The NFL is good for a crazy weekend throughout the year a few times. Well, this was the weekend that the AFC West provided that. The Raiders went and played in the crazy winds and snow of Cleveland. The Charger and Broncos went at each other like a Wednesday in MS and the primary subject is politics. Lets not forget about the blood letting that transpired in Kansas City with the Chiefs and Jets.
Without further ado, lets jump right in……….
GRADES
Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes should be fined for what he did to the Jets defense. It was like watching a debate between a Rhodes Scholar and a High School drop out. Mahomes was 31 of 42 (74%) for 416 yards and 5 touchdowns. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 6 carries for 21 yards with 3 receptions for 10 yards. Travis Kelce had 8 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 3 tackles for loss with 1 fumble recovery. Harrison Butker went 5 for 5 on extra points. This was an old school beatdown.
Grade: A
Broncos
You want to talk about an incredible comeback, Bravo Broncos! With half the 3rd quarter gone and down 24-3, the Broncos caught fire and would not be denied. Drew Lock was a man on fire in the 4th quarter after a flat out horrible first 3 quarters. Lock was 26 of 41 (63%) for 248 yards and 3 touchdowns with 1 interception. Phillip Lindsay had 6 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown with 1 reception for 3 yards. DaeSean Hamilton had 4 receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions. Brandon McManus was perfect on the day going 1 for 1 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. This is the kind of game that can really get a team going.
Grade: B+
Chargers
The Chargers have played and lost a lot of close games this year but bar none this loss, was the worse melt down this entire season. How do you completely dominate a team for almost three quarters and then allow that team to post 4 touchdown drives of 75 yards or more. Justin Herbert was 29 of 43 (67%) for 278 yards and 3 touchdown but also 2 very costly interceptions. Justin Jackson had 17 carries for 89 yards with 3 receptions for 53 yards. Mike Williams had 5 receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. Michael Badgley was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This is the kind of loss that cut the heart out of a team.
Grade: F
Raiders
How do you outscore an opponent that has a 5-2 record by double digits, on the road, in the snow and sleet and look bad doing it, well the Raiders did. This was a UGLY game that turned into a 1950’s run the ball to win type game. Derek Carr was 15 of 24 (63%) for 112 yards and 1 touchdown with 6 carries for 43 yards. Josh Jacobs had 31 carries for 128 yard. Darren Waller had 5 receptions for 28 yards. The defense had 1 tackle for loss and 1 fumble recovery. Daniel Carlson was 3 of 4 on fieldgoals and 1 for 1 on extra points. This is the kind of game that the Raiders have not won since, well, forever.
Grade: B
PREDICTIONS
Carolina Panthers at Kansas City Chiefs
This could be an interesting game if Christian McCaffery can return to his all-pro form and they can play keep away from Patrick Mahomes and that scoring machine. Sorry, not going to happen. Way too may ifs and the Chiefs are hitting on all cylinders.
Chiefs 38 Panthers 16
Spread: -11 Chiefs
Over/Under: 52.5
Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons
This could turn into one of the best shootouts this year in the NFL. Both teams can score and quickly but have very suspect defenses to say the least. This one may come down to has the ball last.
Falcons 31 Broncos 27
Spread: +4 Broncos
Over/Under: 50
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
This game will be huge in the division. Expect the scoreboard to get lit up in this one as well. The defense that makes a stop late in the 4th quarter will secure the win.
Raiders 34 Chargers 27
Spread: -1.5 Chargers
Over/Under: 53.5
Week 8: 1-2 Season: 16-9
Football, Football and more football. Here is to a better week of predictions. Halloween is done and now we get ready for Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Let’s eat!!!!