Denver Broncos (4-4)
After dropping a close one last week against the Cleveland Browns, the Broncos were back with a vengeance in Week 7 to take on the Washington Football Team. The Denver defense was the headline for this game, as they only gave up 10 points and blocked not one but two field goals. S Justin Simmons came away with two interceptions, one of which he thought would seal the game. However, after giving his offense the ball with hardly any time left, RB Melvin Gordon fumbled the ball and the defense was called upon to make one more stop. On the offense, QB Teddy Bridgewater, who was scolding hot at the beginning of the season, threw for only 213 yards and one touchdown. He did complete 19/26 passes, but this Broncos team would be in a much better position if Bridgewater was a little more productive.
Gordon also had a day, racking up 10 carries for 47 yards and one touchdown on the ground while also reeling in three catches for 15 yards and another touchdown through the air. Although his numbers were up to par, Gordon (unfortunately) lost that fumble late in the fourth quarter, which gave Washington the chance to win the game. LUCKILY, the Washington offense could not cash in on the turnover. The Broncos are now comfortably in third place in the AFC West, and they will be hoping for some losses from the Chargers and the Raiders to make a playoff run. Final Score: 17-10 Broncos.
Injury Report: 1. Out for the Season: C Brett Jones (Biceps), Cody Conway (Knee- ACL), ILB Natrez Patrick (Leg), ILB Josey Jewell (Pectoral), WR K.J. Hamler (Knee- ACL), ILB Alexander Johnson* (Pectoral). *- Referred to as A.J. Johnson.
2. Week 9 Status Updates: a) WR DaeSean Hamilton (Knee-ACL): NFI-R; b) DB Mike Ford (Knee), DB Duke Dawson (Knee- ACL + MCL), OLB Bradley Chubb (Ankle), DB Essang Bassey (Knee- ACL), & CB Michael Ojemudia (Hamstring): Expected to return; c) T Garett Bolles (Ankle): Doubtful; d) S Jamar Johnson (Quadriceps) & NT Mike Purcell (Thumb): Questionable.
3. Other Injuries/Updates: a) LB Andre Mintze (Hamstring) & LB Micah Kiser (Groin): Expected to return in Week 10, b) G Netane Muti (Undisclosed) & TE Noah Fant (Illness): Placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, c) CB Bryce Callahan (Knee): Expected to return in Week 13.
*Breaking News*: LB Von Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams on November 1st in exchange for a 2022 second-rounder and a 2022 third-rounder. In addition, the Broncos will retain $9M of Miller’s salary so the Rams could fit him under their salary cap.
Next Game: Denver Broncos @ Dallas Cowboys- Sunday, November 7th at 1:00 PM ET.
Las Vegas Raiders (5-2)
BYE
Injury Report: 1. Out for the Season: DT Gerald McCoy (Knee), G Denzelle Good (Knee- ACL).
2. Week 9 Status Updates: a) T Kamaal Seymour (Undisclosed): NFI-R; b) CB Trayvon Mullen (Toe), CB Damon Arnette (Groin), TE Derek Carrier (Pectoral), LB Nicholas Morrow (Ankle), & G Richie Incognito (Calf): Expected to return; c) RB Josh Jacobs (Chest), TE Darren Waller (Ankle), ILB Darron Lee (Undisclosed), & WR Trey Quinn (Undisclosed): Questionable.
3. Other Injuries/Updates: a) S Roderic Teamer (Shoulder) & TE Nick Bowers (Neck): Expected to return in Week 11.
*Breaking News*: WR Henry Ruggs III was involved in a car accident on November 2nd at 3:39 AM. It was later discovered that he had shown signs of impairment (indicating that he was driving under the influence). Ruggs is set to face two felony charges (driving under the influence resulting in death and reckless driving) and has since been released by the Raiders.
Next Game: Las Vegas Raiders @ New York Giants- Sunday, November 7th at 1:00 PM ET.
