AFC West Week 9 Recap
As Week 9 comes to an end, the AFC West saw a successful outing in their games this weekend, with more still to come.
Kansas City Chiefs 21, Miami Dolphins 14
The Chiefs had a great start to their game versus the Dolphins early Sunday morning in Germany. They went into halftime with a 21-0 lead, showing no signs of stopping. While they came out in the second half flat, giving the Dolphins 14 points in the third quarter, they did what they needed to keep the lead.
Both teams played a very balanced game, with total yards, plays, penalties, and turnovers all being very similar between the two. Perhaps the game-changing play was on the Dolphins turnover that led to seven points for the Chiefs. Tyreek Hill, former Chiefs receiver, was stripped of the ball, and it was ultimately taken to the house for six. In a game where both offenses were kept in check, this play by the defense led the Chiefs to a win in Frankfurt.
After this win, the Chiefs move to 7-2 on the season and will enter into a bye next week.
Las Vegas Raiders 30, New York Giants 6
In what was the first game of interim HC Antonio Pierce’s leadership of the Raiders, the job he and the coaching staff accomplished did not disappoint. After the firing of Josh McDaniels, the team looked to turn the season around, and this was certainly a good start. The Raiders scored early and often, taking a 24-0 lead into halftime, and they never let up.
The rookie Aidan O’Connell had a solid start, putting up just over 200 yards on a 65% completion rate, and he was helped out by his run game that had 125 yards. Josh Jacobs had his best performance of the season by far, putting up 98 yards and two touchdowns on the day. Unfortunately for the Giants, Daniel Jones tore his ACL in the game, but as the Raiders defense recorded eight sacks and two interceptions, his presence would most likely have not made a difference. Overall, for the first game of their new head coach, the Raider came out energized and played their most complete game of the season against a struggling Giants team.
After this win, the Raiders move to 4-5 on the season and look forward to their next game versus the New York Jets.
Denver Broncos (BYE)
The Broncos had a BYE this weekend, one they used to build off of their last win versus the Chiefs. The Broncos will look to carry their momentum from their previous win through the BYE week as they focused on what they need to do to get better. Sean Payton mentioned getting the ball to their playmakers more, leaning on the improving run game, and continuing to build off of their last few strong defensive performances.
The Broncos sit at 3-5 after the bye as they look forward to playing the Buffalo Bills this weekend.
Los Angeles Chargers vs New York Jets Monday Night
Week 9 is not yet over for the AFC West, as the Chargers look to face the Jets tonight on Primetime football. The Chargers, after coming off an easy win versus the Chicago Bears will look to add to their momentum tonight. An improving and healthy Justin Herbert will face a good Jets defense with a strong pass rush. Look for Herbert to get the ball out quick as the Chargers try to get their run game and their playmakers involved. As for the defense, the Chargers secondary will hope to take advantage of a struggling Jets offense, while the Jets will try to find a rhythm to get back on track.
The matchup of the Chargers at the Jets will take place tonight at 8:15 ET on ABC and ESPN.
AFC West Standings
Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)
Las Vegas Raiders (4-5)
Los Angeles Chargers (3-4)
Denver Broncos (3-5)
