After a big divisional win for the Las Vegas Raiders, the AFC West has a different pecking order. Here is where things stand after last week’s action.Â
1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-4)
Winners of eight in a row, the Chiefs are back in full force. The most recent win was a 36-10 beat down of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even without star tight end Travis Kelce, quarterback Patrick Mahomes dominated to the tune of 258 yards and three touchdowns. Currently, Kansas City is the clear-cut best team in the AFC West and, possibly, the AFC itself. Up next for them is a big match-up with the AFC North-leading Cincinnati Bengals in what promises to be an exciting game.
2. Los Angeles Chargers (8-7)
It was tough to decide between the Chargers and the Raiders in this spot, but Los Angeles won their head-to-head matchup, so they get the nod. However, the Chargers got embarrassed this week in Houston. In a game in which they were double-digit favorites, Los Angeles lost 41-29 to a Texans squad that has just four wins. Squarely in the playoff race, this was a game they had to have. Fortunately for them, both Austin Ekeler and Mike Williams should be back next week when they face off with the Denver Broncos.
3. Las Vegas Raiders (8-7)
As mentioned, the gap between the Raiders and the Chargers is minuscule. For Vegas, they have won two games in a row. While neither game was overly convincing, the team is winning ugly, and that is all that matters at the end of the day. The win this week came in the division and kept their playoff hopes alive with a 17-13 win over the Broncos. In addition, it almost certainly knocked their division rival out of the playoff picture for good. After all the drama of this season, the Raiders have a very simple path to the playoffs: Just Win, Baby!
4. Denver Broncos (7-8)
After losing three of their last four, the Broncos are an easy choice for last place. Playing with backup quarterback Drew Lock this week, they simply didn’t do enough on offense to keep their already slim playoff hopes alive. Going forward, the Broncos have lots of potential, however. With talent everywhere on the team, the goal will be to finally figure out the quarterback situation. Whether that ends up being a guy like Aaron Rodgers or another high draft pick, he will be thrust into a situation that any passer should thrive in.
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*Top Photo: Courtesy of NFL.com