Kansas City Chiefs (4-4)
HC Andy Reid and the Chiefs took on the New York Giants in what was a nail-biter, all the way down to K Harrison Butker’s go-ahead 34-yard FG that sealed the victory. They say a win is a win but, oh boy, this win was ugly… Racking up 12 penalties for 103 yards as well as having two turnovers is NOT a recipe for success, but it worked for Kansas City as they get back on the winning track. QB Patrick Mahomes was outplayed this week by his Giants counterpart QB Daniel Jones, but he made plays when they were needed to pull out the victory. The former Super Bowl-winning QB ended his day with 29 completions for 275 passing yards, one passing touchdown, three carries, and 10 rushing yards.
The running game for the Chiefs has been non-existent ever since RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire got injured. However, the duo of RBs Darrel Williams and Derrick Gore combined for 97 yards on the ground, which will give some hope to this struggling offense. On the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs allowed only 17 points, which gave the best QB in the league the chance to win it. Along with the interception that canceled out Mahomes’ own INT, I would say that the defense “did its job” this weekend. Right now, it seems like this is the type of way that the Chiefs are going to have to win every week until some MAJOR changes happen to the o-line and defense. Final Score: 20-17 Chiefs.
Injury Report: 1. Out for the Season: TE Jody Fortson (Achilles).
2. Week 9 Status Updates: a) RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Knee- MCL) & G Kyle Long (Knee): Expected to return, b) WR Chris Finke (Undisclosed), WR Marcus Kemp (Head), DT Khalen Saunders (Knee), MLB Anthony Hitchens (Triceps), G Mike Remmers (Knee), & OLB Melvin Ingram (Groin): Questionable, c) DE Malik Herring: NFI-R.
3. Other Injuries/Updates: a) DE Joshua Kaindoh (Ankle): Expected to return in Week 11.
Next Game: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Green Bay Packers- Sunday, November 7th at 4:25 PM ET.
Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
The former favorites to win the AFC West, the Chargers fall to 4-3 and lose their second straight game, this week to the New England Patriots. QB Justin Herbert had his first “bad” game as an NFL starter, only completing 51% of his passes (the worst of his career) against the Pats. WR Mike Williams wasn’t as involved this game as we have been accustomed to since the season started, as he only caught two balls for 19 yards on five targets. RB Austin Ekeler finished with 124 yards of offense (on the ground and through the air). Ultimately, it was Herbert’s pick-six that sealed the game for the Patriots. Former San Diego Charger and current Patriot S Adrian Phillips was the receiver of the pick-six as well as another interception the day. How poetic!
On the defensive side of things, the Chargers looked a little lackluster against a rookie QB who has only recently found success. Giving up 27 points to the new-look Pats is not what a championship contender does and, if the Bolts are going to make that push, the defense will definitely have to improve. S Derwin James, of course, was flying around the field and DE Joey Bosa was creating pressure all afternoon, but allowing NINE 3rd down conversions will not cut it. It is also worthy to note the time of possession differential: the Chargers had the ball for 24:36 while the Patriots had the ball for 35:24. The defense needs to get off of the field so Herbert can come on so that the Chargers can start winning games again. Final Score: 27-24 Patriots.
Injury Report: 1. Out for the Season: G Oday Aboushi (Knee- ACL)
2. Week 9 Status Updates: a) LB Kenneth Murray (Ankle) & T Bryan Bulaga (Back): Expected to return, b) CB Asante Samuel Jr. (Concussion), CB Michael Davis (Hamstring), & RB Justin Jackson (Quadriceps): Questionable.
Next Game: LA Chargers @ Philadelphia Eagles- Sunday, November 7th at 4:05 PM ET.
Sources
- Cover Picture: https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/1464680/afc-west-week-8-recap-the-chargers-are-back-never-doubted-them
- https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401326447
- https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401326450
- https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401326445
Edited By: Rupayan “Abs” Samanta.
