Things are really starting to come down to the wire; I wouldn't want it any other way.
The Oakland Raiders are about to enter the final quarter of the 2017 regular season, and they are locked into a three-way tie with the Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers, for first place in the AFC West. When you think about the entirety of the season thus far, it's strange to think about how we all ended up in this situation, but here we are.
After knocking off the New York Giants at home Sunday, the Silver and Black moved to 6-6, and will try to move above .500 for the first time since Week 3 this week against the Chiefs. With the divisional matchup being a few days away, let's take a moment to break down everything in the division.
It's time once again for the AFC West Update.
Denver Broncos
Remember when the Broncos won the Super Bowl two years ago, had an elite defense, and seemed to have it all figured out?
That seems like a lifetime ago.
The Broncos haven't won a game since Week 3, that's eight losses in a row, and it doesn't look like they'll win anytime soon. The main issue still appears to be the play from the quarterback position, considering Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, and Paxton Lynch have all combined for 14 touchdowns and 18 interceptions – yikes.
If the offense is unable to be effective through the air, then the team can't get things rolling on the ground, and right now the Broncos offense is at a dead halt. Since taking over as the team's Offensive Coordinator two weeks ago, Bill Musgrave has been unable to find a cure for whatever's plaguing his unit. Up next is a stout New York Jets defensive line; we'll see if the Broncos' losing streak stays alive.
Kansas City Chiefs
I wish I had an answer as to what was going on with the Chiefs, but in a way I guess I'm glad I don't?
No one can pinpoint how the Chiefs have gone from a 5-0 team to a 6-6 team – you won't find me complaining – but it's certainly baffling. As mentioned last week, this team had a dominant lead in the AFC West, and appeared to have an early grasp on the top spot, but they're no longer alone at the top, as they're now joined by the Raiders and Chargers. The Chiefs have slipped and lost six of their last seven games, which seems uncharacteristic under the leadership of Head Coach Andy Reid.
When the Raiders travel to Kansas City this weekend you better believe there will be some added incentive, especially after the thrilling game these two provided earlier this year.
Also, Reid announced Wednesday morning that All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters would miss this Sunday's game due to suspension. Without their best playmaker in the secondary, members of the Raiders wide receiving corps could be in for a big day.
This won't be a game you'll want to miss; kickoff is at 10:00 a.m. PST.
Los Angeles Chargers
Wide receiver Keenan Allen has been on a tear the past few weeks, notching 33 receptions, four touchdowns, and 436 receiving yards in three weeks. The former University of California Berkeley Golden Bear's surge is part of the reason the Bolts have risen to the top of the division. Allen's talent has been undisputed for years now, but injuries have hindered his growth and impact on the field.
Last week, the Bolts conquered the winless Cleveland Browns, to no surprise, but they will face a tougher matchup this week when they host the Washington Redskins. Kirk Cousins has been solid this season, throwing 21 touchdowns, with just eight interceptions. It's a winnable game for the Chargers, and they'll need to win if they want to stay at the top of the division.
