NFL power rankings: AFC West begins to clarify at season's midpoint

The AFC West was involved in one of the most wild finishes of the year—and there have been so many already around the league. In the division matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos, there was still a shocking end to what seemed to be a clear upset.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Chargers finished strong against the Tennessee Titans after a bit of a slow start. In terms of where the Chargers and Broncos are in the middle of the division, each team is beginning to finalize clear roles as November rolls on. The Las Vegas Raiders will still look to end a losing streak of five games next week. But for this week, they were able to avoid more depressing headlines during their bye week.

How do the AFC West teams stack up entering Week 11? Here are where things stand in our latest power rankings in the division.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs survived by a toe in Week 1. A walk-off field goal by Harrison Butker allowed them to emerge victorious the next week. A fourth-down stop in Atlanta, another fourth-down stop in Las Vegas, and now two tight home wins allowed Kansas City to remain unbeaten. Somehow, in some way, this Chiefs team just finds new ways to win. They may not always play great for a full 60 minutes. There is still a major difference in how they execute with the game on the line, compared to most of the NFL.

It was a tremendous second half from Kansas City's defense on Sunday against Denver. The Broncos were held scoreless in the last two quarters. Because of the tackling and ability to make plays in space, Kansas City was able to get off the field more consistently. The Chiefs' offense was held down by their results upfront. But with solid days from Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt as receivers, KC moved the ball just enough to outscore the Broncos. And of course, an unbelievable blocked field goal fuels the Chiefs' motivation and hatred from other fanbases further, as Kansas City sits at 9-0.

2. Los Angeles Chargers

When talking about teams finalizing clear roles, there is enough of a difference in the middle of the AFC West. The Los Angeles Chargers are firmly establishing themselves as a pesky, physical team that can grind you down. As a result, Los Angeles is becoming one of the more believable teams that could upset someone as a wild card in the upcoming playoffs. They are not flashy. Nothing about the Chargers is going to come across as flamboyant in the highlight reel. But, that is just the way that head coach Jim Harbaugh probably wants it.

Los Angeles used sheer will and power to get ahead of the Titans in the second half. Justin Herbert extended plays and kept drives alive with his legs. A few big runs by Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins helped ignite an approach that wore Tennessee down. And when they needed Herbert to hit on a shot down the field, he did. Defensively, the pressure of the Chargers' pass rush is continually exquisite. At this point in November, LA has grown into a team capable of winning a playoff game.

3. Denver Broncos

The Broncos are finalizing a role of being on the fringe of clear playoff contenders. They are not particularly great, but Denver is nowhere near terrible either. Compared to the Chargers, the Broncos are not as believable as teams that could get an upset as a wild card. Denver will simply be in the status of "happy to be there" if they make the postseason which, if you look at the results of recent seasons, is a fair place to be in among the NFL hierarchy in Sean Payton's second season and after missing the playoffs for eight straight seasons.

Some of that may sound crazy after they nearly handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season. But between them and the Chargers in these AFC West power rankings, the Broncos are still learning how to win and attack opponents. Los Angeles has their formula and foundation in place, and they believe in it. If Bo Nix can maintain this safe and steady level of play, Denver will still have a shot to end that playoff drought.

4. Las Vegas Raiders

As mentioned above, the Raiders did not play this weekend. Las Vegas will return from their bye week with new voices on the coaching staff leading the offense. Will Gardner Minshew or Desmond Ridder handle things at quarterback? It may be as good as an empty test run for either passer, at least in terms of their respective future in Las Vegas.

The Raiders round out November with a trip to Miami, followed by two division games. Denver will come to Las Vegas before the Raiders travel to Kansas City on Black Friday. Can this team play spoiler role against other AFC foes?