This season just got a whole lot more exciting. There are two teams in the division that are in the playoff hut. These final few weeks will be crazy exciting and crazy stressful, wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s get it………
GRADES
Chargers
Another week, another loss. When will this stop? The Chargers played well enough to loss and this time it never really felt like they were in the game. Justin Herbert was 20 of 32 (62.5%) for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception. He also had 4 carries for 10 yards and a touchdown. Kalen Ballage had 18 carries for 68 yards with 5 receptions for 34 yards. Keenan Allen had 3 receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown. The defense had no sack and 3 tackles for loss. Michael Badgley was 3 for 3 on extra points. They kept it close but did not look good. (Hey Lord, TUA, TUA, TUA!)
Grade: C
Broncos
At the end of last season, Elway and the Broncos thought they had finally found their quarterback of the future. They are starting to doubt that as of late and Sunday’s performance really didn’t help Drew Lock’s cause. It was flat out horrible! Lock was 23 of 47 (48.9%) for 257 yards with 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions. He had 2 carries for 7 yards. Melvin Gordon had 11 carries for 46 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 4 receptions for 46 yards. The defense had no sacks and 1 tackle for loss. Brandon McManus was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals. This was one of the worse games of the year.
Grade: F
Raiders
The way this game started you thought this one was going to get away from the Raiders as their receivers dropped two maybe three passes for touchdowns. Derek Carr’s numbers don’t reflect it but he had an outstanding game. He was 16 of 25 (64%) for 154 yards with 4 carries for 10 yards. Josh Jacobs had 21 carries for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 receptions for 24 yards. Devontae Booker had 16 carries for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 reception for 2 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 4 tackles for loss with 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. Daniel Carlson was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. This was a complete beatdown plain and simple and if the receivers would have made 3 more plays, this score would have been much, much worse.
Grade: A
PREDICTIONS
Miami Dolphins at Denver Broncos
The Broncos are hosting the hottest team in the NFL. The Dolphins have won 5 in a row and are playing great football all around. Tua is 3-0 (That was for Lord) and playing well. Lock, well, not so much. With that said, this game will be close with a surprise ending.
Broncos 24 Dolphins 21
Spread: Broncos +3
Over/Under: 45
New York Jets at Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers get a Jets team at home that is a flat out train wreck. I think this is the game the Chargers not only win but get their season on track and start to see a few more in the “W’ column. Herbert is going to go nuts in this game.
Chargers 37 Jets 17
Spread: Chargers -8.5
Over/Under: 47
Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
This is the game of the year as far as the AFC West goes. If the Raiders win, they will be 1 game behind the Chiefs and hold the tie breaker with a season sweep and a 4-0 record in the Division, big if. Andy Reid has a 18-3 record coming off a bye week. This will be the 4th time in 5 years the Raiders will face the Chiefs after their bye with them winning each time, NO BEUNO!!!
Chiefs 34 Raiders 27
Spread: Raiders +7
Over/Under: 56.5
Week 10: 2-0 Season: 21-9
The Raiders/Chiefs game in prime time, on Sunday night, in Sin City will be absolute must see tv. This game will have a HUGE effect on not only the division but the Wildcard playoff race as well. Division games are always great but division games that have this much at stake make it even more important and fun or should I say nerve racking. One thing is for sure, I can’t wait for this weekend!