Author: Raiders Godfather

The post-season is upon us and only the Chiefs are preparing to play. The rest of the teams in the division have started their off-seasons and have made some moves. We will be taking a look at that and more. Without further ado…….

Kansas City Chiefs
Eric Bieniemy sees head coaching interviews “as a honor and a priviledge”

Eric Bieniemy sees head coaching interviews “as an honor and a privilege”

Clyde Edwards-Halaire returns to practice ahead of playoff game:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30706542/kansas-city-chiefs-rb-clyde-edwards-helaire-returns-practice-ahead-playoff-game

The Chiefs host the Browns in the Divisional playoffs on Sunday:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401220400

Denver Broncos
Melvin Gordon pleads not guilty in DUI case:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30712072/denver-broncos-rb-melvin-gordon-pleads-not-guilty-dui-case

Broncos hire George Paton as their new General Manager:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30705220/denver-broncos-george-paton-finalizing-deal-gm-job-source-says

George Paton gets protection against ownership turmoil:

George Paton gets protection against ownership turmoil

Las Vegas Raiders
Josh Jacobs won’t face DUI charges after all:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30693732/lawyers-las-vegas-raiders-rb-josh-jacobs-say-face-dui-charges

Gus Bradley hired as the new Defensive Coordinator:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30699099/gus-bradley-tabbed-las-vegas-raiders-team-dc

Mark Davis buys Las Vegas WNBA team

Mark Davis buys Las Vegas WNBA team

Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers fire Anthony Lynn after 4 seasons:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30650606/los-angeles-chargers-fire-anthony-lynn-four-seasons-coach

Ten potential candidates for open head coaching job:
https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/27983/looking-at-10-potential-head-coaching-candidates-for-open-los-angeles-chargers-job

Washington to interview JoJo Wooden for General Manager position:

Washington adds Nick Polk, JoJo Wooden to G.M. candidate list

PREDICTIONS
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs
This game will be all about who can run the ball effectively in cold weather.

Chiefs 34 Browns 24
Spread: -10 Chiefs
Over/Under: 57
Season 35-17

Good luck to the Chiefs in the playoffs (Not really).

Congrats to the Kansas City Chiefs on not only winning the Division but also getting the first round bye for the number one seed. They will be the only team going to the playoffs from the division as the rest of the division sucked the big one. Let’s go.

GRADES

Raiders
Talk about horrible play calling and defense, the Raiders sucked on a whole new level in this game. You cannot get inside the 5 yards line of the opponent 4 times and score only 1 touchdown. Derek Carr returned and was 21 of 34 (61.7%) for 326 and a touchdown with 2 carries for 2 yards and a touchdown. Josh Jacobs has 13 carries for 69 yards. Nelson Agholor had 5 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown while Darren Waller had 5 receptions for 112 yards. The defense had 3 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. Daniel Carlson was 4 for 4 on fieldgaols and 1 for 2 on extra points. You can’t be up by 2 point with 19 seconds left in the game with your opponent at their 25 yards line and lose unless you are the Raiders. This is beyond embarrassing.

Grade: D-

Chiefs
Talk about pulling one out at the last minute. This game was more of a Falcons loss than a Chiefs win. The Falcons made two huge mistakes with a fumble inside the Chiefs 20 yard line and the missed fieldgoal that would have tied the game with 14 seconds on the clock. Patrick Mahomes was 24 of 44 (54.5%) for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns and a interception with 3 carries for 21 yards. Sammy Watkins had a pass on a trick play that was intercepted. Darrell Williams has 10 carries for 46 yards and 4 receptions for 27 yards. Travis Kelce had 7 receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 4 sacks and 6 tackles for loss with a fumble recovery. Harrison Butker was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This is one of those game you take the win and run away as quick as you can.

Grade: C

Broncos
Drew Lock is doing all he can to force Elway to take another quarterback with his play of late. Can’t drive the ball all the way down the field and throw a interception on the 16 yard line. Drew Lock was 24 of 47 (51%) for 264 yards and 2 interceptions with 5 carries for 15 yards and a touchdown. Melvin Gordon had 16 carries for 79 yards. DaeSean Hamilton had 5 receptions for 77 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 3 for 4 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. The defense played well enough to win this game, the offense not so much.

