AFC West Watch: Week 3

The third week of the 2024 season sees the Kansas City Chiefs with the toughest game. The Las Vegas Raiders will face a team that is already benching its young QB, and the Las Angeles Chargers will try and stay on top of the division, possibly without Just Herbert.

Chargers at Steelers In the early window, Jim Harbaugh will lead his team against Mike Tomlin's Pittsburgh Steelers . I suppose this could be the tale of two Justins. Justin Fields will get his third start of the season. At 2-0, the Steelers are a somewhat surprising team, although their offense hasn't exactly been leading the pack. Chris Boswell has essentially kicked them to victory, and they won't have that luxury against a good Chargers defense.

The big question mark is Justin Herbert. He injured his ankle in the win against the Panthers. High ankle sprains are finicky, and so he will be a game time decision. Still, the loss of Herbert shouldn't change the game plan for the Chargers.

With J.K. Dobbins being the big surprise this season, he will probably carry the load for Los Angeles. At +2.5 on the road, this game is essentially a pick 'em for the Chargers. T.J. Watt will give them trouble, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them grab another win.

Panthers at Raiders The Las Vegas Raiders won't be facing off with Bryce Young this week. Andy Dalton will step in for the young QB, who has struggled since joining the NFL. The Raiders are coming off a major upset win, having defeated the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.

Gardner Minshew and Davante Adams seem to be on the same page, and the Panthers don't seem like a team that will bring them back down to earth. The Panthers defense is dealing with injuries upfront, which could allow for Zamir White and Alexander Mattison to get something going on the ground, which has been an issue for the Raiders this season.

The Raiders at 6.5 point favorites in this one, which is no surprise to anyone.

Chiefs at Falcons The Kansas City Chiefs are who we thought they were. Without playing a game where they looked unbeatable, they seem to still be unbeatable. Now they get a team in the Atlanta Falcons who stole a win in Philadelphia.

Kirk Cousins may have surprised people against the Eagles, and the Falcons might be sneaky good, but a Sunday Night Football game for the Chiefs is not one where they will likely falter. As 3 point road favorites, it is hard to see them failing to start the season 3-0.

The talk is always about Patrick Mahomes, but the Chiefs defense deserves a ton of credit. Chris Jones is so good on the line for them, and he sets the tone for that whole unit. Primetime Chiefs are always good. Expect the Falcons to falter in this one.

There probably won't be any changes to the standings after week 3.