Category: AFC

What a weird weekend of football. The division did not do well at all except for the cream of the AFC and NFL (I just threw up in my mouth) Let’s get to it.

GRADES

Raiders

The Raiders did not look good at all in this game. Too many missed opportunities in the red zone and too many missed tackles. The worse was watching the team not make any adjustments in the second half and seeing the Patriots use screen passes and run the ball right down their throats. Derek Carr was 24 of 32 (75%) for 261 yards and 2 touchdowns but he fumbled the ball twice. Josh Jacobs rushed 16 times for 71 yards and had 3 receptions for 12 yards but he got screwed on a called fumble when it was clear that he recovered the ball. Hunter Renfrow had 6 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks, 6 1/2 tackles for loss and a interception but still surrendered 36 points. Daniel Carlson went 2 for 3 in field goals and 2 for 2 in extra points. Coaching and missed opportunities had a lot to do with this loss.

Grade: C-

Chargers

The Chargers played pretty well but you just can’t expect to win turning the ball over 4 times. Justin Herbert was 35 of 49 (71%) for 330 yards with a touchdown and a interception. He also had a fumble. Austin Eckler had 12 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown. Keenan Allen had 13 receptions for 132 yards with a touchdown and a fumble. The defense had 2 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Overall, this is a game even with the turnovers that the Chargers could have won.

Grade: C

Broncos

The Broncos are a complete mess right now. For the second year in a row they have gone winless in September. Shaq Barrett returned to Denver and went nuts with 2 sacks with one of them going for a safety. Jeff Driskill went 17 of 30 (56%) for 176 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He was benched in the 4th quarter. Brett Rypien went 8 of 9 (89%) for 53 yards and a interception. Melvin Gordon had 8 carries for 26 yards and 4 receptions for 12 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 5 receptions for 55 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus hit his sole field goal and extra point. The offensive line was horrible surrendering 6 sacks on the day. This team has too much talent to play like this.

Grade: C-

Chiefs

This team is showing the world why they are not only the cream of the AFC but of the NFL. They can beat you in so many ways but it all starts with Patrick Mahomes. This guy is a flat out baller. Mahomes went 31 of 42 (74%) for 385 yards and 4 touchdowns with 4 carries for 26 yards and a touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 20 carries for 64 yards. Travis Kelce had 6 receptions for 87 yards. The defense had 4 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Harrison Butker missed his only field goal attempt and went 4 for 5 on extra points. The coaching in this game was spectacular by Andy Reid.

Grade: A

 

PREDICTIONS

Denver Broncos at New York Jets

The battle between two 0-3 teams. The Broncos will be starting a 3rd string quarterback in Brett Rypien. The Jet will have their franchise quarterback Sam Darnold going for them. This one will be in prime time two. I just see the Broncos having more talent and finding a way to get their first win of the season.

Broncos 17 Jets 9
Spread: EVEN
Over/Under: 39

Los Angeles Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs really came to life against the Broncos and are playing well on both sides of the ball. This is a game that has all the makings of a one sided affair. The Chargers defense will play well but it won’t be enough.

Buccaneers 27 Chargers 13
Spread: +7 Chargers
Over/Under: 43.5

Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders wide receiving corps, which was a strength at the start of the season is the walking wounded right now. It looks like Ruggs, Edwards and Gafford will be out for this game. Not good against a team that is 3rd in the league averaging 31 points a game.

Bills 24 Raiders 17
Spread: +3 Raiders
Over/Under: 53

New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are playing outstanding football and will be going up against a different kind of team coached by the hoodie. At this point I just do not see any team stopping this offense right now.

Chiefs 38 Patriots 20
Spread: -7 Chiefs
Over/Under: 53
Week 3: 2-2 Season: 7-4

This week could really change the outcome of the division if each game goes as predicted.

“Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We have endured one hell of an off season. I am thankful that most of you have survived it with class (Not talking about you Lord). After all we have gone through we finally have NFL Football. Even with limited or no fans in the stadiums, it is football and it is happening.

With all that said, here are the predictions for the season openers for the AFC West:

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

This game will be interesting from an offensive perspective. I can see this as a shoot out in respects to the Chiefs’ offense and their questionable cornerbacks. The Texans traded away DeAndre Hopkins in the off season for David Johnson. The Texans now have a bunch of small, quick receivers but who will assume the WR1 for them? This game will be close for about 10 minutes before the high powered offense of the Chiefs takes over.

Chiefs 34 Texans 20

Spread:-9 Chiefs

Over/Under: 54.5

Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers

This is going to be a interesting game. The Panthers will turn loose the most versatile running back in football in Christian McCaffery while the Raiders will pound you with sophomore sensation Josh Jacobs. This one will come down to which team can stop the run and which quarterback makes some big plays. I think the Raiders offensive line will be the difference and they will pull away late in the game.

