Another week of NFL action means it’s time to update our AFC West power rankings. It was an unusual Sunday—every team in the division came away with a win. But as always, not all victories are created equal, and this week’s rankings reflect that.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Trending: Up(?)
It’s difficult to tell if the Raiders improved over the past week. A dominant win would normally make that obvious, but the Titans are so weak that the victory may not reveal anything new. The Raiders still displayed many of the same flaws they’ve had all season—flaws that simply didn’t matter this week. The true test comes against the Chiefs.
3. Denver Broncos
Trending: Down
Perhaps it can be attributed to the unpredictability of playing overseas, but Denver’s win over the New York Jets was far from impressive. The offense continues to struggle, and while the defense remains strong enough to carry the team against most opponents, it’s difficult to envision postseason success if the offense doesn’t improve. As a result, the Broncos slip a spot in this week’s rankings.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
Trending: Down
The Chargers could have easily lost to the Dolphins. Pulling off a last-second field goal against a team likely to fire its head coach by Christmas is hardly a statement win for a team that looked like a Super Bowl contender just weeks ago. Los Angeles is simply too banged up to beat quality opponents right now. If the team can get healthy, a late-season run is possible—but that remains a big “if.”
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Trending: Up
After a slow start, the Chiefs are officially back. Perhaps too much is being made of a single game, but a two-score victory over one of the league’s best teams is hard to overlook. Coupled with the struggles of the Broncos and Chargers, the win propels Kansas City up two spots to the top of the AFC West rankings. The return of Rashee Rice this week is an added bonus.
Related: Was Week 6 A Turning Point For The Raiders?
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images