Chargers Take On Commanders; Chiefs Battle Jaguars
Trevor Phipps
Even though their record doesn’t show it, many of the football talking heads have been impressed by how the Broncos have played. The two losses they suffered in Weeks 2 and 3 were depressing, but they don’t mean the end of the season.
The Broncos lost two heart-breaking road games by a field goal at the end. The team played the Chargers very well in Week 3 in a match that many predicted (including yours truly) could turn into a blowout.
My only problem is that I keep seeing tons of mistakes. When the Broncos faced the Chargers, they had 10 penalties that resulted in six first downs for nearly 100 yards. Good teams shouldn’t let this happen.
However, there have been some good highlights so far. The team’s trick plays seem to work when they need to. And the Broncos’ defense looks pretty tough most of the time and has done well shutting down good offense like the Chargers’.
Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday 11 a.m.
But that being said, the defense will definitely have a true test this week. The returning Super Bowl Champs are looking good again and searching for a repeat.
The Eagles offense has been on fire this year and they are going to be a tough one to slow down. The team has scored more than 20 points in every game this year even though they haven’t been beating teams by good margins.
However, I just don’t think the Broncos are ready to beat good teams this season. Last year, they were 0-7 when they played winning teams and I am kind of seeing the same this year when they face stellar opponents.
The Broncos defense should be able to put a damper on the Eagles’ offense led by quarterback Jalen Hurtz, but it might not be enough. If the Broncos can clean up their penalties their defense could keep this close.
But even if that happens the Broncos’ offense needs to get better. They need to learn to earn more yards in the first and second down range instead of depending on long, trick plays on third downs.
Overall, I hope the Broncos make this week a learning experience. The team is young and it is still early enough in the season to improve.
Trevor’s Pick: Philadelphia Eagles 24, Denver Broncos 20
Vegas Line: Eagles by 4.5.
Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars, Monday 6:15 p.m.
The Chiefs finally picked up their first win in Week 3 to prove they still have what it takes to get up on the leader board. However, I didn’t really like the play I saw from them going up against a lackluster NY Giants team.
The Jaguars have showed improvement and beat a decent team like the Houston Texans in Week 3. The Jaguars actually have similar passing yards as the Chiefs, but they have picked up more yards on the ground.
The Jags might finally be a reckoning force now that they have Heisman Trophy winner (and former Colorado University star) Travis Hunter to help out QB Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence will hopefully turn into what the team hoped he would be when he was drafted.
On the other hand, like I keep saying, it’s never a good idea to count out the Chiefs. Even though they have had a slow start, they have plenty of time in the season to find their rhythm still.
Trevor’s Pick: Kansas City Chiefs 28, Jacksonville Jaguars 17
Vegas Line: Chiefs by 4.5.
Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday 2:25 p.m.
So far the Chargers look pretty unstoppable this year. To be able to beat the entire AFC West in the first three weeks is quite an achievement.
The Chargers struggled a bit against the Broncos in Week 3, but they proved they were the better team in the end. The Chargers seem to have solid players on both sides of the ball and they could be Super Bowl contenders this year.
The Commanders thrilled fans last season when they went to the playoffs with a rookie QB. This season, they have played decent, but they might not have their QB Jayden Daniels. This game could boil down to who has fewer injuries.
Trevor’s Pick: Los Angeles Chargers 31, Washington Commanders 21
Vegas Line: Chargers by 1.5.
Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts, Sunday 11 a.m.
The Raiders this year do seem to have improved, but they haven’t been as good as I thought they may be before the season started. But after three weeks the Raiders were in the top five when it came to passing yards.
The Colts this year though, I think have been a sleeper team. Nobody thought they were going to come out and produce what they have. Maybe it’s just a fluke, but if they keep it up they will be going to the playoffs.
Trevor’s Pick: Indianapolis Colts 33, Las Vegas Raiders 18
Vegas Line: Colts by 1.5.
