It’s a new week in the NFL, which means it’s time to update our AFC West power rankings. This week saw more head-to-head matchups within the division, so let’s examine the impact on the rankings.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Trending: Down
Heading into the season, the Raiders were at the bottom of this list simply because of the relative strength of the other AFC West teams. Five weeks in, Las Vegas would probably be at the bottom of most divisional power rankings. Simply put, the Raiders rank among the worst teams in the league. We will get a good idea of just how bad things are this week when they host a Titans team that is playing at a similar level.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Trending: Steady
We learned a lot about the Chiefs from their close Monday night loss to the Jaguars. After beating two bad teams, the Chiefs finally ran into one that was good, but not great. Kansas City and Jacksonville looked pretty evenly matched. Unfortunately, while the Chiefs may be one of the better teams in the league, they still have some work to do to surpass the rest of the division.
2. Denver Broncos
Trending: Up
Regardless of how ugly it may have looked, any time you beat the defending Super Bowl champs on the road, things are trending in the right direction. However, this team’s issues make it hard to raise them in the power rankings. Denver only wins when their defense restricts opponents to under 20 points. This approach is likely not sustainable.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
Trending: Down
The Chargers are falling apart and there is nothing they can do about it. The Chargers went into the season hampered by the Rashawn Slater injury. Now, they will be without their other starting tackle, Joe Alt, as well as their starting running back, Omarion Hampton, for the next several weeks. On top of that, guard Mekhi Becton left Sunday’s game with an injury and Hampton’s backup, Najee Harris, is already on injured reserve.
The offense is struggling significantly due to the weight of these injuries, and the defense is also facing challenges with the loss of key players like Khalil Mack and Denzel Perryman. The “next man up” philosophy can only take a team so far. As a result, Los Angeles is likely going to face difficulties in maintaining a top position in these rankings.
Related: What Did The Raiders Get Right In Week 5?
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images