AFC WEST MIDSEASON RECAP

The National Football League just wrapped Week 8, meaning we’ve about reached the halfway point in the 2022-2023 season. Let’s zoom in to the AFC West and see where each team stands in the division heading into Week 9.

The Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs currently sit atop the AFC West at 5-2. Those two losses belong to the Indianapolis Colts and the Buffalo Bills. The latter is more concerning to Kansas City. The Bills beat the Chiefs in Week 7 on the road, arguably proving themselves as the top threat in the AFC. Still, Kansas City has gone 2-0 against division opponents. The Chiefs have 4 more division games to put themselves deeper into playoff position, two of those being against the Denver Broncos. It is worth noting that both of their division games thus far were won by tight margins, but with a competitive division like the AFC West, that is expected. If the playoffs started today, there is no doubt the Chiefs would be there, and with a lot of potential to go far.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers salvaged a 1-2 start to the season, now second in the AFC West at 4-3. The Chargers kicked off their season by defeating an AFC West opponent, the Las Vegas Raiders, and have since accumulated another win and one loss within the AFC West. The Chargers have lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Kansas City Chiefs, and just last week docked their third loss against the Seattle Seahawks. As of right now, the Chargers would likely secure the final wild card spot in the playoffs. However, Los Angeles will meet each AFC West team one more time before the season concludes. As of right now, the Chargers are in a good spot.

The Denver Broncos

The Broncos have had a rough start to the season. Right now, Denver is third in the AFC West with losses to both the Raiders and Chargers. With two losses in the division, the Broncos have dug themselves a hole. Still yet to face the Chiefs, Denver will likely have to win at least one of those matchups to make the playoffs as a wild card. Most importantly though for Denver, the Broncos must win games. At this point, it doesn't really matter who they beat, they just need wins.

The Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders are the worst team in the AFC West according to wins and losses, especially after starting the season 0-3. However, Las Vegas arguably has a better shot at the playoffs than Denver, and may be the better team as a whole. The Raiders are 2-5, but one of those wins is against the Broncos, a division opponent. The New York Times claims that the Raiders have a 14% chance to make the playoffs while Denver only has a 12% chance, despite the better record.

Like Denver, the Raiders need wins. Last week, the Raiders not only lost their 5th game, but got shut out 24-0 by the New Orleans Saints. The playoffs are far out of sight for Las Vegas if the team cannot find a way to win.

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