Weekly Grade and Predictions

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!!!

Weekly Grade and Predictions

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!

Weekly Grade and Predictions

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!

Weekly Grade and Predictions

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.

Weekly Grade and Predictions

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!

Weekly Grades and Predictions

This season just got a whole lot more exciting. There are two teams in the division that are in the playoff hut. These final few weeks will be crazy exciting and crazy stressful, wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s get it………

GRADES

Chargers
Another week, another loss. When will this stop? The Chargers played well enough to loss and this time it never really felt like they were in the game. Justin Herbert was 20 of 32 (62.5%) for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception. He also had 4 carries for 10 yards and a touchdown. Kalen Ballage had 18 carries for 68 yards with 5 receptions for 34 yards. Keenan Allen had 3 receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown. The defense had no sack and 3 tackles for loss. Michael Badgley was 3 for 3 on extra points. They kept it close but did not look good. (Hey Lord, TUA, TUA, TUA!)

Grade: C

Broncos
At the end of last season, Elway and the Broncos thought they had finally found their quarterback of the future. They are starting to doubt that as of late and Sunday’s performance really didn’t help Drew Lock’s cause. It was flat out horrible! Lock was 23 of 47 (48.9%) for 257 yards with 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions. He had 2 carries for 7 yards. Melvin Gordon had 11 carries for 46 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 4 receptions for 46 yards. The defense had no sacks and 1 tackle for loss. Brandon McManus was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals. This was one of the worse games of the year.

Grade: F

Raiders
The way this game started you thought this one was going to get away from the Raiders as their receivers dropped two maybe three passes for touchdowns. Derek Carr’s numbers don’t reflect it but he had an outstanding game. He was 16 of 25 (64%) for 154 yards with 4 carries for 10 yards. Josh Jacobs had 21 carries for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 receptions for 24 yards. Devontae Booker had 16 carries for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 reception for 2 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 4 tackles for loss with 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. Daniel Carlson was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. This was a complete beatdown plain and simple and if the receivers would have made 3 more plays, this score would have been much, much worse.

Grade: A

PREDICTIONS

Miami Dolphins at Denver Broncos
The Broncos are hosting the hottest team in the NFL. The Dolphins have won 5 in a row and are playing great football all around. Tua is 3-0 (That was for Lord) and playing well. Lock, well, not so much. With that said, this game will be close with a surprise ending.

Broncos 24 Dolphins 21
Spread: Broncos +3
Over/Under: 45

New York Jets at Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers get a Jets team at home that is a flat out train wreck. I think this is the game the Chargers not only win but get their season on track and start to see a few more in the “W’ column. Herbert is going to go nuts in this game.

Chargers 37 Jets 17
Spread: Chargers -8.5
Over/Under: 47

Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
This is the game of the year as far as the AFC West goes. If the Raiders win, they will be 1 game behind the Chiefs and hold the tie breaker with a season sweep and a 4-0 record in the Division, big if. Andy Reid has a 18-3 record coming off a bye week. This will be the 4th time in 5 years the Raiders will face the Chiefs after their bye with them winning each time, NO BEUNO!!!

Chiefs 34 Raiders 27
Spread: Raiders +7
Over/Under: 56.5

Week 10: 2-0 Season: 21-9

The Raiders/Chiefs game in prime time, on Sunday night, in Sin City will be absolute must see tv. This game will have a HUGE effect on not only the division but the Wildcard playoff race as well. Division games are always great but division games that have this much at stake make it even more important and fun or should I say nerve racking. One thing is for sure, I can’t wait for this weekend!

Weekly Grades and Predictions

This week of football was insane. The division saw some fantastic and some not so fantastic football. Overall, it was must see football as all three games came down to the final quarter and in some cases, down to the the final possession.
Let’s rock and roll…………..

GRADES

Chiefs

At the start of the season it was a two man race for MVP between Russell Wilson and Josh Allen. Not so fast, Patrick Mahomes showed everyone in this game that he is in the mix for that honor. Mahomes was 30 of 45 (67%) for 372 yards and 4 touchdowns. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 5 carries for 14 yards with 3 receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs had a total of 30 rushing yards on 12 carries. Travis Kelce had 10 receptions for 159 yards while Tyreek Hill had 9 receptions for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss but surrendered 435 yards of offense to go with 31 points, NO BUENO! Harrison Butker was 2 of 3 on fieldgoals and 3 of 4 on extra points. This game could have gone the other way as the Panthers missed a 67 yard fieldgoal to end the game. Mahomes put this team on his back and pulled this one out.

