Written by: Tyler Deakin
The AFC West is the most competitive division in all of football heading into Week 13. All four teams have recorded 6 or more wins, and it’s possible that three of these teams make the playoffs this year with the expanded playoff format. These teams are going to be seeing a lot of each other over the last few weeks of the season, as each team has at least three division games remaining on their schedule. I want to explore each team’s record, remaining schedule, and playoff chances as we head into the stretch run of the NFL season. I’ve listed these teams in order by divisional standings heading into Week 13. Things are bound to change after this week.
Kansas City Chiefs (No. 4 seed, 7-4 overall, 1-1 division)
Schedule: vs: DEN, vs. LV, @ LAC, vs. PIT, @ CIN, @ DEN
The Chiefs are fresh coming off their bye week, but their schedule doesn’t do them any favors as they head into the stretch run. They are one of two teams in the AFC West with 4 division games remaining, and their season ends with two straight road games. None of their opponents look like pushovers either, so winning as many games as possible is important for them. I believe that Kansas City should be considered the favorites to win the division this year despite those factors working against them. The team has played great football in recent weeks, and their defense looks like it has turned a corner. Having their bye week this late in the season is crucial, because Patrick Mahomes has a 7-1 record in games immediately following their bye.
Los Angeles Chargers (No. 7 seed, 6-5 overall, 2-1 division)
Schedule: @ CIN, vs. NYG, vs. KC, @ HOU, vs. DEN, @ LV
I’m expecting the Chargers to somehow hang onto that 7th playoff seed in the AFC. The team’s got two winnable games in the Giants & Texans, plus they are the only team of the four with a positive division record. They’ve always got a chance with QB Justin Herbert at the helm. Would anyone be surprised if they faltered down the stretch though? Their offense & defense are both inconsistent units, which is a recipe for disaster in the NFL. The AFC is an absolute gauntlet too, pitting 12 teams with .500 or better records in a battle royale for 7 playoff spots.
Denver Broncos (No. 8 seed, 6-5 overall, 1-1 division)
Schedule: @ KC, vs. DET, vs. CIN, @ LV, @ LAC, vs. KC
Upsetting the Chiefs on the road this weekend would boost the Broncos playoff chances. I’m skeptical that will happen however, so winning their remaining games becomes just as important for them. They’ve got one very winnable game in the Lions, but beyond that a bunch of divisional battles await them down the stretch. Teddy Bridgewater needs to do more than simply manage the game; he needs to start making plays in the passing game as well. I believe their defense matches up well with the league’s best offenses, but it doesn’t matter unless the offense plays complimentary football. That’s why it’s hard to imagine this team making a run.
Las Vegas Raiders (No. 9 seed, 6-5 overall, 1-2 division)
Schedule: vs. WFT, @ KC, @ CLE, vs. DEN, @ IND, vs. LAC
Let’s give credit to the Raiders, they’ve hung around the outskirts of the playoff picture despite a constant wave of distractions off the field. This includes their head coach resigning & their leading receiver being arrested for a DUI incident. Now they’ll have to move forward without star TE Darren Waller as he strained the IT band in his knee last week. These factors combined with a negative division record make it difficult to imagine this team sneaking into the playoff picture. Crazier things have happened though, so nobody should count them out just yet.
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