Around the AFC West: The division race is heating up
By Ellen Mathis
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers traveled to Alameda Stadium for the last time to take on the Oakland Raiders in a Thursday night AFC West divisional showdown. Old Man Rivers and the rest of the Chargers got off to a slow start (to put it nicely). Apparently in his old age, Philip Rivers forgot that Erik Harris actually plays for the Raiders because he targeted him twice on the Chargers’ first two drives. Harris picked off Rivers twice returning one for a touchdown.
The Chargers, to their credit, didn’t let this get them down. They eventually turned the game into a competitive one and relied heavily on Melvin Gordon. Gordon appears to have shaken off the hold out dust going for 108 yards on 22 carries with a touchdown. Regardless, with Rivers at quarterback, he was able to put the game away with a game sealing interception. I don’t know if I just haven’t been watching intently, but Rivers throwing motion is bad. He is looking old and the Chargers may want to consider drafting his replacement sooner rather than later.
Injuries are always a concern for the Chargers as they are absolutely and without a doubt cursed. Russell Okung left the game with a groin injury and has been listed as a non-participant in practice. There was also a scary moment with Melvin Ingram, but he returned to the game and wasn’t listed on the injury report as the Chargers look ahead to next week.
Speaking of next week, the Chargers “host” the Kansas City Chiefs in Mexico City (VAMOS!) on Monday Night Football. The Chargers have had a nice break following their Thursday night game, but the Chiefs were just embarrassed. Reports are out that Patrick Mahomes feels the best he has felt since Week 1 so frankly, look out. I don’t think the Chiefs are ready to be embarrassed again on a national stage—especially against a divisional rival.
Rivers is not a particularly mobile quarterback so I anticipate the Chargers will look to throw quickly and run the ball. If they can get their run game started, it could be a long night for the Chiefs, but ultimately, I do believe the Chiefs are the better team and will not subject themselves to the Chargers’ desire to play spoiler.
Opening line odds for the Chargers in Week 11: +4.0.
Game time is Monday Night at 7:20 p.m.