Grade: B

Broncos

The Broncos have got to find a way to score better in the first half. For the second week in a row they fell behind by double digit points at the half. This week they could not pull off the last second dub. Drew Lock was 25 of 48 (52%) for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He was also the leading rusher with 7 carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. Jerry Jeudy had 7 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 7 tackles for loss with 1 interception. Brandon McManus was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This team may not be winning but they are starting to make plays and are developing.

Grade: C

Chargers

Heartbreak after heartbreak, they just keep on coming for this team. They had what appeared to be the winning last second touchdown play only to have it overturned after replay showed that Donald Parham had the ball stripped away from him and it hit the ground. Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert continues his OROY play by going 28 of 42 (67%) for 326 yards and 2 touchdowns with 5 carries for 24 yards. Kalen Ballage made his Chargers debut with 16 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown with 2 receptions for 15 yards. Keenan Allen had 9 receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss with a fumble recovery. Michael Badgley went 2 for 3 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This will be a dangerous team once they are healthy.

Grade: C

Raiders

This game should not have been close but the horrible coaching and play calling almost cost them a win. This one came down to two outstanding defensive plays by reserve cornerback Isaiah Johnson and the running game. Derek Carr was 13 of 23 (57%) for 165 Yards and 2 touchdown with two carries for 14 yards. Devontae Booker had 8 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown and Josh Jacobs had 14 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown. Hunter Renfrow had 2 receptions for 60 yards and Nelson Agholor had 2 receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss with a fumble recovery. Daniel Carlson was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. The Raiders were lucky to walk away with a win. Gruden has some serious work to do on his coaching and play calling if this team is going to make a playoff run.

Grade: B

PREDICTIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Miami Dolphins                                                                                                          This one will be one of the better game of the season featuring two young guns in Tua and Justin. Miami has won 4 in a row and they are playing inspired defense. The Chargers have lost 4 of their last 5 by a total of 16 points. Something has to give.

Dolphins 31 Chargers 28                                                                                                                        Spread: Chargers +2.5                                                                                                                    Over/Under: 48

Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders                                                                                                                   The Broncos have been playing very well in the second half of games but not so much in the first half. The play calling and coaching has not been good for the Raiders yet they are finding ways to win despite of that.

Raiders 34 Broncos 24                                                                                                                            Spread: Broncos +5                                                                                                                        Over/Under: 51.5                                                                                                                                            Week 9: 3-0 Season: 19-9                                                                                                                               Bye Week: Kansas City Chiefs

Sometimes this game we love can drive you flat out crazy. Bad plays, bad calls and bad execution. On the other side of that coin, this game can bring us great joy and happiness. This season is different in so many ways but two things remain the same, we love this game and we love to talk shit about each other’s team. Long live Football. Enjoy the Week!

Weekly Grades and Predictions

The NFL is good for a crazy weekend throughout the year a few times. Well, this was the weekend that the AFC West provided that. The Raiders went and played in the crazy winds and snow of Cleveland. The Charger and Broncos went at each other like a Wednesday in MS and the primary subject is politics. Lets not forget about the blood letting that transpired in Kansas City with the Chiefs and Jets.

Without further ado, lets jump right in……….

GRADES

Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes should be fined for what he did to the Jets defense. It was like watching a debate between a Rhodes Scholar and a High School drop out. Mahomes was 31 of 42 (74%) for 416 yards and 5 touchdowns. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 6 carries for 21 yards with 3 receptions for 10 yards. Travis Kelce had 8 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 3 tackles for loss with 1 fumble recovery. Harrison Butker went 5 for 5 on extra points. This was an old school beatdown.