Raiders 27 Panthers 20

Spread:-3 Raiders

Over/Under: 48

Los Angeles Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals

This will begin the Tyrod Taylor era for the Chargers and the Joe Burrow era for the Bengals. This could turn into a bit of a shoot out. AJ Green returns and if healthy is one of the best in the league. Keenan Allen is still a match-up nightmare. Both teams have good running games but this will come down to defense. That being said, I have to give the edge to the Chargers.

Chargers 24 Bengals 17

Spread: -3 Chargers

Over/Under: 43.5

Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos

Monday night in Denver and it will be a fun one. The Titans have the NFL’s leading rusher in Derrick Henry. They have just signed Jadeveon Clowney too. The Broncos drafted Jerry Jeudy to go with Courtland Sutton to form a pretty formidable receiver pair. This game will come down to the quarterbacks. Lock is still a mystery and Tannehill was hot and cold last year. The Broncos get a late game score and their defense takes over from there.

Broncos 31 Titans 21

Spread: 1.5 Broncos

Over/Under: 41.5

There you have it. The AFC West starts the season 4-0. Who saw that coming. Here is to a very unique season of football, CHEERS!!!! (Holds up a cup of coffee)

Well the draft is over and we are in hurry up and wait mode to see if we will have a season this year. The NFL is to the point that they are letting team facilities reopen on May 19th if they have met the standards set by the league and are allowed to by local and state regulations.

Enough about that drama. This outlook is going to look at some projections for the following in the division:

⦁ OROY
⦁ DROY
⦁ Biggest Upside
⦁ Worse Pick
⦁ Biggest Steal
⦁ Safest Pick

OROY:

Well this one is going to be a flat out slobber-knocker. The offenses in the division got a lot faster and much better. With that said, here are the front runners:

Clyde Edwards-Helaire – This guy is a match-up nightmare for everyone. He is a great runner that is hard to take down. He has great hands and catches the ball exceptionally well out of the backfield. Add the fact that he is going to one of if not the most explosive offenses in the league and he is the odds on top prospect.

Jerry Jeudy – The ankle breaker could not have gone to a better situation. He does not have to be the #1 receiver, has a flat out MONSTER on the other side and will be covered by mostly #2 corners. This should allow him to put up some serious numbers. His production will depend heavily on the development of 2nd year quarterback Drew Lock.

Henry Ruggs – He has the ability to blow past any corner but he also has the skill set to take a simple bubble screen to the house. This guy has the hands, speed and toughness to do it all. His production will come down to the way Gruden uses him.

Wildcard – Justin Herbert – Will he start or will he sit a year? This one is truly up in the air and that is why he will remain a wildcard.

.

DROY:

This is an area that was addressed heavily via free agency in the division. The draft saw a few key additions added.

Kenneth Murray – This guy is a flat out tackling machine and will lead a very talented Chargers defense in that category. They gave up a lot to go and get him but he has the ability and character to be a stud for years to come.

Willie Gay – This guy has the athletic ability to be a every down player. He will have to clean up his angles and show much more production. His mental makeup will be what makes or breaks him.

Damon Arnette – He has production and a nasty disposition when he is on the field. The key for his success will be how he is used. He is scheme diverse but thrives in press man.

Wildcard – Amik Robinson – This guy is a flat out DOG! He has excellent ball skills and plays incredibly hard. Will he start or will he sit? That will be the determining factor.

.

Biggest Upside:

There are some serious prospects for this category as each team did well in the draft.

Justin Herbert – He has the size, arm talent and smarts to be a franchise quarterback. The key will be his development and weapons. The Chargers drafted 2 wide receivers and a running back to aid him in the weapons department.

Jerry Jeudy – This guy could easily become Lock’s favorite target. They will get a chance to develop together. Sutton is the #1 right now but Jeudy’s route running could change that quickly.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire – He is not big (5’8″ and 210 LBS), but he is a complete back. He runs, catches and even returned some kick offs. This guy should become the bell cow back in Kansas City.

Wildcard – Henry Ruggs – You can’t coach speed. This guy has the ability to take the top off of any defense. With a top running game, top receiving tight end and one of the best o-lines in the game, Ruggs could post some insane numbers.

.

Worse Pick:

There were quite a few head scratchers in this draft. This division had its share.

Damon Arnette – He has the experience, ability and production as well as playing at a power 5 school. No issue with him but a HUGE issue with where he was selected. I just don’t think he was a 1st round Cornerback.

