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!