What a weird weekend of football. The division did not do well at all except for the cream of the AFC and NFL (I just threw up in my mouth) Let’s get to it.
GRADES
Raiders
The Raiders did not look good at all in this game. Too many missed opportunities in the red zone and too many missed tackles. The worse was watching the team not make any adjustments in the second half and seeing the Patriots use screen passes and run the ball right down their throats. Derek Carr was 24 of 32 (75%) for 261 yards and 2 touchdowns but he fumbled the ball twice. Josh Jacobs rushed 16 times for 71 yards and had 3 receptions for 12 yards but he got screwed on a called fumble when it was clear that he recovered the ball. Hunter Renfrow had 6 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks, 6 1/2 tackles for loss and a interception but still surrendered 36 points. Daniel Carlson went 2 for 3 in field goals and 2 for 2 in extra points. Coaching and missed opportunities had a lot to do with this loss.
Grade: C-
Chargers
The Chargers played pretty well but you just can’t expect to win turning the ball over 4 times. Justin Herbert was 35 of 49 (71%) for 330 yards with a touchdown and a interception. He also had a fumble. Austin Eckler had 12 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown. Keenan Allen had 13 receptions for 132 yards with a touchdown and a fumble. The defense had 2 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Overall, this is a game even with the turnovers that the Chargers could have won.
Grade: C
Broncos
The Broncos are a complete mess right now. For the second year in a row they have gone winless in September. Shaq Barrett returned to Denver and went nuts with 2 sacks with one of them going for a safety. Jeff Driskill went 17 of 30 (56%) for 176 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He was benched in the 4th quarter. Brett Rypien went 8 of 9 (89%) for 53 yards and a interception. Melvin Gordon had 8 carries for 26 yards and 4 receptions for 12 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 5 receptions for 55 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus hit his sole field goal and extra point. The offensive line was horrible surrendering 6 sacks on the day. This team has too much talent to play like this.
Grade: C-
Chiefs
This team is showing the world why they are not only the cream of the AFC but of the NFL. They can beat you in so many ways but it all starts with Patrick Mahomes. This guy is a flat out baller. Mahomes went 31 of 42 (74%) for 385 yards and 4 touchdowns with 4 carries for 26 yards and a touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 20 carries for 64 yards. Travis Kelce had 6 receptions for 87 yards. The defense had 4 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Harrison Butker missed his only field goal attempt and went 4 for 5 on extra points. The coaching in this game was spectacular by Andy Reid.
Grade: A
PREDICTIONS
Denver Broncos at New York Jets
The battle between two 0-3 teams. The Broncos will be starting a 3rd string quarterback in Brett Rypien. The Jet will have their franchise quarterback Sam Darnold going for them. This one will be in prime time two. I just see the Broncos having more talent and finding a way to get their first win of the season.
Broncos 17 Jets 9
Spread: EVEN
Over/Under: 39
Los Angeles Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs really came to life against the Broncos and are playing well on both sides of the ball. This is a game that has all the makings of a one sided affair. The Chargers defense will play well but it won’t be enough.
Buccaneers 27 Chargers 13
Spread: +7 Chargers
Over/Under: 43.5
Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders wide receiving corps, which was a strength at the start of the season is the walking wounded right now. It looks like Ruggs, Edwards and Gafford will be out for this game. Not good against a team that is 3rd in the league averaging 31 points a game.
Bills 24 Raiders 17
Spread: +3 Raiders
Over/Under: 53
New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are playing outstanding football and will be going up against a different kind of team coached by the hoodie. At this point I just do not see any team stopping this offense right now.
Chiefs 38 Patriots 20
Spread: -7 Chiefs
Over/Under: 53
Week 3: 2-2 Season: 7-4
This week could really change the outcome of the division if each game goes as predicted.