KJ Hamler – I love his speed and the thought that he could be a great slot receiver is fantastic. The issue is his size (5’8″, 178) and his below average hands and being selected in the 2nd round. There were better prospects on the board.

Willie Gay – This kid is very athletic but he is not a 2nd round prospect. The Chiefs needed two things in this draft, a running back and a Cornerback. They got their back in the 1st round but did not draft a Cornerback until the 7th round.

Wildcard – Tanner Muse – I called this as a possibility but in the 3rd round, FO! Can you say overdrafted.

.

Biggest Steal:

This one is really good because overall the division had a few steals and it will only make it stronger.

Amik Robinson – I love this guys game. He plays with his hair on fire. This guy will be a starter sooner rather than later. Getting him in the 4th round was flat out insane.

Lloyd Cushenberry – This guy is one of the smartest and strongest players I have seen in a long time at Center. He will take the starting position as a rookie. Elway got his o-line leader in the 3rd round, great steal.

Lucus Niang – This guy is a dancing bear. He slipped a bit this year because he played all year with a hip injury. Once healthy this guy will take a starting position at Offensive Tackle.

Wildcard – Lynn Bolden – He makes this list because of what he will be asked to do. Kick Returner, Punt Returner, Back-up Running Back, Wild Cat Quarterback, Slot Receiver, Gunner. This guy will be everywhere.

.

Safest Pick:

The division had a few safe picks that will pay instant dividends.

Jerry Jeudy – Getting one of if not the highest regarded receiver at 15 is very safe. This guy will be a monster for years. (FO Elway!)

Kenneth Murray – This guy is a dog on the field and has the absolute highest character off of it. This is as safe as safe can be. (FO TT!)

Clyde Edwards-Helaire – National Championship winner with over 1,400 yards rushing and over 450 yards receiving. Go to the Superbowl Champions. That is a pretty safe pick. (FO Fat Andy!)

Wildcard – Henry Ruggs – His hands, work ethic and speed make him a pretty safe pick. What will Gruden do with the offense now that he is part of it is the bigger question.

Here is to a great season of football.

Well we have completed our 1st Mock Draft (Good Job Robb) and we will now take a look at each pick for each team in the division. We are also going to look at the best, worse and best value picks. And as usual, Lord’s selections were absolutely genius. How is this guy not on some teams payroll!

Without further ado, shall we. 

6. Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon (BC)

This is a pick that you could see happening a country mile away. The Chargers need a quarterback and Herbert fills that need. Herbert has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. The Chargers will have options here because they have Tyrod Taylor whom they could start if they feel that Herbert is not quite ready. This is a good problem to have. With 3 of the top 4 Offensive Tackles still on the board, some will say they could have gone that way. Quarterbacks still drive this league.

Rankings:

Draft Network: 13th Overall (3rd Ranked QB)

CBS Sports: 20th Overall (4th Ranked QB)

NFL.com: 26th Overall (3rd Ranked QB)

ESPN: 19th Overall (3rd Ranked QB)

Avg. Overall Ranking – 19.5 (-13.5) Avg. QB Ranking – 3.25

12. Raiders: Jeff Okudah, OSU, CB (Poe)

When you give up the 8th most passing yards per game something has to change. Enter Okudah. He is not only the #1 CB, he is a flat out monster at press man and zone coverage. This guy is a true shutdown corner. Having him on one side, Mullen on the other and Abram over the top, the Raiders will have one of the youngest but most talented secondaries in the league. 2 of the top 3 receivers were on the board but this guy is too good to pass on and secondary is a big need as well.

Rankings:

Draft Network: 3rd Overall (1st Ranked CB)

CBS Sports: 4th Overall (1st Ranked CB)

NFL.com: 2nd Overall (1st Ranked CB)

ESPN: 5th Overall (1st Ranked CB)

Avg. Overall Ranking – 3.5 (+8.5) / Avg. CB Ranking – 1.0

15. Broncos: Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn (Balls)

Adding a Defensive Tackle of Brown’s talent at pick 15 should be a felony. This guy is a nightmare for guards and centers. He is a black hole for running games and he can push the pocket. He is scheme diverse with very heavy hands that are precise and he has a motor that never stops. He is also a very good penetrator for a man his size. The top 3 receivers are off the board so the Broncos get the best player available.

