Around the AFC West: Raiders, Chargers take steps back

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs had a weird week when they finally hosted the New England Patriots on Monday night due to the positive COVID test for quarterback Cam Newton. The game, originally slated for Sunday, was moved back a day which gave the Chiefs yet another primetime game.

The Chiefs really didn’t look great in this game. The offense struggled mightily against the New England defense who appeared to drop 37 defensive backs into coverage in order to stop Patrick Mahomes from carving them up.

Mahomes was uncharacteristically inaccurate and threw what should have been at least 2 interceptions (thanks, New England, for the butter fingers). The defense of the Chiefs carried this game, holding Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham to just 10 points and securing 4 interceptions and a fumble recovery.

If the defense keeps playing at that level and the offense wakes up from their extended Sunday nap, this team is going to be absolutely unstoppable.

The Chiefs left the game relatively healthy with Mike Danna as the team’s only known injury. He tweaked his hamstring and has not practiced this week. I think it is likely he misses some time. We also saw Chris Jones inactive due to the groin injury, but I suspect that was more precautionary than anything given the Chiefs’ upcoming schedule.

Next week the Chiefs host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The Raiders are coming off a loss to the Bills and have had some injury trouble while the Chiefs face yet another short week. Despite that short week, I predict the Chiefs will handle their division rival and advance to 5-0 while they look ahead to the challenge of another undefeated team in the Buffalo Bills in Week 6.

Game time is Sunday at 12:00 p.m.