AFC West standings: Raiders, Broncos slip while Chiefs rest

The Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos failed to take advantage of their resting rivals in Week 12 as both teams lost in blowout games.

The Kansas City Chiefs were content to sit and watch their rivals slide while resting during their bye in Week 12. Unfortunately for the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos, neither team was able to take advantage of their resting rivals as both teams lost during a week when they could have climbed a half game in the standings.

The Oakland Raiders in particular can ill afford any such slip at this point in the season. They’ve done well to even be in contention at this point after being predicted to finish in or near the division’s basement all preseason. Now with a playoff spot in their sights and a very easy schedule down the stretch, the Raiders need to rise to the occasion. Instead, they slumped as low as ever in Week 12 with a loss to the New York Jets by a final of 34-3.

As for the Denver Broncos, their fate wasn’t much better even if they weren’t expected to rally at this point in a lost season. They faced the Buffalo Bills and lost 20-3 in a game in a showing that was dismal for a team with at least a handful of veterans remaining from their Super Bowl days. It’s amazing to see just how far John Elway‘s team has fallen with no real hope for the future.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs were both given a Week 12 bye so both teams were allowed to take some time off after squaring off in Mexico City on Monday Night Football in Week 11.

Here’s a look at an updated AFC West standings.

AFC WEST – WEEK 12

1. Kansas City Chiefs – 7-4
2. Oakland Raiders – 6-5
3. Los Angeles Chargers – 4-7
4. Denver Broncos – 3-8