Grade: C-

Chargers
This was a slugfest. The Chargers won this one because of the kicking game and the defense. The offense struggled and scored only 1 touchdown on 4 trips inside the Broncos 20 yards line. Justin Herbert was 21 of 33 (63.6%) for 253 yards and a touchdown with 4 carries for 26 yards. Austin Ekeler had 10 carries for 45 yards with 3 receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown. Mike Williams had 4 receptions for 54 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 2 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions. Michael Badgley was 4 for 4 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. Good division win.

Grade: C

PREDICTIONS

Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos
This game will be all about draft position and who can tank the best. I just have this feeling that this one will come down to the last possession.

Broncos 27 Raiders 24
Spread: Raiders -2.5
Over/Under: 51

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs will be resting a lot of starters getting ready for the playoffs. They will still be very competitive in this game.

Chiefs 24 Chargers 20
Spread: Chiefs -3.5
Over/Under: 44
Week 16: 3-0 Season: 35-15

Have a safe and very Happy Hew Year my MS Family! Here is to a much better year for you all and for your families.

Well, there will be only one team from the AFC West that will make the playoffs this year and that will be the defending champs. The rest of the division is sheer window dressing, nothing more. Lets go.

GRADES

Chargers
To get your first win in the division since 2018 and do it on the road says a lot about the character of the team. Justin Herbert was 22 of 32 (67.7%) for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 carries for 14 yards and a touchdown. Austin Ekeler had 13 carries for 60 yards with 4 receptions for 19 yards. Jalen Guyton had 4 receptions for 91 yards. The defense had 1 sack and 5 tackles for loss with 1 interception. Michael Badgley was 1 for 3 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. To win in overtime like this was big.

Grade: B+

Raiders
Losing Derek Carr in the 1st quarter was no where near as bad as the way the defense played. Carr was 3 for 5 (60%) for 53 yards before getting injured. Marcus Mariota was 17 of 28 (60.7%) for 226 yards with a touchdown and a interception. Mariota had 9 carries for 88 yards a touchdown. Josh Jacobs had 26 carries for 76 yards and touchdown with 3 receptions for 38 yards. Darren Waller had 9 receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack with 5 tackles for loss. Daniel Carlson was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This defense is flat out horrible and so is the coaching staff.

Grade: D-

Broncos
The first half was close, the second not so much. Drew lock was 20 of 32 (62.5%) for 132 yards and a touchdown with 5 carries for 32 yards and a fumble. Melvin Gordon had 11 carries for 61 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 receptions for 20 yards. Noah Fant had 8 receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss. Taylor Russoliho was 0 for 1 on fieldgoals and 1 for 3 on extra points. The Broncos fell apart in the second half and it was bad!

Grade: D-

Chiefs
Talk about peaking at the right time, that is exactly what the Chiefs are doing. Andy Reid’s game plan week to week have been masterpieces. Patrick Mahomes was 26 of 47 (55.3%) for 254 yards and 3 touchdowns with 7 carries for 37 yards and 2 fumbles with 1 lost. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 14 carries for 79 yards with 1 receptions for 4 yards. Travis Kelce had 8 receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack with 2 tackles for loss and a interception. Harrison Butker was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This was a great win against a great defense.

Grade: A

PREDICTIONS

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders
This will not be a good matchup for the Raiders. The Dolphins defense plays hard and are very good and only surrender about 18 points a game, NO BEUNO.

Dolphins 31 Raiders 24
Spread: Raiders +3
Over/Under: 48

Atlanta Falcons at Kansas City Chiefs
This game will be all about offense and the Chiefs are playing at a level that is a step above everyone else in the league.

Chiefs 34 Falcons 21
Spread: Chiefs -10.5
Over/Under: 54

Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers
There is nothing like division games at the end of the season. This will be a flat out war and one that will be great to watch.

Chargers 27 Broncos 21
Spread : Chargers -3
Over/Under: 49
Week 15: 3-0 Season: 32-15

I want to wish all of my MS family a very safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I wish you all a bigger, brighter and better 2021. CHEERS!!!

