Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
AFC West Week 12
The officials managed to get themselves involved in plenty of other games as well this weekend so, as always, we will start with what happened in Week 12 in the AFC West.
The division-leading Denver Broncos took advantage of the many injuries that the New England Patriots are dealing with in their Sunday night win in overtime. Young quarterback Brock Osweiler showed poise and accuracy in the passing game that was greatly aided by C.J. Anderson and the Broncos’ running game. The final stat line for Osweiler was 23-of-42 for 270 yards and one touchdown. He also had one interception that was tipped in the air.
Those stats are nothing to marvel at unless you look solely at the final drive of the fourth quarter. Osweiler had two pinpoint passes deep down the field that moved the Broncos into position to tie the game. If the Broncos can continue to run the ball and let Osweiler play his game, Peyton Manning will be sitting for the rest of the year.
The Oakland Raiders traveled to Tennessee to take on the Titans in a torrential down pour. This game was sloppy throughout and give credit to the Titans for having a lead late in the fourth quarter. Even with two interceptions, Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was able to throw three touchdowns on this defense. Derek Carr continues to shine and he has discovered a new weapon in wide receiver Seth Roberts who caught the game winning touchdown in the final minutes. This win puts the Raiders just one game behind the Chiefs for a wildcard spot.
San Diego was finally able to pull out a win by beating Jacksonville on the road. It was the first time since Week 5 that tight end Antonio Gates caught a touchdown pass which has been a recipe for success for the Chargers for many years. Not much mattered in this game but it virtually ends any playoff hopes for Jacksonville.
AFC West Standings
Denver (9-2)
Kansas City (6-5)
Oakland (5-6)
Sand Diego (3-8)
Next: The rest of the AFC