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.