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.