The division did well this week. Every team won except for the Raiders (which probably cost them their shot at the playoffs). Let the fun begin……

GRADES

Chiefs
This was kinda an off game for Patrick Mahomes but give credit where credit is due, the Dolphins defense came to play. When every phase of your team finds a way to score, you seldom lose. That is what the Chiefs did. Patrick Mahomes was 24 of 34 (70.5%) for 393 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Tyreek Hill had 1 carry for 32 and a touchdown with 3 receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown. Travis Kelce had 8 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 4 sacks with 9 tackles for loss, a interception and a safety. The special teams did work too. Harrison Butker was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. Mecole Hardman had a 67 yard punt return for a touchdown. This team is just sick with it and they are peaking at the perfect time.

Grade: A-

Chargers
Well what do you know, the Chargers found the secret to winning a game. Take a lead on the last play of the game. Justin Herbert was 36 of 44 (81.8%) for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception. Austin Ekeler had 15 carries for 79 yards with 9 receptions for 67 yards. Tyron Johnson had 6 receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 4 tackles for loss with 3 interceptions. Michael Badgley was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. It was good to see the Chargers come out on the other side of a close game.

Grade: B

Raiders
With the season on the line the Raiders found a way to surrender 44 points and over 200 yards of rushing in a blowout loss. Derek Carr was 31 of 45 (68.8%) for 316 yards and 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. He also had 3 carries for 12 yards and a touchdown. Josh Jacobs had 13 carries for 49 yards with 3 receptions for 25 yards. Nelson Agholor had 5 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 6.5 tackles for loss and gave up 456 yards of offense. Daniel Carlson was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This game marked the end of Paul Guenther’s tenure with the team (It’s about damn time) but this is too little, too late.

Grade: D

Broncos
A big return for a touchdown along with 4 passing touchdowns and great defense down the stretch helped the Broncos pull this one out. Drew Lock was 21 of 27 (77.8%) for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also had 2 fumbles and lost one. Melvin Gordon had 13 carries for 68 yards with 3 receptions for 23 yards. KJ Hamler had 2 receptions for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense had 4 sacks with 5 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 2 for 4 on extra points. This team has a lot of fight left in them and it showed in this game.

Grade: B+

PREDICTIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
This one is going to be an offensive battle. Neither team plays decent defense but the edge goes to the Chargers because of their pass rush.

Chargers 31 Raiders 24
Spread: +3 Chargers
Over/Under: 53.5

Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
The Bills are trying to secure one of the top seeds while the Broncos are playing for pride at this point. This game will come down to defense.

Bills 27 Broncos 20
Spread: +6 Broncos
Over/Under: 49.5

Kansas City Chiefs at New Orleans Saints
Mahomes and Company are clicking on all cylinders and as good as the Saints defense is, they will not slow them down.

Chiefs 31 Saints 20
Spread: -3 Chiefs
Over/Under: 51.5
Week 14: 1-3 Season: 29-15

I can only hope that the last three weeks of the season produce some excellent football from the division. Christmas is right around the corner and Santa has not granted my wish this year (I guess I was on the naughty list. FO Lord). Let the Foolsball begin!

This division is nerve racking and infuriating. Other than the Chiefs, you never know what what you are going to get from the other teams. Rock and roll…….

GRADES

Chargers
Talk about bad, WOW! The Chargers special teams were beyond bad, they were special in the worse sense of the word pretty much like the rest of team. Justin Herbert was 26 of 53 (49%) for 209 yards and 2 interceptions. Austin Eckler had 8 carries for 36 yards with 4 receptions for 32 yards. Keenan Allen had 5 receptions for 48 yards. The defense had 1 sack and 3 tackles for loss. Michael Badgley was 0 for 2 on fieldgoals. Giving up 2 touchdowns on special teams is NO BEUNO!

Grade: F

Broncos
This was a really great effort by this team. They played hard but came up short in the 4th quarter and it cost them the game. Drew Lock was 15 of 28 (53.5%) for 151 Yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Melvin Gordon had 15 carries for 131 yards with 1 reception for 11 yards. Noah Fant had 4 receptions for 57 yards. The defense had 1 sack and 3 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 1 for 2 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. Holding the champs to 5 fieldgoals is great but you have to score especially in the 4th quarter.

