AFC West teams went 2-2 in Week 3 action. The Chargers look to be a force to be reckoned with in the division this year after two impressive wins. This week, the Chargers, Raiders, and Chiefs will face interesting matchups, while the Broncos have the bye.
Miami Dolphins at Oakland Raiders, Sunday 1:05 PM ET
Overview
The Dolphins and Raiders will battle at Wembley field in London this week after both struggling in their matchups last Sunday. Miami is coming off a 34-15 loss to the Chiefs while the Raiders are coming off a disappointing 16-9 loss to the New England Patriots. They will also be faced with injuries to Rod Streater and Tyvon Branch as both of them fractured their foot in Sunday's game.
For the Dolphins there is some uncertainty at the quarterback position with Ryan Tannehill possibly being replaced for the game Sunday.
Key Matchups
Raiders Defense vs the Run Game: This continues to be a problem for that Oakland defense as they just can’t seem to stop the run. Defense did a better job overall last week, allowing only 16 points to the Patriots, but the run was still effective for their opposition. The Raiders will have to stop Lamar Miller who ran for 108 yards last week.
Raiders Offensive Line vs Dolphins Defensive Line: Derek Carr has been improving with every snap, and the O-line has been improving as well, protecting the rookie and giving him some time. This will be key for this week as well. The Dolphins defense is capable of attacking the quarterback and getting him out of rhythm like they did to Tom Brady in Week 1; they sacked him four times and forced two turnovers.
Final Prediction (Raiders 23 Dolphins 17)
With the Dolphins struggles the last two weeks, the Raiders will get their first win of the season. The silver and black played better last Sunday, and after losing a heartbreaker, they will bounce back and leave London 1-3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers, Sunday 4:05 PM ET
Overview
San Diego is coming off another impressive win after beating the Bills in Buffalo 22-10. This Philip Rivers led team will look to give the Broncos a run for their money this year and will need to take advantage of their weaker opponents. They’ve won their last two against tough teams and have a lot of momentum heading into this matchup.
The Chargers will be without Danny Woodhead for the year after suffering a broken fibula.
The Jaguars, on the other hand, are struggling right now as they are looking for their first win of the season; and with this game being in San Diego, that won’t be an easy task.
Key Matchups
Chargers O-Line vs Jaguars Defensive Line: While the Jaguars have given up 85 points in their last two games, their defense has been aggressive by attacking the quarterback and recording 10 sacks this year. They will try to get Rivers off his game and it’s on his O-line to give him time; especially considering their run game has been nonexistent this year and has suffered a lot of injuries.
Final Prediction (Chargers 31 Jaguars 14)
The Chargers win this one easily and will dominate every aspect of this game.
New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs, Monday 8:30PM ET
Overview
The Chiefs will host the Patriots for Monday Night Football in Week 4. KC got their first win of the season last week after defeating the Dolphins 34-15 while the 2-1 Patriots beat the Raiders 16-9 in their home opener. The Chiefs have shown struggles this year, but played well last Sunday in Miami.
The Patriots have also had their struggles and showed some weaknesses against Oakland last week. That being said, this will prove to be an important test for both teams moving forward.
Key Matchups
KC Run Game vs Patriots Defense: Although Jamaal Charles suffered a high ankle sprain and did not play against the Dolphins, the Chiefs managed to continue with a strong run game. Knile Davis led in rushing with 132 yards and a touchdown last week. The run is a big part of the Chiefs offense, and they need to be able to establish the run game early in this matchup.
Chiefs Defense vs Tom Brady and the Patriots Offense: The Pats offense isn’t as explosive as it once was. Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski are not only Brady’s top targets, but his most reliable. They have struggled to score points this season which is an advantage to the Chiefs defense.
Final Prediction (Patriots 24 Chiefs 17)
Arrowhead is a tough environment to play in, but the Patriots will get the W and improve to 3-1 on the year.