The AFC West picture got a little clearer in Week 9, and not in a way that makes life any easier for the Chiefs.
Kansas City snapped its two-game skid with a blowout of the Jets, but Denver answered with a win of its own to stay on top of the division at 7-2. The Raiders and Chargers both took losses, which leaves this race looking like it belongs to just two teams: Kansas City and Denver.
Here’s how the division stacks up after Week 9.
- Los Angeles Chargers (0-8)
The Chargers are still searching for their first win, and Week 9 didn’t bring any relief. Houston handled them 44-22, building a 24-9 halftime lead and stretching it to 38-9 at one point.
Los Angeles did at least find the end zone in the third quarter, ending a brutal stretch of 37 straight drives without a touchdown. That’s where things stand for the Chargers right now: even the small victories are just stopping the bleeding.
Their trade deadline activity was minimal. The only move mentioned was an in-division deal with Denver that sent linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Broncos.
At this point, there’s no mystery about where they belong in these rankings. The Chargers are last in the AFC West and, according to this week’s look around the league, the worst team in football.
- Las Vegas Raiders (4-5)
The Raiders opened the season 3-0 and looked like they might be onto something. Since then, it’s been a hard fall. They’ve gone 1-5 since that start, and their latest loss came in a 38-17 beatdown at the hands of the 49ers.
There’s also a major change under center. Kirk Cousins had started the first nine games for Las Vegas, but he’s now been traded back to Minnesota. That clears the way for the Fernando Mendoza era in Las Vegas, and Chiefs fans will get an early look at what the No. 1 overall pick can do for one of Kansas City’s biggest division rivals.
His first two tests are a tough one: the Seahawks and the Broncos’ defenses. Good luck with that, Fernando. You’re going to need it.
Next game: vs. Seahawks (5-4)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-2)
Kansas City got back in the win column with a 35-12 victory over the Jets, and the second half is what made the difference. The Jets were hanging around at halftime, trailing by just two, and they were moving the ball well enough to keep things interesting. Then the Chiefs slammed the door, shut New York out after the break, and scored 21 points of their own.
Patrick Mahomes also got banged up in the win, which matters because he’s still the centerpiece of everything Kansas City does.
The trade deadline brought help at receiver. The Chiefs landed Josh Downs from the Colts in a deal that cost two Day 3 picks. That gives Mahomes another dependable target, and Kansas City will be hoping it helps the offense settle in and become more consistent.
Even with the win, the Chiefs stay behind Denver for now. There’s still plenty of season left, though, and that leaves room for the standings to keep shifting.
- Denver Broncos (7-2)
Denver stayed in first place by surviving in Charlotte, edging the Panthers 26-21. Chiefs fans had every reason to keep an eye on that one, because a Broncos loss would have pushed Kansas City back ahead in the AFC West.
The Broncos’ offense was better this week, which matters because that side of the ball has been their issue. Bo Nix has often started slowly, but Denver has found ways to finish games and get enough done late.
They also get a bye next week, so they won’t be adding to their lead while Kansas City is set to play Atlanta. Still, Denver holds the top spot here for a reason: they’re in first place, they’re stronger in the trenches than the Chiefs, and they have help at receiver plus a kicker who can - gasp - make kicks!
Denver’s only deadline addition mentioned here was linebacker Daiyan Henley, who came over from the Chargers. That gives the Broncos another piece on defense.
If Kansas City handles Atlanta convincingly while Denver sits out its bye, that could be enough to flip these rankings next week. If the Chiefs win narrowly, or lose, Denver stays No. 1.
In Other News...
Travis Kelce Had An Immediate Reaction To Chiefs WR Move
The Chiefs added another receiving option to their offense, landing Josh Downs from the Colts in a deal that sends Kansas City a package of future draft picks. Downs arrives with some production already on his rsum, having caught 33 passes for 354 yards and a touchdown in nine games before the move, and the timing of the trade made it a natural topic when Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce were talking on their podcast.
Travis Kelces reaction came right away as the news broke in real time, giving Chiefs fans an instant glimpse at how one of the teams most important voices views the move. For Kansas City, the trade is another sign the front office is still looking for ways to keep the passing game fresh, and Downs now steps into a receiver room where every new piece gets a close look. [Read more 🡒]
Chiefs Rookie Class Is Starting To Look Like A Massive Draft Win
The Chiefs decision to move up to No. 6 for Mansoor Delane is already looking like the kind of draft gamble that can reshape a class. Even with three games missed because of a shoulder injury, the rookie corner has been one of the more encouraging young pieces in Kansas City, giving the defense immediate value from a pick that came with plenty of expectation attached.
Delane is not the only first-year player helping the Chiefs feel better about the haul. Running back Emmett Johnson and several other rookies have also drawn notice for their early-season contributions, giving Kansas City a rookie group that has done more than just fill out the depth chart. For a team always chasing edges, that kind of early return can matter just as much as the headline move that brought Delane to town. [Read more 🡒]
Chiefs Suddenly Have A Return Game Question Fans Didn't Expect
The Chiefs made a roster move for Josh Downs that came with a wrinkle on special teams, parting ways with defensive end Jack Pyburn and returner Nikko Remigio to clear space for the receiver they acquired from the Colts. Pyburn had not seen the field since joining Kansas City, but Remigio was a more notable cut because he had been handling the teams return duties and had recently been contributing in that role.
Kansas City could still try to bring both players back on the practice squad, which would soften the blow if they clear waivers. Even so, Remigios release leaves an immediate question for a team that has leaned on stability in the return game, and it is the kind of move that can ripple beyond the headline trade if the Chiefs do not have a clean answer lined up. [Read more 🡒]