The Kansas City Chiefs are going to win the AFC West.
At least, that’s what it looks like through three weeks of this 2019 season.
The Chiefs faced a tough battle this weekend, holding on to beat the Baltimore Ravens 33-28, while the Chargers, Raiders and Broncos all lost. Let’s take a quick look at every team’s game from Week 3 and what’s up next for each.
Kansas City, 3-0
Patrick Mahomes is on pace to throw for 6,000 yards in the season. No, that’s not a typo, even if it seems unimaginable. He was nearly perfect against the Ravens, throwing for 374 yards and three touchdowns on the way to a third straight victory.
And, the fact that Tyreek Hill’s injury isn’t hurting the receiving corps is a testament to how well K.C. has been build as of late. You can find Mahomes connecting with Mercole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson and LeSean McCoy; the three touchdown receivers on the day against Baltimore. McCoy has been a pleasant surprise for the Chiefs, too; he enjoyed two touchdowns on the day and 80 total yards.
Kansas City’s defense wasn’t able to force any turnovers, and they did allow the Ravens to storm back with 15 points in the fourth quarter alone. But, by that point, their win was in the bag. While K.C.’s offense is the third-best in the league, their defense is still merely middle of the pack and they’ve given up the eighth-most yards in the league.
Next up: At Detroit (2-0-1) at 11 a.m. MT Sunday
Oakland, 1-2
The Raiders were stomped by the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, losing 34-14. Derek Carr was decent, throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns, but he was also sacked four times on the day and threw an interception.
That pick came at a terrible time; the Vikings already led 14-0 and then Minnesota capitalized by taking the 21-0 lead following the turnover. Oakland’s offense struggled to convert third downs in the loss, with a mere 27% conversion rate.
Defensively, the Raiders allowed the Vikings to run all over them, to the tune of 211 yards to be exact. Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison each had a field day, as many players can expect to do this year on the Raiders.
Next up: At Indianapolis (2-1) at 11 a.m. MT Sunday
Los Angeles, 1-2
After leading 17-7 through the first half, the Chargers allowed the Houston Texans to come all the way back and win 27-20 on Sunday.
Philip Rivers’ sack-fumble was a major turning point as the Texans capitalized on the turnover with a touchdown to take the 21-17 lead which they would never relent.
The Chargers’ pass defense was mostly inept, allowing Deshaun Watson to go wild for 351 yards and three touchdowns on the day. However, LA’s run defense was mostly stout, giving up a mere 39 rushing yards in the game. It was a similar story for the Chargers who gained only 73 rushing yards but Keenan Allen continues to be a star with two touchdown receptions against Houston.
Next up: At Miami (0-3) at 11 a.m. MT Sunday
Denver, 0-3
The Broncos are 0-3 for the first time since 1999 and they’re the first team to be unable to record a sack or turnover through three games in NFL history. Without a doubt, this is one of the worst Broncos teams of all-time.
On Sunday, a solid start turned into disaster quickly when Joe Flacco fumbled — giving Green Bay a gift of a touchdown — and then Noah Fant fumbled to start the second half and the game was basically over at that point.
Denver’s offensive line can’t protect Flacco well enough, penalties are mounting — even if Emmanuel Sanders’ hold to negate a touchdown was ticky-tack at best — and even the defense looks lost at times. Where’s the pass rush from Von Miller and Bradley Chubb?
Simply, this isn’t a team dying by inches, they’re dying by a mile. However, Vic Fangio says he’s not concerned about losing the locker room. Maybe the Broncos can finally get something going this week against Jacksonville.
Next up: At home vs. Jacksonville (1-2) at 2:25 p.m. MT on Sunday.