Raiders victory and Chiefs loss highlights weird week in AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs took on the Los Angeles Rams in one of the most highly-anticipated games of the season on Monday Night Football.

Originally scheduled to be played in Mexico City, the NFL moved the game back to LA after poor field conditions caused player safety concerns. This game had everything. While the Chiefs were handed their second loss of the season, it came down to the wire – just like the Patriots loss earlier this season. In a 54-51 shootout, both teams came to play.

Patrick Mahomes threw for 478 yards and 6 touchdowns, but added to that two lost fumbles and three interceptions. Tyreek Hill had 10 receptions for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns. Chris Conley added another two touchdowns with Sammy Watkins being held out due to the ongoing foot issues. Kareem Hunt and Travis Kelce each contributed a touchdown. The defense, in particular Justin Houston, forced two fumbles from Jared Goff – one of which resulted in a touchdown from Allen Bailey. Chris Jones continued his sack streak, adding two to his season total of nine.

Ultimately, though, this game came down to turnovers. The Chiefs gave up the ball too often. Of course, there are some out there saying the officiating was poor, and don’t get me wrong, I think it was, but even with the poor officiating, the Chiefs had a chance. This game was one for the ages – an instant classic and the Chiefs just came up a bit short. However, the Chiefs have only lost two games and remain in firm control of the number one overall see in the AFC Playoff race. The Chargers’ loss helped the Chiefs immensely.

The Rams defensive line proved to be tough. Aaron Donald was and remains an absolute monster and some guy named Samson Ebukam definitely ate his Wheaties yesterday. He picked up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown as well as intercepting Mahomes and returning that for a touchdown. Finally, with just under two minutes left on the clock, he got just enough of Mahomes’ throwing arm to force an interception to our old buddy Marcus Peters.

Regardless, the Chiefs were never out of this game, and I think that’s the lesson you take away. Clean up the game; stop the turnovers and this is a completely different result.

The Chiefs finally get their bye this week and it couldn’t come at a better time. It gives some injured guys a chance to heal (I’m looking at Sammy Watkins), and when they return to practice next week, the rumor mills are churning that we will see the return of Eric Berry.

As always, thanks for reading, Happy Thanksgiving, and check back next week as we recap Week 12 and look ahead to Week 13.