What a weird weekend of football. You want to talk about Jekyll and Hyde, that seems to be the best way to describe this division. When Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get”, he was talking about the 2023 AFC West. We have no clue what we are going to get from quarter to quarter.
GRADES
Raiders
The Raiders had the first possession of the game, and it was a masterpiece. They went right down the field and scored a touchdown. The rest of the game was a nightmare. Not a regular nightmare but one that made the ones on Elm Street look like a Disney movie. Every aspect of this team was exposed and not in a good way. Oh well, there is always next year.
Grade: F
Chargers
The Chargers, let’s see, 2-14 on 3rd down. 2 touchdowns on 5 trips in the red zone. 21 rushing attempts but only 61 yards (2.9 AVG). 4th and 1 on the Titans 44-yard line and they punted the ball. 1st possession of overtime and go 3 and out (0 yards). With all of that, they were still in this game and went to overtime. This game turned into a true Brandon Staley special. He is finding new ways to hold this team back.
Grade: C-
Chiefs
The Chiefs got Travis Kelce and Chris Jones back boy did they need them. Kelce caught a touchdown and Jones recorded 1.5 sacks. The offense is still playing subpar, but the defense was damn good. There are things that must be cleaned up but finding a way to win against a playoff team on the road is always a good sign.
Grade: C+
Broncos
The Sean Payton era has gotten off to a rocky start. The offense looked decent but the defense, which was supposed to be the strength of the team, really looked suspect. The Broncos had an 18-point lead and found a way to blow it. They did have a chance to push it into overtime after a last second hail mary touchdown but fell short on the 2-point attempt.
Grade: C-
PREDICTIONS
Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs
This game could see the Chiefs offense get back on track.
Chiefs 34 Bears 20
Spread: -12.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 47.5
Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins
Speed kills, can the Broncos handle the Miami track team.
Dolphins 30 Broncos 20
Spread: +7 Broncos
Over/Under: 48
Los Angeles Chargers at Minnesota Vikings
Which team’s defense will show up against these powerful offenses.
Vikings 24 Chargers 23
Spread: EVEN
Over/Under: 54
Pittsburgh Steelers at Las Vegas Raiders
Whichever team can run the ball will win this game.
Steelers 23 Raiders 20
Spread: -2.5 Raiders
Over/Under: 43
Season: 3-4
To quote that great philosopher Firv Lil Brandon, “In case u ain’t know, Football is dumb”. We are only a few weeks into this season and drinking again is becoming a distinct possibility (not really). Week 3 please be kind to us all.