Grade: A

Broncos

You want to talk about an incredible comeback, Bravo Broncos! With half the 3rd quarter gone and down 24-3, the Broncos caught fire and would not be denied. Drew Lock was a man on fire in the 4th quarter after a flat out horrible first 3 quarters. Lock was 26 of 41 (63%) for 248 yards and 3 touchdowns with 1 interception. Phillip Lindsay had 6 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown with 1 reception for 3 yards. DaeSean Hamilton had 4 receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions. Brandon McManus was perfect on the day going 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. This is the kind of game that can really get a team going.

Grade: B+

Chargers

The Chargers have played and lost a lot of close games this year but bar none this loss, was the worse melt down this entire season. How do you completely dominate a team for almost three quarters and then allow that team to post 4 touchdown drives of 75 yards or more. Justin Herbert was 29 of 43 (67%) for 278 yards and 3 touchdown but also 2 very costly interceptions. Justin Jackson had 17 carries for 89 yards with 3 receptions for 53 yards. Mike Williams had 5 receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. Michael Badgley was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This is the kind of loss that cut the heart out of a team.

Grade: F

Raiders 

How do you outscore an opponent that has a 5-2 record by double digits, on the road, in the snow and sleet and look bad doing it, well the Raiders did. This was a UGLY game that turned into a 1950’s run the ball to win type game. Derek Carr was 15 of 24 (63%) for 112 yards and 1 touchdown with 6 carries for 43 yards. Josh Jacobs had 31 carries for 128 yard. Darren Waller had 5 receptions for 28 yards. The defense had 1 tackle for loss and 1 fumble recovery. Daniel Carlson was 3 of 4 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. This is the kind of game that the Raiders have not won since, well, forever.

Grade: B

PREDICTIONS

Carolina Panthers at Kansas City Chiefs

This could be an interesting game if Christian McCaffery can return to his all-pro form and they can play keep away from Patrick Mahomes and that scoring machine. Sorry, not going to happen. Way too may ifs and the Chiefs are hitting on all cylinders.

Chiefs 38 Panthers 16

Spread: -11 Chiefs

Over/Under: 52.5

Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons

This could turn into one of the best shootouts this year in the NFL. Both teams can score and quickly but have very suspect defenses to say the least. This one may come down to has the ball last.

Falcons 31 Broncos 27

Spread: +4 Broncos

Over/Under: 50

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers

This game will be huge in the division. Expect the scoreboard to get lit up in this one as well. The defense that makes a stop late in the 4th quarter will secure the win.

Raiders 34 Chargers 27

Spread: -1.5 Chargers

Over/Under: 53.5

Week 8: 1-2 Season: 16-9

Football, Football and more football. Here is to a better week of predictions. Halloween is done and now we get ready for Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Let’s eat!!!!

Weekly Grades and Predictions

What a crazy weekend of football. The division played some good, bad and flat out UGLY football. The only thing really good is there is a lot of football to go. Let jump into the fire……

GRADES

Chiefs

Talk about a complete team win, DAMN! The Chiefs offense, defense and special teams got the job done in the snow after a disappointing loss the week before. Patrick Mahomes was 15 of 23 (65%) for 200 yards and a touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire carried 8 times for 46 yards and a touchdown with 1 reception for 17 yards. Tyreek Hill had 6 receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 3 sacks and 5 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and 2 fumble recoveries. Byron Pringle had a 102 kick return for a touchdown and Harrison Butker was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals and 4 of 5 on extra points. This is what a complete team looks like.

Grade: A

Broncos

The Broncos are just not a good team at this point. They were just crushed at home in the snow and it was no winter wonderland for them. Drew Lock was 24 of 40 (60%) for 254 yards and 2 interceptions with 3 carries for 8 yards and a touchdown. Melvin Gordon had 17 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown with 2 receptions for 12 yards but 2 lost fumbles as well. Albert Okwuegbunam had 7 receptions for 60 yards. The defense had 4 sacks and 6 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. Brandon McManus was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 1 for 2 on extra points. This was bad football.

Grade:D+

Chargers

One thing the entire football world is finding out, Justin Herbert can play! This kid is doing it all and notched his first win as a starter. He was 27 of 43 (63%) for 347 yards and 3 touchdowns with 9 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown. Joshua Kelly had 12 carries for 29 yards with 5 receptions for 24 yards. Keenan Allen had 10 receptions for 125 yards. The defense had 5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss with 1 fumble recovery. Michael Badgley was 2 for 3 on fieldgoals and 3 of 4 on extra points. With all of the injuries the Chargers have had they are trending in the right direction.

