Football can flat out drive you nuts sometimes. This weekend was one of those for the division for every team. Let’s just get into this……
GRADES
Broncos
Lots of penalties and big turnovers by Lock and Gordon almost cost the Broncos the game but the defense came up huge against the hottest team in the NFL. Lock was 18 of 37 (48.6%) for 270 yards and a interception with 2 carries for 23 yards. Melvin Gordon had 15 carries for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 fumble. Tim Patrick had 5 receptions for 119 yards. The defense had 6 sacks and 6 tackles for loss with 1 interception and one fumble recovery. Brandon McManus was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. The defense was very stout in this game and sealed the victory.
Grade: B
Chargers
Another week and the Chargers almost found a way to blow another big lead. Some smart coaching at the end of the game and another OROY performance by Justin Herbert secured the victory. Herbert was 37 of 49 (75.5%) for 366 yards and 3 touchdowns with 2 carries for 11 yards. Kalen Ballage had 16 carries for 44 yards with 7 receptions for 27 yards. Keenan Allen set a new franchise record with 16 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown and a fumble. The defense had 1 sack and 2.5 tackles for loss with a interception for a touchdown. Michael Badgley was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 4 for 4 on extra points. This team will be interesting if and when it is completely healthy.
Grade: B
Raiders
So close but yet so far. The Raiders offense was great, the defense not so much and against the defending champs, you have to be. Carr was 23 of 31 (74.1%) for 275 yards and 3 touchdown with a interception. Josh Jacobs had 17 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown. Darren Waller had 7 receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 3 tackles for loss and an interception. Daniel Carlson was 1 for 1 on field goals and 4 for 4 on extra points. This was a great offensive display but it was just not enough against the champs.
Grade: B
Chiefs
Talk about coming through in the clutch. The Chiefs offense is just insane. Mahomes was 34 of 45 (75.5%) for 348 yards and 2 touchdowns with a interception. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 14 carries for 69 yards and 2 touchdowns. Travis Kelce had 8 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss with a interception. Harriosn Butker was 5 for 5 on extra points. This was Mahomes at his very best.
Grade: B+
PREDICTIONS
Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills
This game will showcase two of the best young quarterbacks in the league. The Bills have a bad taste in their mouths after last weeks play of the year. Expect this one to be a shootout.
Bills 31 Chargers 27
Spread: +4.5 Chargers
Over/Under: 53
New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos
Another hard game for the Broncos. The Saints have won 7 straight but will be without Drew Brees. This game will come down to which defense plays the best.
Saints 27 Broncos 17
Spread: +6 Broncos
Over/Under: 43.5
Kansas City at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This game should be a slobber-knocker. The defending champs offense is playing on a different level. The Bucs 6th ranked defense will have to play a perfect game.
Chiefs 34 Bucs 24
Spread: -3.5 Chiefs
Over/Under: 55.5
Las Vegas Raiders at Atlanta Falcons
The Raiders offense looks really good. The defense needs to really step up. The Falcons will have Ridley and Jones in the line-up, No Bueno for the Raiders.
Raider 27 Falcons 23
Spread: -3 Raiders
Over/Under: 53.5
Week 11: 3-0 Season: 24-9
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Now we start the dog days of football. Now is the time to make your playoff push and every win becomes that much more important. Get-er-done!