After having the week off, the Chiefs sit alone at the top of the AFC West. With a one
game lead over the other three teams, here is how the division stacks up.
By Jack Johnson, Sports Radio 810
- Kansas City Chiefs (7-4, 1-1 in division)
When you’ve won four games in a row, you set yourself up nicely to take first place in
your division. Well, that’s exactly what the Chiefs have done and now control their own
destiny for the remainder of the season.
Since falling to the Titans in late October, Kansas City’s defense is allowing just 11.75
points per game. They’ve also turned it over just five times in those four games — an
improvement over Weeks 1-7.
To close out the season, the Chiefs play within their division in four of the six games.
The next two are at home against the Broncos and Raiders. Barring a collapse, Kansas
City could have a stranglehold on the AFC West before Christmas. - Denver Broncos (6-5, 1-1 in division)
Denver is an interesting case. Following their 28-13 win over the Chargers on Sunday,
the Broncos have a shot at first place with a win over the Chiefs this Sunday night.
Despite the wild inconsistency, they’re above .500 and within striking distance.
However, there’s reason to believe the success is short-lived. Teddy Bridgewater,
Denver’s starting quarterback, continues to battle injuries. The defense, though third in
the league in points allowed per game, can be unpredictable. The Broncos ranged from
nearly shutting out Dallas to allowing 30 points to the Eagles, who scored seven against
the Giants on Sunday.
Truth be told, the Broncos will reveal their true identity on Sunday night at Arrowhead
Stadium. - Los Angeles Chargers (6-5, 2-1 in division)
The Chargers had the division within reach a month ago. The Chiefs were slumping and
Los Angeles’ schedule was favorable. However, after winning just two of their last six
games, the Chargers’ shot at a division title is slipping away.
Despite being a game back of first place, there’s a decent chance they’ll face a 9-4
Kansas City team in a few weeks. Not to mention Los Angeles has to go on the road to
Cincinnati this Sunday — one of the more dangerous AFC teams at the moment. If the
Chargers can’t go 2-1 over their next three, a wild card spot is where their eyes will be
fixated on.
The Chargers also haven’t beaten a team with a winning record since October 4th (Las
Vegas). - Las Vegas Raiders (6-5, 1-2 in division)
The Raiders had the most impressive win of the week after knocking off the Dallas
Cowboys in AT&T Stadium. In fact, it was a win that likely saved their season.
The reality, though, is the Raiders took on a Dallas team missing its top two receiving
options and allowed over 30 points. It’s a defense that’s allowed 30-or-more points in
three consecutive games.
The offense, on the other hand, averaged just 14.3 points per game during its three
game losing streak.
The Raiders play host to Washington this week, but finish their season against four
teams with a winning record — two of which come on the road. If Las Vegas is to
salvage its season, it can’t afford anymore slip ups to lesser opponents.