The Denver Broncos have maintained the AFC West lead for two weeks in a row, which hasn’t happened in a long time. What does the rest of the division look like and what’s ahead for the West that could very well end up having three teams wind up in the playoffs when it’s all said and done this season.
1st Place: Denver Broncos lead the AFC West
At 6-2, the Broncos have the lead inside the AFC West and have a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Chargers after Sunday’s win against the Dallas Cowboys. Denver’s AFC conference record is 3-2, ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans.
Denver’s next three games come against AFC opponents, and two of their next three games will be against AFC West rivals. After Denver plays Houston, they’ll have a short week to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football before they host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11 after the Chiefs come off of their bye week.
Next five weeks for the Broncos
- Week 9: @ Houston Texans (3-4)
- Week 10: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)
- Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
- Week 12: BYE
- Week 13: @ Washington Commanders (SNF)
These next three games are crucial for Denver because three straight wins would lead them to a 6-2 conference record and a 2-1 divisional record, which is essential in potential tiebreaker scenarios toward the end of the season.
2nd Place: Los Angeles Chargers lurk
The Los Angeles Chargers currently sit one game back of the Broncos with a 5-3 record, with them being 3-0 in AFC West divisional play, and a 4-1 conference record.
The Chargers are coming off of a win last Thursday Night against the Minnesota Vikings.
Despite some injuries on the offensive line and at running back, the Chargers are still hanging tough.
Next five weeks for the Chargers
- Week 9: @ Tennessee Titans (1-7)
- Week 10: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
- Week 11: @ Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)
- Week 12: BYE
- Week 13: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)
3rd Place: Kansas City Chiefs looking to make a run
The Kansas City Chiefs are also one game back of the Broncos for first place inside of the AFC West at 5-3.
The Chiefs are coming off a Week 8 win at home on Monday Night Football against the Washington Commanders.
Next five weeks for the Chiefs
- @ Buffalo Bills (5-2)
- BYE Week
- @ Denver Broncos (6-2)
- vs. Indianapolis Colts (7-1)
- @ Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1)
4th Place: Las Vegas Raiders down, but can play spoils
The Las Vegas Raiders are down at the bottom of the AFC West with a 2-5 record and don’t appear likely to compete or climb their way back out from the pit of losing teams.
They had a bye week during Week 8 and will play one game prior to facing the Broncos on Thursday Night Football next week.
Next five weeks for the Raiders
- vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)
- @ Denver Broncos on TNF (6-2)
- vs. Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1)
- vs. Cleveland Browns (2-6)
- @ Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)
With three teams in the West currently in the AFC Playoff Picture if things started today, the race to build a cushion is crucial for the Broncos up ahead.