Another week of NFL action means it is time to update our AFC West Power Rankings. Who’s up? Who’s down? Let’s find out!
One quick note, this piece was written before the Thursday Night Football game between the Raiders and Broncos. That game was not a factor in this week’s rankings. Those results will be considered for next week.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Trending: Up
Despite the loss, the Raiders looked relatively good. Emphasis on the ‘relative’ part. Nevertheless, Las Vegas looked competitive against a pretty solid Jaguars team that just beat the Chiefs a few weeks ago. That being said, there is still a significant gap between the Raiders and the rest of the division. However, that gap could narrow if they manage to upset the Broncos on Thursday Night Football this week.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
Trending: Down
Even after a win, there’s little for Chargers fans to celebrate. Los Angeles’ narrow victory over the lowly Titans came at a steep cost.
Joe Alt—who shifted to left tackle this season after Rashawn Slater’s injury—suffered a season-ending ankle injury, adding to the Chargers’ ever-growing injured reserve list. To make matters worse, right tackle Bobby Hart also left the game hurt.
The offensive line injuries are piling up to an almost impossible level. At this point, the Chargers may only be capable of beating bad teams. Despite a 6-3 record, it somehow feels like their season is slipping away.
2. Denver Broncos
Trending: Steady
That game unfolded exactly as expected. Denver’s offense once again sputtered against a quality defense—but it didn’t matter. The Broncos’ defense completely smothered a struggling Houston unit, carrying the team to another win.
That formula has worked so far. Denver now sits at 7-2 atop the AFC West. Still, it feels dangerously unsustainable. Even so, the Broncos should keep rolling this week against a Raiders team that’s exactly the kind of opponent they’ve been feasting on all season.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Trending: Down
Maybe we crowned the Chiefs a bit too early. Normally, a one-score loss on the road to a team like the Bills would be nothing to worry about. However, Buffalo has been sputtering a bit lately and Kansas City did not look great in this loss. Patrick Mahomes had another rough passing game. He is currently on pace for his lowest completion percentage in a season since his rookie year, when he only played one game. The Chiefs cannot have that when their whole formula for success is predicated on being carried by their quarterback.
Related: Brock Bowers Really Is Carrying The Raiders’ Season
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images