NFL power rankings: AFC West displays plenty of positives, negatives in Week 12

The AFC West did not see much impact on the division standings after Week 12. However, many of the teams displayed a great mixture of positives and negatives this weekend. Kansas City started out well but made things tighter than they needed to be against the Carolina Panthers. Denver took care of Las Vegas in a division meeting. Though, it was not necessarily as dominant for the Broncos as some may have expected.

The Chargers were in the most impactful matchup of the week involving AFC West squads. In the battle of the Harbaugh brothers, Los Angeles played a critical game against the Baltimore Ravens, when it comes to AFC seeding implications. While the Chargers fell short, LA has built up an intriguing case as a sneaky wild card threat.

How do the AFC West teams stack up entering Week 13? Here are where things stand in our latest power rankings in the division.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

How close the Chiefs' victories have been is a major discussion point this season. "They're lucky." "Kansas City is a bunch of frauds." Those are the cliches being thrown around about the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champions. But last we checked, a team's margin of victory only matters in the College Football Playoff discussion. If you are talking about the NFL, many games come down to one score and the Chiefs simply know how to win.

On the positive side in Carolina, Patrick Mahomes bounced back with some tight strikes and his ability to create with his legs. The passing game was rolling early. And for the most part, the run defense remained strong against a good running back. Negatives like pass defense, failing to get after the passer with four rushers, and the offensive tackles continue to be a focal point as the season gets deeper.

2. Los Angeles Chargers

Even with another Broncos win, the Chargers losing did not do enough to drop them in our divisional power rankings. They have just had too many believable outings lately even before this defeat. Los Angeles still found ways to let Justin Herbert spin tight window throws. He also uses his legs much more to create outside of the pocket or when taking off and running himself. The greatest takeaway from Monday night is the generally stingy Chargers' defense did not limit the points as successfully against a top-tier team.

The Bolts have two interesting road games coming up against the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City. Now at 7-4, Los Angeles is three games back of the Chiefs for the AFC West crown. Can they bounce back in Atlanta before a Sunday night meeting at Arrowhead?

3. Denver Broncos

Bo Nix continues to look comfortable and confident. Courtland Sutton was dominant as an explosive threat. Even with giving up some yards defensively, the Broncos stood tall in the red zone. Denver may not have been as efficient when trying to get off the field. However, the Broncos are just playing consistently in situational football moments.

Many key matchups to determine the AFC wild card spots await Denver in the coming weeks. But if there is one thing we have learned about Sean Payton's squad, the Broncos are going to be well-prepared. This team's ability to challenge contenders will be put to the test throughout December.

4. Las Vegas Raiders

Overall, the Raiders found some positive chunks in the run game with some top running backs out with injury. Others outside of Brock Bowers even stepped up in the passing game. But with Gardner Minshew now injured, who do the Raiders turn to move forward?

Las Vegas has lost seven in a row. But if there is anything that could make owner Mark Davis happy, it is putting a scare into the rival Chiefs on Black Friday. The Raiders pulled off an upset in Arrowhead last year. Can they come close again?