Grade: C

Chiefs
We have come to expect so much more from this team. They played an average game but turned on the switch to pull it out at the end. Patrick Mahomes was 25 of 40 (62.5%) for 318 yards and a touchdown with 4 carries for 26 yards. Le’Veon Bell had 11 carries for 49 yards with 2 receptions for 15 yards. Travis Kelce had 8 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2.5 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions. Harrison Butker was 5 for 5 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. Even when they don’t play their best they find a way to win.

Grade: B

Raiders
Talk about horrible play, WOW! Is it safe to say they that most fan felt better about the loss to the Chiefs than this win against the winless Jets? Derek Carr was 28 of 47 (59.5%) for 381 yards and 3 touchdowns and 1 interceptions with 2 carries for 5 yards and a touchdown. Devontae Booker had 16 carries for 50 yards. Darren Waller had 13 receptions for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense had 3 sack and 3 tackles for loss with 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries and 1 interception. Daniel Carlson was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. Ruggs went from the goat to the hero with his 46 yards last second touchdown. This game should have never been this close.

Grade: C+

PROJECTIONS

Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers
This one could be a really great ball control game. Both teams have pretty decent running game but this one will come down to plays made in the passing game.

Panthers 24 Broncos 21
Spread: +3 Broncos
Over/Under: 45.5

Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins
A great defense host as great offense. This is the kind of game you circle on the calendar at the start of the season.

Chiefs 31 Dolphins 20
Spread: -7 Chiefs
Over/Under: 50.5

Indianapolis Colts at Las Vegas Raiders
Can you say slobberknocker? This will be an old school, 15 round, kill or be killed type game. This game will be the season for both teams so expect a barn burner.

Raiders 28 Colts 23
Spread: +3 Raiders
Over/Under: 51.5

Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Chargers
Which team will show up for the Chargers and the Falcons? Who knows. This one is either going to be high scoring or flat out sloppy and ugly.

Falcons 27 Chargers 24
Spread: +2.5 Chargers
Over/Under: 49
Week 13: 1-2 Season: 28-12

The den TV survived last weekend. Will it this weekend? Stay tuned!

You want to talk about a WTF weekend, SMH. This very well could be the weekend the Chiefs secure a playoff spot and the rest of the division could be pretty much eliminated. Let get to it

GRADE

Chargers
It was not a bad game but it was not a good one either. Their 3rd down efficiency was flat out horrible. Justin Herbert was 31 of 52 (59.6%) for 316 yards with a touchdown and a interception. Austin Eckler returned and had 14 carries for 44 yards with 11 receptions for 85 yards. The defense had 3 sacks with 7.5 tackles for loss with 2 forced fumbles and recoveries and 1 interception. Micheal Badgley was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals but 0 for 1 on extra points. This was another close but no cigar for the Chargers.

Grade: C-

Broncos
This game was lost before the the first snap happened. Denver played with a wide receiver at quarterback due to Covid 19. Kendel Hinton was 1 for 9 (11.1%) for 13 yards and 2 interceptions becoming the first player since 1998 (Ryan Leaf) to have more incompletions than touchdowns. Royce Freeman had 8 carries for 50 yards. Noah Fant had 1 receptions for 13 yards. The Defense had 3 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss and 1 interception. Brandon McManus was 1 for 1 on fielfgoals. This was just a bad game all around.

Grade: F

Chiefs
This offense is stupid. Mahomes and Hill went flat out nuts in this game. Mahomes was 37 of 49 (75.5%) for 462 yards and 3 touchdowns with 4 carries for 28 yards and 1 fumble. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 11 carries for 37 yards. Tyreek Hill had 13 receptions for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Defense had 2 sacks with 3 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions. Harrison Butker was 2 for 2 on fieldgoal and 3 for 3 on extra points. This game was not as close as the score says it was.

Grade: A

Raiders
This was a blood letting. You cannot win turning the ball over 5 times. This team was not ready to play and that is on the coaching staff. Carr was 22 of 34 (64.7%) for 215 yards with a interceptions for a touchdown and 3 fumbles. Josh Jacobs had 7 carries for 27 yards and a fumble. Hunter Renfrow had 7 receptions for 73 yards. The Defense had 1 sack with 5.5 tackles for loss and 1 interception. Daniel Carlson was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals. This was the worse showing for this team in years and that is saying something.

