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AFC West Report: Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos deal smackdowns

By Ellen Mathis

Dec 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) catches a pass as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mike Hughes (21) makes the tackle during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) catches a pass as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mike Hughes (21) makes the tackle during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws the ball for a completion while under pressure from Quinton Jefferson #77 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws the ball for a completion while under pressure from Quinton Jefferson #77 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday’s divisional matchup with the Raiders was exactly what I was hoping it would be—a complete clinic from the Chiefs. From kickoff, the Chiefs were almost perfect in all three phases. The defense forced three turnovers. The offense scored on all but one drive (excluding the kneel down at the end), and the special teams were great. The only person that could have done better was Tommy Townsend. One punt? Come on, participate, man.

Overall, this was a performance that could give Chiefs fans a feeling of relief. It seems like throughout this season, all we have seen is one phase functioning well. We needed to see them all work together to feel prepared for the final stretch of the season. I definitely have faith in this team because when they are clicking, they are unstoppable.

The MVP of the game was cornerback/returner Mike Hughes, who was asked to step in while L’Jarius Sneed was grieving the death of his brother. The defense dedicated this day to the team and it was from the first snap:

https://twitter.com/PointsBetUSA/status/1470092643300487172

Hughes played incredibly. He forced two fumbles and returned another fumble for a touchdown. The defense collectively forced five turnovers and the offense scored on every single drive except the first.

On a short week, the Chiefs now look ahead to face the Chargers in what has become the biggest game of the season. However, news broke on Tuesday about some important players entering the COVID protocols and their status for Thursday’s game is up in the air. Both Josh Gordon and Chris Jones were placed in the protocols. Assuming both are vaccinated, they have a chance to play, but given the short week, it is quite likely they miss the game.

Their statuses will be monitored closely as we inch closer to Thursday. The Chargers have their own COVID issues to deal with but this matchup is going to be a good one. Both teams are battling to sit atop the AFC West and possibly see the number 1 seed. My perspective is that if the Chiefs handle their business and don’t turn the ball over, they will be looking at a win heading into a mini-bye.

Next. How the Chiefs rank against fellow AFC contenders. dark

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