What an opening week! The margin of separation for winning or losing was 4 points…….that was for the entire division, all 3 games, UNREAL!!! If this continues, we are in for one hell of a season.
GRADES
Chiefs
The Chiefs played this game without All-Pro TE Travis Kelce (Knee) and All-Pro DT Chris Jones (Contract) and boy did it show. Patrick Mahomes threw for less yards that Jared Goff, wait…..WHAT? With that said, the bigger difference was the second half of the game when the defense surrendered 14 points and the offense only scored 6 points. NO BUENO!!!
Grade: C-
Raiders
The Jimmy G. era has begun. He played ok for most of the game but earned big respect when he drove the team for a go-ahead TD in the 4th quarter with 6:34 on the clock. The defense came up with quick 3 and out with 5:08 left on the clock. Jimmy G then went on an 11 play, 41-yard drive to end the game with a key play, 8-yard scramble on 3rd and 7. A win is a win but this one created more questions than answers.
Grade: B
Broncos
Sean Payton made his coaching debut with the Broncos and there was a lot to like about this game. The offense was much more efficient and played with passion. They played this game without WR Jerry Jeudy and lost WR Tim Patrick for the season. The called up 2 receivers from their practice squad prior to this game in WRs Lil’ Jordan Humphrey and Phillip Dorsett. The defense played well and when you only give up 17 points at home you expect to win. As well as Peyton did, he also the reason the Broncos lost this game. He cut K Brandon McManus and traded for K Will Lutz who thanked him by missing a extra point and a fieldgoal. Simply put, that was the game.
Grade: C+
Chargers
The Chargers have one of best offenses in the NFL, PERIOD! They also have one of the worse defenses and a Head Coach that should be flogged. Some of the coaching decisions in this game were flat out stupid. Hell, they just announced that Tyreek Hill just scored again! Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley ran the ball like flat out beasts. Justin Herbert took what the defense gave him although he was under a lot of pressure and was sacked 3 times. This game could have and should have been a win but was a loss because of bad coaching and lack of defensive adjustments.
Grade: B-
PREDICTIONS
Las Angeles Chargers at Tennessee Titans
This game will be all about defense or should I say lack thereof.
Chargers 34 Titans 20
Spread: -3.0 Chargers
Over/Under: 45.5
Las Vegas Raiders at Buffalo Bills
Big running quarterback with fast receivers, NO BUENO for the Raiders defense.
Bills 34 Raiders 13
Spread: +8.5 Raiders
Over/Under: 47
Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars
Which defense will show up to stop either of these high-powered offenses?
Jaguars 27 Chiefs 24
Spread: -3.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 51
Washington Commanders at Denver Broncos
The key to this game will be the Broncos o-line vs the Commanders d-line.
Broncos 23 Commanders 17
Spread: -3.5 Broncos
Over/Under: 39
Season: 2-1
One game in the books, 16 more to go and I am here for it. Do I need to say it, yes, I really think I should, FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!