Grade: B

Raiders

Jon Gruden and his staff should be ashamed of themselves for this performance from their team coming off of a bye week and a big win. The play calling was horrible and the defense is starting to regress in every single area not just the defensive line. Derek Carr was 24 of 36 (67 %) for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception with 2 carries for 19 yards. Josh Jacobs had 10 carries for 17 yards with 3 receptions for 14 yards. Nelson Agholor had 5 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 9 tackles for loss and not much else. Daniel Carlson was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This was one of the worse letdowns the Raiders have had in years and it was about play calling and once again failure to make half time adjustments.

Grade: D-

 

PREDICTIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
This game is always a slugfest (nothing like division games). This one could even be more special as the loser will be in the basement of the division. In the end it will come down to which offense can put up points, advantage Chargers.

Chargers 27 Broncos 23
Spread: -3 Chargers
Over/Under: 44.5

New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs
This game is going to be a bloodletting. The Jets are one of the worse teams in the league and are going into the lion’s den against one of the best. This thing should be over by halftime.

Chiefs 42 Jets 7
Spread: -19.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 48.5

Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns
The Raiders played a flat out stinker against the Bucs at home and are going on the road to play in the eastern time zone, NO BUENO! Even though the Browns will be without OBJ, their defense will get it done and the coaching staff will once again NOT make any halftime adjustments.

Browns 31 Raiders 24
Spread: +2.5 Raiders
Over/Under: 53.5
Week 7: 2-1 Season 15-7

“Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence. If you’re in control, they’re in control.” – Tom Landry

Well if this is true, then the entire defensive staff and Head Coach for the Raiders need to be fired or wear Vince Lombardi face masks. Have a great week gents, CHEERS!

Weekly Grades and Predictions

With half of the division on their bye week, things were a little slow in MS. With that said we still had two games that were very interesting. Let’s go………

GRADES

Denver Broncos

Where the hell has this defense been all year? When you don’t score a touchdown against the Patriots in Foxboro and you still win, you have really done something. Drew lock returned and went 10 of 24 (41%) for 189 yards and 2 interception. Phillip Lindsey also returned and had 23 carries for 101 yards. Tim Patrick had 4 receptions for 101 yards. The defense had 4 sacks and 7 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery. Brandon McManus was perfect on the day going 6 for 6 on fieldgoals. Overall the defense and kicking game won the day.

Grade: B+

KC Chiefs

The Chiefs signed Le’Veon Bell to a one year contract but Clyde Edwards-Heliare reminded them why they drafted him the first round. Patrick Mahomes went 21 of 26 (81%) for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns he also rushed 10 times for 36 yards. Clyde Edwards-Heliare was incredible in the game carrying 26 times for 161 yards. Travis Kelce had 5 receptions for 65 yards and 2 touchdowns but also had a fumble. The defense had 3.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Harrison Butker was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 2 for 3 on extra points. Overall this was a good road win.

Grade: B+

PREDICTIONS

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

Division games are always tough games but a lot of fun because of the trash talk. This one could be better than most think because Denver’s defense is playing pretty well. The Chiefs will have Bell for this game to add to that potent offense. Denver will not be able to keep up scoring with this team.

Chiefs 31 Broncos 17

Spread: +9.5 Broncos

Over/Under: 48

Jacksonville Jaguars at Los Angeles Chargers

The Jaguars have been down right BAD this year. The Chargers have been in every game they have played this year and have experienced some really tough losses. This week the Chargers get things back on track and get Herbert his first win.

Chargers 27 Jaguars 21

Spread: -8 Chargers

Over/Under: 49

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Las Vegas Raiders

This game has all the makings of a trap game for the Raiders after a big win and a bye week. The Bucs have been playing really well and their defense is very stout. This will be a barn burner but with a surprise ending. The Raiders get another HUGE win. (FO Lord)

Raiders 31 Bucs 27

Spread: +2.5 Raiders

Over/Under: 53.5

Week 6: 1-1 Season: 13-6

This should be one of the best weeks of football for the division. I expect a lot of mud slinging and trash talk leading up to game times. Here’s to a great week.

Love, JMC