Rankings:

Draft Network: 6th Overall (1st Ranked IDL)

CBS Sports: 7th Overall (1st Ranked IDL)

NFL.com: 3rd Overall (1st Ranked IDL)

ESPN: 4th Overall (1st Ranked IDL)

Avg. Overall Ranking – 5.0 (+10) / Avg. IDL Ranking – 1.0

19. Raiders: Laviska Shenault Jr, WR, Colorado (Jeremyave)

The Raiders need a true #1 receiver with speed. Shenault ran a 4.58, that is not speed. It was reported in February that he had inflammation in his pubic bone and needed rest prior to the Combine and would not need surgery. After running the 40, it came out that he needed surgery for a core injury that affected him last year at Colorado. Having core surgery before he plays a down in the league is not what you want from a #1 receiver and a 1st round draft pick. He is talented and reminds me of a bigger Percy Harvin but the injury history is too much to ignore. With the top two Linebackers on the board this pick makes no sense at all.

Rankings:

Draft Network: 30th Overall (4th Ranked WR)

CBS Sports: 33rd Overall (6th Ranked WR)

NFL.com: 17th Overall (4th Ranked WR)

ESPN: 36th Overall (9th Ranked WR)

Avg. Overall Ranking – 29 (-10) / Avg. WR Ranking – 5.75

32. Chiefs: Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn (Screwitz)

The Chiefs have a need at cornerback with Bashaud Breeland, Morris Claiborne and Kendall Fuller all unrestricted free agents. Igbinoghene has played CB for two years after switching over from the WR position. He is still raw and learning but has held his own in the SEC. He is a great kick returner and special teams player as well. He should be able to challenge for a starting position from day 1.

Rankings:

Draft Network: 43rd Overall (5th Ranked CB)

CBS Sports: 37th Overall (7th Ranked CB)

NFL.com: 64th Overall (9th Ranked CB)

ESPN: 39th Overall (4th Ranked CB)

Avg. Overall Ranking – 45.75 (-13.75) / Avg. CB Ranking – 6.25

Best Pick – Jeff Okudah (+8.5) This would be a gift for the Raiders
Worse Pick – Noah Igbinoghene (-13.75) NFL.com does not think much of him.
Best Value – Derrick Brown (+10) Talk about a steal, WOW!

/JMC the Old

I want to thank each of you for contributing to this first ever MS Mock in March.  We had a few regulars who were not around but all in all, everything worked out incredibly well.  I specifically enjoyed not having a time limit on people giving their selections.  This method also gave each of us insight into the other crap teams within the NFL too.  Well done each of you, and thank you JMC for this summary.  /Robb

AFCW Week 7 Preview

Week 6 was another crazy week of football. The Chiefs’ run defense was horrible and the Texans took advantage of that in Kansas City. The Broncos’ defense was flat out nasty as they got their 2nd win of the season against the Titans. The Steelers defense flat out punched the Chargers in the mouth and won a game in primetime that was more of a home game than a road game. The Raiders had their bye week which was needed after quite a bit of travel. Let’s look at week 7 and the match ups.

Chiefs vs Broncos
The Chiefs travel to Mile High after suffereing back to back loses at home. Their run defense has been flat out HORRIBLE. Mahomes has been dealing with an ankle injury and it has affected his scrambling ability and throwing accuracy. Tyreek Hill returned and scored twice last week. Having him back should help the passing game.

The Broncos defense posted a shut out at home against the Titans last week. When you post 7 sacks, 3 interceptions and 11 tackles for loss, you are playing well. Their offense did not do much but they did not lose the game either. They will have to run the ball well this week if they want to win.

Fantasy Player of the Game: This is a hard one. Mahomes could light it up but the Broncos running back tandum of Lindsay and Freeman could have a huge game. I am going with the Broncos running game at home.

My Prediction: Broncos 23 Chiefs 20 (OT)

Chargers vs Titans
The Chargers go to the Titans in a almost must win game. They get OT Russell Okung back and they need him. Against the Steelers last week the rushed 14 times for 32 yards. That will not cut it. Rivers lead a second half comeback only to throw a late interception that cost his team the game. He will have to take care of the ball.

The Titans were shut out by Denver last week and changed quaterbacks. Tannehill will get the start and I see them trying to lean on their run game to help him out.

Fantasy Player of the Game: This is easy, Hunter Henry is the choice. He is a match-up nightmare. I see another big game for him.

My Prediction: Chargers 24 Titans 17

Raiders vs Packers
The Raiders are coming off their bye week. They will be without their top receiver again. They traded for Zay Jones but I don’t know how much he will play. They will need to run the ball and keep it away from the Packers. They get Gabe Jackson AKA Big Smooth back which will help in the run and pass game.

The Packers are coming off a home win against the Lions. The officiating was great for the Packers and more than likely cost the Lions the game. They ran the ball well and have Aaron Rodgers. He is playing quite well right now.

Fantasy Player of the Game: With the return of Big Smooth, the Raiders will run the ball and a lot. Josh Jacobs should have a big game.

My Prediction: Packers 28 Raiders 20

Have a great football weekend!
JMC