Well, there will be only one team from the AFC West that will make the playoffs this year and that will be the defending champs. The rest of the division is sheer window dressing, nothing more. Lets go.
GRADES
Chargers
To get your first win in the division since 2018 and do it on the road says a lot about the character of the team. Justin Herbert was 22 of 32 (67.7%) for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 carries for 14 yards and a touchdown. Austin Ekeler had 13 carries for 60 yards with 4 receptions for 19 yards. Jalen Guyton had 4 receptions for 91 yards. The defense had 1 sack and 5 tackles for loss with 1 interception. Michael Badgley was 1 for 3 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. To win in overtime like this was big.
Grade: B+
Raiders
Losing Derek Carr in the 1st quarter was no where near as bad as the way the defense played. Carr was 3 for 5 (60%) for 53 yards before getting injured. Marcus Mariota was 17 of 28 (60.7%) for 226 yards with a touchdown and a interception. Mariota had 9 carries for 88 yards a touchdown. Josh Jacobs had 26 carries for 76 yards and touchdown with 3 receptions for 38 yards. Darren Waller had 9 receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack with 5 tackles for loss. Daniel Carlson was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This defense is flat out horrible and so is the coaching staff.
Grade: D-
Broncos
The first half was close, the second not so much. Drew lock was 20 of 32 (62.5%) for 132 yards and a touchdown with 5 carries for 32 yards and a fumble. Melvin Gordon had 11 carries for 61 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 receptions for 20 yards. Noah Fant had 8 receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss. Taylor Russoliho was 0 for 1 on fieldgoals and 1 for 3 on extra points. The Broncos fell apart in the second half and it was bad!
Grade: D-
Chiefs
Talk about peaking at the right time, that is exactly what the Chiefs are doing. Andy Reid’s game plan week to week have been masterpieces. Patrick Mahomes was 26 of 47 (55.3%) for 254 yards and 3 touchdowns with 7 carries for 37 yards and 2 fumbles with 1 lost. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 14 carries for 79 yards with 1 receptions for 4 yards. Travis Kelce had 8 receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack with 2 tackles for loss and a interception. Harrison Butker was 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This was a great win against a great defense.
Grade: A
PREDICTIONS
Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders
This will not be a good matchup for the Raiders. The Dolphins defense plays hard and are very good and only surrender about 18 points a game, NO BEUNO.
Dolphins 31 Raiders 24
Spread: Raiders +3
Over/Under: 48
Atlanta Falcons at Kansas City Chiefs
This game will be all about offense and the Chiefs are playing at a level that is a step above everyone else in the league.
Chiefs 34 Falcons 21
Spread: Chiefs -10.5
Over/Under: 54
Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers
There is nothing like division games at the end of the season. This will be a flat out war and one that will be great to watch.
Chargers 27 Broncos 21
Spread : Chargers -3
Over/Under: 49
Week 15: 3-0 Season: 32-15
I want to wish all of my MS family a very safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I wish you all a bigger, brighter and better 2021. CHEERS!!!