AFC West power rankings: Rivals flip-flop in the heart of the division

It was an eventful week for various reasons inside of the AFC West division in Week 7. For the most part, the Kansas City Chiefs won in dominating fashion. Another win over the San Francisco 49ers allowed the Chiefs to remain unbeaten. For Denver, the Broncos also had a resounding win in one of the more boring Thursday night games of the NFL season so far.

On the flip side, things are still unsettled for both the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders. Neither team played as bad as they could have this past weekend. Though, each squad failed miserably to cash in on opportunities to take control of the game. That led to another potential flip-flop in our division power rankings going into Week 8.

How do the AFC West teams stack up following Week 7? Here is where things stand in our latest power rankings for the division.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Other than offensive turnovers, the Chiefs played a pretty stellar game on Sunday against the 49ers. It was a game where Kansas City was able to control things via their running game. And for the most part, the Chiefs thwarted another opposing rushing attack once again. Three interceptions on Brock Purdy reminded people just how flawless defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has been against Shanahan-schemed offenses in his career.

The only thing that is putting more pressure on Kansas City right now, is injuries. That is an item that has plagued them already this season. But on Sunday, JuJu Smith-Schuster reaggravated a hamstring injury. The team has already ruled him out for Week 8 in Las Vegas. Xavier Worthy got a little dinged up as well. And on defense, cornerback Jaylen Watson suffered a reported broken ankle, a discouraging blow to a player who had started the season off well. More depth players are going to get increased chances as the Chiefs look to remain undefeated.

2. Denver Broncos

Sean Payton's return to New Orleans could not have gone much better for him and the Broncos. Denver was facing a Saints defense that had been struggling mightily with their tackling. To say that it did not improve, it would be an understatement. The Broncos ran all over the Saints, demoralizing them with 225 rushing yards and 6.4 yards per carry. Through the air, Bo Nix began to find some rhythm with some pass catchers who have not done a lot this season. That could be helpful for Denver as teams largely turn their focus to Courtland Sutton.

It was yet another impressive week for the Broncos defense. Denver's pass rush continues to consistently get home and wreak havoc. In total, they sacked Spencer Rattler six times on Thursday night, while also forcing him to fumble a couple of times. New Orleans just could not get ahead of the sticks very often, notching just a measly 4.1 yards per play on the night. A late fumble returned for a touchdown by Denver linebacker Cody Barton truly emphasized how commanding of a night the Broncos defense had.

3. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers lost on a walk-off field goal to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night. It was truly a night full of mixed results for Los Angeles. Justin Herbert was efficient and completed some throws into tight windows. He had one of his best games of the year, overall. The Chargers' rushing attack, which started the season hot, was stymied and held to just 2.7 yards per carry and 59 rushing yards. Obviously, LA could not reach the end zone, settling for field goals five times. A fumble near the goal line by Jalen Reagor was the closest they would come to reaching pay dirt.

The Bolts are 3-3 now, having gone 1-3 in their last four games. Los Angeles certainly has some elements to believe in. This new regime has made a difference in some key areas, especially on defense. But losses like this one embody the same old Chargering jokes that have followed this team for years. No matter how much talent they have, reaching their ultimate potential or getting out of their own way is a complete struggle. LA is just not as consistent as the Broncos right now.

4. Las Vegas Raiders

It was a short-lived opportunity for Aidan O'Connell as the starting quarterback. He left Sunday's game early against the Rams. In the end, it is a broken thumb injury for the Purdue product. He is facing a reported recovery timeline of 4-6 weeks. Gardner Minshew will now reassume the starting job as the Raiders take on the Chiefs this upcoming week. For what it is worth, Las Vegas did sign former Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder off the Cardinals' practice squad on Monday.

It was not as large of a loss on the scoreboard, compared to some of their other defeats recently. However, the Raiders offer very little substance to buy into right now. Some Raiders fans are already looking towards the future via potential mock drafts. Las Vegas also faces a pretty daunting stretch now sitting at 2-5. Six of their next seven games involve teams who currently have winning records. A span that includes the Chiefs twice, the Bengals, the Broncos, the Buccaneers and the Falcons.