble. Josh Jacobs had 27 carries for 129 yards. Foster Moreau had 4 receptions for 67 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. Daniel Carlson was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. The Raiders found a way to stay in the playoff hunt with this win. They now control their own destiny.
Grade: B

Chiefs
The Chiefs played a complete game even without Tavis Kelce and beat the brakes off of the Steelers. Patrick Mahomes was 23 of 30 (76.6%) for 258 yards and 3 touchdowns. Darrel Williams had 11 carries for 55 yards with 3 receptions for 30 yards. Byron Pringle had 6 receptions for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense had 2 sacks and 4 tackles for loss with a interceptions and 2 forced fumbles and recoveries. Elliot Fry was 3 for 4 on fieldgoals and 3 for 4 on extra points. The Chiefs won the division and currently hold the number 1 seed in the AFC.
Grade: A

 

PREDICTION
Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals
The Chiefs are playing for the top seed and a bye in the AFC. The Titans are one game behind them so they won’t let up.
Chiefs 31 Benglas 21
Spread: -5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 49.5

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers
This game is HUGE for the Chargers and their chances for a playoff birth.
Chargers 24 Broncos 21
Spread: -5.5 Chargers
Over/Under: 45

Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts
The Raiders need to win their last two game to get into the playoffs.
Raiders 24 Colts 23
Spread: +6.5 Raiders
Over/Under: 45.5
Last Week: 2-1 Season: 29-21

Raidernation and the NFL lost one of the greatest coaches, commentators and gentleman that we have ever known, John Madden. Madden compiled a .759 winning percentage as the Raiders coach, the highest percentage in league history among coaches that have won 100 games. During his 10 seasons as the Raiders head coach, Madden led Oakland to the playoffs eight times. The Raiders never had a losing season under Madden, who posted a 103-32-7 record as Oakland’s coach.

He was a complete gentleman and was always willing to talk to fans and sign autographs. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace coach.

Week 15 is in the books and it was one of the most exciting weeks of the season for the division. Let’s rock and roll.

GRADES
Chiefs
As NFL Films’ narrator John Facenda once said, “Great teams aren’t always great, they’re just great when they have to be.” That quote is applicable to the Chiefs’ performance on Thursday night. Patrick Mahomes was 31 of 47 (65.9%) for 410 yards and 3 touchdowns and a interceptions with 3 carries for 32 yards. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 9 carries for 32 yards with 2 receptions for 18 yards. Travis Kelce had 10 receptions for 191 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense had a interception. Harrison Butker was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This game went to overtime but Mahomes and Kelce provided the walk-off touchdown. Great win!
Grade: A+

Chargers
So close yet so far. This game was lost because the Chargers were 2 for 5 on 4th down conversions and they forgot how to play defense the last 2:19 of the 4th quarter and in overtime. Justin Herbert was 22 of 38 (57.8%) for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns and a interception with 5 carries for 16 yards and a touchdown. Justin Jackson had 13 carries for 86 yards with 1 reception for 13 yards. Keenan Allen had 6 receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. The defense had a sack with 2 tackles for loss and a interception. Dustin Hopkins was 4 for 4 on extra points. The Chargers are still in the mix for a payoff spot but the division still belongs to the Chiefs.
Grade: B-

Broncos
The offense was really bad and lost QB Teddy Bridgewater in the 3rd qurter with a scary looking head injury. He had to be taken to the hospital. They still had a chance to win the game but Drew Lock fumbled in the redzone. Bridgewater was 12 of 22 (54.5%) for 98 yards with 3 carries for 10 yards. Drew Lock was 6 of 12 (50%) for 88 yards and a touchdown with a fumble. Javonte Williams had 15 carries for 72 yards with 4 receptions for 9 yards. Albert Okwuegbunam had 3 receptions for 58 yards. The defense had 3 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 1 for 2 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. This loss moved the Broncos to the bottom of teams that are still eligible for the playoffs, NO BUENO!
Grade: D-

Raiders
A win in the NFL is a win but when your opponent has 18 players out (8 starters) and you win on a last second fieldgoal, it is not so good. Derek Carr was 25 of 38 (65.7%) for 236 yards a touchdown and a interception with 2 fumbles and 1 fumble lost. Josh Jacobs had 15 carries for 52 yards with 3 receptions for 42 yards. Zay Jones had 6 receptions for 67 yards. The defense had 3 tackles for loss. Daniel Carlson was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. The Raiders remain in the playoff hunt for another week but don’t look good doing so.
Grade: B-

PREDICTIONS
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans
This is a must win for the Chargers as they are currently in the 6th playoff spot. Expect a big game from the Chargers defense.
Chargers 31 Texans 13
Spread: -10.5 Chargers
Over/Under: 47.5

Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs control the top seed in the AFC and are playing for the first round bye in the playoffs.
Chiefs 31 Steelers 17
Spread: -10.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 46.5

Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders
This is the ultimate toss up game because you have no idea which team will show up for either. Strap up for a ugly one.
Raiders 21 Broncos 20
Spread: -1 Raiders
Over/Under: 41.5
Last week: 1-2 Season: 27-20

Merry Christmas to my Muddled State Family! I wish you all a safe and happy holiday. I hope Santa brings you everything on your wish list.