AFC West – Week Three Divisional Recap
Week three brought some surprising and not so surprising results for the AFC West. The Chiefs were a favorite to win. The Broncos and Raiders were both favored to win their games and those did not turn out quite the way anyone expected. After week three this is how the division stands:
Kansas City Chiefs 3-0
Denver Broncos 2-1
Oakland Raiders 2-1
Los Angeles Chargers 0-3
The Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs played a division game against the Chargers.
What they did well: The Chiefs capitalized on the Chargers’ turnovers, scoring seventeen points in the first half. All the drives began with a turnover. Kareem Hunt led the Chiefs in rushing and ran for 172 yards and one touchdown. If you can add Hunt to your fantasy team, snatch him up as soon as possible. Alex Smith was effective, with only 155 yards passing he threw for two touchdowns.
Where they needed improvement: Alex Smith was sacked five times for a loss of thirty-three yards. The Chiefs only converted four out of twelve third downs. The Chiefs have been successful, they have won games, but if they continue to allow sacks and cannot convert third down plays, the winning will not last long.
What is Next: The Chiefs host the Washington Redskins
The Denver Broncos
The Broncos took on the Buffalo Bills.
What they did well: Denver played good offense they led the game in rushing and receptions. The Broncos had more first downs than the Bills and had been third down conversion statistics. Trevor Siemian played connected with receivers for 259 yards. Demaryius Thomas caught six of those passes for 98 yards. Brandon Marshall and Von Miller both got first quarter sacks. If the game was won or lost on statistics, the Broncos would have won. Unfortunately, for the Broncos, the scoreboard is what counts.
Where they needed improvement: The offensive line allowed Trevor Siemian to be sacked three times. While Siemian had great passing statistics, he threw two interceptions which played a big part in the Broncos being reined in by the Bills. Ten penalties for seventy-nine yards did not help the Broncos cause at all. You cannot win games with sloppy play.
What is Next: Next week the Broncos play the Raiders at home. This will be an important game for both teams.
The Oakland Raiders
The Raiders traveled to our nation’s capital to take on the Washington Redskins.
What they did well: The Raiders defense held the Washington offense to 116 yards rushing. The Raiders also sacked Kirk Cousins for a nine-yard loss. The Raiders scored quickly after recovering a muffed punt in third quarter.
Where they needed improvement: With only 150 yards total offense the Raiders needed offense. The offensive line seemed unable to protect Derek Carr. Several snaps went off course and seemed to have caught Carr unprepared. Two interceptions by Carr did not help their game and stalled drives before they could get started.
What is next: The Raiders travel to Denver for week four.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers took on the Division leading Chiefs.
What they did well: Melvin Ingram sacked Alex Smith three times. Ingram leads the league in sacks with 5.5 in the first three games of the season. Melvin Gordon had a great first quarter with 55 yards rushing and a touchdown. That’s three touchdowns in as many games for Gordon. Philip Rivers completed half of his passes for 237 yards.
Where they needed improvement: The Chargers need consistency. All of the Chargers scoring drives were in the first half. The second half brought out a lackluster team unable to find the end zone. Philip Rivers threw three interceptions. Turnovers are a death knell for a football team.
What is Next: The Chargers host the Philadelphia Eagles.