NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs escape, Broncos impress in big Week 13 for AFC West

The AFC West was able to offer up some exciting and tight finishes for the Week 13 slate. With what seemed to be another second-half collapse, the Chiefs were able to hang on against the rival Raiders. It was a botched snap by Las Vegas that allowed Kansas City to secure a season sweep over their biggest rival. In total, the Chiefs were able to win by two points for the second time in a home division game this season.

The Los Angeles Chargers did not have as dominant of a game, compared to some of their other wins. But after a loss, the Bolts were able to force four Kirk Cousins' interceptions, including one in the final two minutes and another that resulted in an LA pick-six. The Chargers get their eighth win of the season via a four-point victory.

The Denver Broncos came out on top in a high-scoring affair. It appeared that the Broncos controlled things offensively. But in a game filled with turnovers, Denver's defense got the edge in that area at the very end to seal it against the Cleveland Browns.

How do the AFC West teams stack up entering Week 14? Here are where things stand in our latest power rankings in the division.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Out of all of the close wins for the Chiefs this season, this one against the Raiders felt like their worst performance. The Kansas City defense could not get off the field in the second half. If not for missed kicks from Daniel Carlson and the last-second fumble, the Raiders could have won in Kansas City for a second straight season. But in the end, those mistakes from Las Vegas allowed the Chiefs to stay alive.

Questionable play calling, especially with a lack of running the ball, along with increased frustration at offensive tackle hurt the offense as the game got deeper. Could the Raiders making things close at Arrowhead provide a wakeup call for Kansas City, once again? Despite the win, that has to be the case for the Chiefs as the season gets shorter, if they are going to complete a three-peat.

2. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers' defense continues to make momentum-changing plays. Those four interceptions against Cousins bring up more questions about the Falcons than anything. However, for Los Angeles, their consistency as a tough, demanding defense, along with their veteran talent and system on that side of the ball, is good enough to win them a playoff game or two.

The offense failed to move the ball much. For instance, Los Angeles finished with just 10 first downs on Sunday. But with this particular offense being balanced, the Chargers can find comfort in playing a gritty, low-scoring game, due to this coaching staff. That is not something you could have said about this franchise for the previous decade or so.

3. Denver Broncos

It was not as clean of a game from Bo Nix, compared to some of his recent starts. But when it came down to executing the offense and getting the Broncos in position to score, he largely got the job done. Jaleel McLaughlin ran wild to help keep the Browns defense on its toes. And most of all, this Denver defense just knows how to step up when the situation appears dire.

The Broncos now sit at 8-5. Essentially all of their last four games will be stiff tests, however. The Chargers and the Chiefs will be games against teams who are ahead of them in the AFC West. A date with the Bengals may just be a chance for Cincinnati to play spoiler. And of course, the next game against the Colts could essentially decide the seventh seed in the conference.

4. Las Vegas Raiders

Even with a tight loss and the losing streak continuing, the Raiders look more competent in recent showings. That is especially true with Aidan O'Connell at the helm as quarterback. Various aspects of belief just visually look higher when he is the one taking snaps. Meanwhile, other offensive role players have performed adequately with injuries allowing chances for lesser-known pieces.

Rookie tight end Brock Bowers is as elite as advertised. And even outside of Maxx Crosby's strong game, other pass rushers were able to frustrate Patrick Mahomes for the Raiders' defense. Whichever elements Las Vegas can turn into positives moving forward will be fascinating to monitor, as they are still destined for a top draft pick.