The AFC West has three teams fighting to win the division and make the playoffs. As it currently stands, two AFC West teams are in a playoff position, while one is just sitting outside a playoff spot.
The only team in the AFC West that has no chance of making the playoffs is the Las Vegas Raiders.
Here are the current AFC West standings:
- 1. Denver Broncos (7-2)
- 2. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)
- 3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)
- 4. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)
The Broncos are first in the division, but they do not have a comfortable lead.
Denver Broncos In Driver Seat In AFC West
Denver is currently in the driver’s seat with a 7-2 record.
They are 14th in points scored per game, fourth in points allowed per game, 14th in yards per game, 19th in pass yards per game, seventh in rush yards per game, eighth in time of possession, 19th in third-down efficiency percentage, first in sacks, and 21st in interceptions.
The defense has been critical for their success this season.
However, while Denver is 7-2 and first in the division, they lost their only divisional matchup this season. The Chargers beat them in week 3.
Their two losses were by three or fewer points.
If Denver can maintain their divisional lead and have home games in the playoffs, this would be a big edge.
Playing in Denver is tough for any team.
They still have five major divisional matchups, two against the Chiefs and one against the Chargers remaining.
Denver Broncos Remaining Schedule
Denver still has five divisional matchups remaining against divisional opponents. These matchups will determine if Denver can remain first in the division.
Here is the remaining schedule for Denver:
- Week 10: vs Las Vegas Raiders
- Week 11: vs Kansas City Chiefs
- Week 12: bye week
- Week 13: @ Washington Commanders
- Week 14: @ Las Vegas Raiders
- Week 15: vs Green Bay Packers
- Week 16: vs Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 17: @ Kansas City Chiefs
- Week 18: vs Los Angeles Chargers
The biggest remaining matchups for the Broncos are weeks 11 and 17 vs the Chiefs and week 18 against the Chargers.
Denver needs to defeat the Chiefs at least once and beat the Chargers to maintain their division lead.
Los Angeles Chargers Banged Up But 3-0 Against Division Opponents
The Los Angeles Chargers will be without their two star offensive tackles for the remainder of the season.
Rashawn Slater was ruled out for the year before the season began. Joe Alt will now miss the rest of the season as well.
Still, the Chargers are in a good position. They are 6-3 but 3-0 vs divisional opponents and 5-1 against Conference opponents.
LA is second in the AFC West.
They are 17th in points scored per game, 11th in points allowed per game, second in yards per game, first in pass yards per game, 10th in rush yards per game, first in time of possession, first in third down efficiency percentage, sixth in sacks, and ninth in interceptions.
Los Angeles Chargers Remaining Schedule
The Chargers will face each divisional opponent once more this season.
Here is the remaining schedule for Denver:
- Week 10: vs Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 11: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 12: bye week
- Week 13: vs Las Vegas Raiders
- Week 14: vs Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 15: @ Kansas City Chiefs
- Week 16: @ Dallas Cowboys
- Week 17: vs Houston Texans
- Week 18: @ Denver Broncos
LA has a challenging remaining schedule.
The biggest matchups remaining are against the Chiefs and Broncos.
Los Angeles can still win the division, but they will need to win their remaining three division matchups and defeat Philly to have a chance of winning the AFC West.
Week 18 could decide the winner of the division.
Chiefs Still In Contention
Surprisingly, the Chiefs are still in contention, but are in the worst spot between the Broncos and Chargers.
Kansas City is 1-1 against divisional opponents and 2-3 against conference opponents.
Currently, the Chiefs are sitting outside a playoff spot in the AFC.
They are eighth in points scored per game, third in points allowed per game, sixth in yards per game, seventh in pass yards per game, 12th in rush yards per game, third in time of possession, 10th in third down efficiency percentage, 19th in sacks, and 14th in interceptions.
Kansas City Chiefs Remaining Schedule
The Chiefs will face the Broncos twice and the Chargers and Raiders each once more this season.
Here is the remaining schedule for Kansas City:
- Week 10: bye week
- Week 11: @ Denver Broncos
- Week 12: vs Indianapolis Colts
- Week 13: @ Dallas Cowboys
- Week 14: vs Houston Texans
- Week 15: vs Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 16: @ Tennessee Titans
- Week 17: vs Denver Broncos
- Week 18: @ Las Vegas Raiders
The Chiefs need to beat the Broncos both times and the Chargers to have a shot at winning the division.
Which Team Will Win The AFC West?
Here are the current odds to win the division:
-
- 1. Denver Broncos (+105)
- 2. Kansas City Chiefs (+150)
- 3. Los Angeles Chargers (+425)
- 4. Las Vegas Raiders (+50000
Denver is favored, with the Chiefs second, and the Chargers third.
The Broncos are in the driver’s seat and will win the AFC West. They have the best defense in the division. The two remaining matchups between the Chiefs and Broncos will be huge, but Denver needs to win just one of the two games against the Chiefs.
The Chargers are banged up on the offensive line.
Denver will win the AFC West.
