The AFC West saw only one team get a victory around the division this past weekend. The Kansas City Chiefs still remain undefeated but enjoyed a week off. Los Angeles and Denver had a crucial division showdown in the Mile High City and as for the Raiders, let's just say that the downward trend they are enduring is only continuing.
Every AFC West team except for the Raiders are sitting at .500 or better. As a result, it will be a fascinating race for the teams that are looking to make it in the wild card race. Even if the Chiefs cannot be surpassed for the division crown once again, there are reasons for optimism for teams like the Chargers and the Broncos to point towards.
How do the AFC West teams stack up entering Week 7? Here is where things stand in our latest power rankings for the division.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs sat back and enjoyed their bye week last weekend. This was the earliest bye week in Patrick Mahomes' career but having that week off come earlier is not always preferred by NFL teams, That being said, Kansas City may have gotten it at a good time.
With some early injuries taking a toll on the squad, the Chiefs getting a boost now may not have been the worst thing in the world. Kansas City returns with back-to-back road games and will look to thwart the San Francisco 49ers once more.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
Sunday was arguably Justin Herbert's best performance of the season. He was throwing some dimes to the outer portions of the field. Additionally, his efficient throwing and quick releases truly allowed LA to dictate the pace of the game.
Defensively, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is still shocking opposing passers with his pressure packages. Bo Nix's timing was thrown off most of the day due to how the Chargers were able to penetrate and get home upfront. Los Angeles displayed an encouraging response coming out of their bye week to get a win following two straight losses.
3. Denver Broncos
The aforementioned timing issue of Bo Nix led him to miss some chances at quicker completions. The situation surrounding running back Javonte Williams appears to be alarming moving forward. He had a tough fumble and given how Sean Payton can react, it will be intriguing to see how Denver handles running back snaps in the coming weeks.
An injury to cornerback Patrick Surtain II did not help matters on defense but in the end, the Broncos were physically pushed around by an opposing offense for the first time in a while. If that happens against some of the better teams on their schedule, this Denver team just does not have the horses to consistently outscore anyone.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
To say that Sunday was a day to forget for the Raiders would be an understatement. The Davante Adams era in Las Vegas is now over. The Raiders offense turned the ball over horrifically without him against the Steelers on Sunday. Aidan O'Connell could only do so much with a lack of substance around him. Yet, the quarterback looked shaky from the jump against Pittsburgh.
Defensively, the Raiders were embarrassed numerous times. Najee Harris shook tacklers out of their boots. He also escaped a pile where it looked like he was well-corralled for an impressive touchdown. It is challenging to say there was no effort by some of the Raiders roster. Nonetheless, Vegas just seems to be spiraling further down a hole in this particular season.