The NFL is nearing the halfway point of the season, and the picture in the AFC West is beginning to unfold. The San Diego Chargers have made the most of their roster, and have shown that even though they trail in the division they're still a notable force. Although the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Oakland Raiders last Sunday, the Silver and Black remain atop the AFC West with the Denver Broncos.
The Raiders and Chargers will both play on the road this week, while the Chiefs and Broncos host their opponents. Recently, the Chiefs made headlines with a couple roster moves and appear to be equipping themselves for the future.
As the season continues to progress, the battle for the AFC West should only become more intense. With Week 7 about to begin, let's get you updated with a look around the division.
Denver Broncos
Last week, the Broncos suffered a loss to the San Diego Chargers, and appeared to miss the guidance of Head Coach Gary Kubiak. Kubiak wasn't in attendance due to some personal health issues, but is now back with the team. In his absence the defense allowed 265 yards, but also gave up 21 points to their 13. For how strong their defense has been in recent seasons, this season they've managed to let opposing teams average 23.3 points per game (16th in the league), 323.3 total yards per game (28th in the league), and 224.8 pass yards per game (27th in the league).
There's no question that there are areas the Broncos can improve in, but regardless of the statistics they've still been able to win games. The reigning Super Bowl champs are currently 4-2 and remain a test in the West.
This week, the Broncos will have the chance to rebound from their loss with an AFC matchup against the Houston Texans. The game will take place at Sports Authority Stadium at Mile High in Denver this Sunday at 5:30 p.m. PT.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have been productive this week, wheeling and dealing around the league, while also making a couple of active roster acquisitions. Tuesday afternoon, Chiefs.com announced a couple of roster moves they made, and one of the notable transactions included a trade with the Green Bay Packers.
Kansas City sent running back Knile Davis to Green Bay for an undisclosed draft pick. The loss of Davis shouldn't affect them considering they already have a trifecta of solid running backs in Jamaal Charles, Spencer Ware, and Charcandrick West.
While in Kansas City, Davis accumulated 775 yards, with 11 touchdowns, and served as a backup behind Charles. The 25-year-old will have a chance to play in Green Bay with running backs Eddie Lacy and James Starks hobbled with injuries.
Aside from the move, the Chiefs added Terrance Mitchell (cornerback), Kendall Reyes (defensive end), Rakeem Nunez-Roches (defensive lineman), and Ramik Wilson (linebacker) to the active roster. It's clear that the team is trying to bolster the roster in a variety of areas.
The Chiefs will kickoff Week 7 this Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium against the New Orleans Saints at 10:00 a.m. PT.
San Diego Chargers
Prior to their 21-13 victory over the Broncos, the Chargers were having a rough season, and due to their inability to close out games were 1-4. Now 2-4, the Bolts have shown some signs of life and rebounded from their loss against the Raiders in impressive fashion.
The win marked the 50th time they've defeated the Broncos, and could play a significant role in the AFC West race in the future.
San Diego has been decimated by injuries, but have still managed to put up a fight against their competitors. Much of their success falls on the shoulders of veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who currently owns the seventh-best passer rating in the NFL at 105.9.
Even without offensive weapons such as wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Danny Woodhead, Rivers has thrown for 1,647 yards and 12 touchdowns, limiting his interceptions to three. The 13-year signal-caller is a fierce competitor and has remained determined all season long, despite the team's losing record.
The Chargers can inch closer to being .500 this Sunday against a tough Atlanta Falcons team, the game is at the Georgia Dome with kickoff set for 1:05 p.m. PT.