Grade:F-

PREDICTIONS

New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers
This game will be very close and should come down to the last possession. This is the game that the Chargers win to get HC Lynn another year at the helm.

Chargers 24 Patriots 21
Spread: Even
Over/Under: 47.5

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
This is the worse time to be playing this Kansas City Juggernaut. Expect the Chiefs to keep the peddle to the medal.

Chiefs 34 Broncos 20
Spread: +14 Broncos
Over/Under: 51

Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets
Derek Carr is 0-2 against the Jets and that streak will continue. This is the game that Gruden and Guenther seats will start to heat up.

Jets 27 Raiders 21
Spread: -8.5 Raiders
Over/Under: 47
Week 11: 3-1 Season: 27-10

Time to buy a new tv. After the Raiders lose this weekend I can assure you that the remote will be going through the old one. Oh well……another disappointing year with so much potential.

Football can flat out drive you nuts sometimes. This weekend was one of those for the division for every team. Let’s just get into this……

GRADES

Broncos
Lots of penalties and big turnovers by Lock and Gordon almost cost the Broncos the game but the defense came up huge against the hottest team in the NFL. Lock was 18 of 37 (48.6%) for 270 yards and a interception with 2 carries for 23 yards. Melvin Gordon had 15 carries for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 fumble. Tim Patrick had 5 receptions for 119 yards. The defense had 6 sacks and 6 tackles for loss with 1 interception and one fumble recovery. Brandon McManus was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. The defense was very stout in this game and sealed the victory.

Grade: B

Chargers
Another week and the Chargers almost found a way to blow another big lead. Some smart coaching at the end of the game and another OROY performance by Justin Herbert secured the victory. Herbert was 37 of 49 (75.5%) for 366 yards and 3 touchdowns with 2 carries for 11 yards. Kalen Ballage had 16 carries for 44 yards with 7 receptions for 27 yards. Keenan Allen set a new franchise record with 16 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown and a fumble. The defense had 1 sack and 2.5 tackles for loss with a interception for a touchdown. Michael Badgley was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. This team will be interesting if and when it is completely healthy.

Grade: B

Raiders
So close but yet so far. The Raiders offense was great, the defense not so much and against the defending champs, you have to be. Carr was 23 of 31 (74.1%) for 275 yards and 3 touchdown with a interception. Josh Jacobs had 17 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown. Darren Waller had 7 receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 3 tackles for loss and an interception. Daniel Carlson was 1 for 1 on field goals and 4 for 4 on extra points. This was a great offensive display but it was just not enough against the champs.

Grade: B

Chiefs
Talk about coming through in the clutch. The Chiefs offense is just insane. Mahomes was 34 of 45 (75.5%) for 348 yards and 2 touchdowns with a interception. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 14 carries for 69 yards and 2 touchdowns. Travis Kelce had 8 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss with a interception. Harriosn Butker was 5 for 5 on extra points. This was Mahomes at his very best.

Grade: B+

PREDICTIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills
This game will showcase two of the best young quarterbacks in the league. The Bills have a bad taste in their mouths after last weeks play of the year. Expect this one to be a shootout.

Bills 31 Chargers 27
Spread: +4.5 Chargers
Over/Under: 53

New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos
Another hard game for the Broncos. The Saints have won 7 straight but will be without Drew Brees. This game will come down to which defense plays the best.

Saints 27 Broncos 17
Spread: +6 Broncos
Over/Under: 43.5

Kansas City at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This game should be a slobber-knocker. The defending champs offense is playing on a different level. The Bucs 6th ranked defense will have to play a perfect game.

Chiefs 34 Bucs 24
Spread: -3.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 55.5

Las Vegas Raiders at Atlanta Falcons
The Raiders offense looks really good. The defense needs to really step up. The Falcons will have Ridley and Jones in the line-up, No Bueno for the Raiders.

Raider 27 Falcons 23
Spread: -3 Raiders
Over/Under: 53.5
Week 11: 3-0 Season: 24-9

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Now we start the dog days of football. Now is the time to make your playoff push and every win becomes that much more important. Get-er-done!