Welcome back to my weekly AFC West check-in – a quick, data-driven power ranking that tracks how the divisional shifts from Sunday to Sunday. Rankings aren’t box-score trophies – they’re context-adjusted judgments on where these teams are at and who’s sitting pole week to week.
Here’s how I stack the AFC West after Week 7 – with my whys and whatfor’s.
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1) Denver Broncos (5–2)
Bo Nix Is Looking Like a Draft-Day Steal for the Broncos
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix warms up against the Green Bay Packers. | Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver sits atop the division on merit: they’re stacking wins and just authored a wild, 33-point fourth-quarter rally that speaks to real resilience. The staff will love the “response” tape, but they’ll also have to admit the first three quarters were disjointed and penalty-prone before Bo Nix went scorched-earth. Still, finishing matters in this league, and Denver closed like a playoff outfit with the two-minute mechanics dialed in and Will Lutz cashing it. The Broncos maintain the slightest edge at No. 1, for now.
Week 8 Outlook: Dallas comes to town – protect the edges, stay ahead of the sticks, and don’t spot a high-powered offense three quarters this time. If Denver’s script hits early and the defense does its job, they will have the arrow pointed up.
2) Kansas City Chiefs (4–3)
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Baltimore Ravens v Kansas City Chiefs | Peter Aiken/Getty Images
Kansas City looked every bit like the bully again, pitching a 31-0 shutout and controlling the game all afternoon. The defense smothered everything, while the offense got delivered: rhythm throws, efficient third-down work, creativity (DID YOU SEE THE NO-LOOK PASS), and a clean red-zone sheet. That’s the template – complementary football – and it’s the recipe if they keep the lid off. Week 7 was a distinct message: the ceiling here is still the highest in the division.
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Week 8 Outlook: Monday night vs. Washington is about avoiding the post-blowout lull and stacking good habits (possession, third downs, no freebies). If they replicate the script – and Daniels (hamstring) is missing time – they’ll keep pressure on the Broncos at the top.
3) Los Angeles Chargers (4–3)
Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass against the Washington Commanders in the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Chargers can throw the football with the best of them – 400+ yards and weapons everywhere, which feels weird to say about a Jim Harbaugh team. But the self-inflicted stuff (turnovers, early holes) keeps dragging the grade down. The run game isn’t offering a steady floor, which puts too much on Justin Herbert and exposes protections when they fall behind the sticks. Defensively, execution and tackling were inconsistent, especially against play-action and downhill looks. Translation: plenty of talent, but messy situational ball.
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Week 8 Outlook: It’s a short-week home date with Minnesota – start fast, protect the quarterback and the football, and get at least a credible run threat to balance the playcall. On defense – win first down, get after Wentz, and make the Vikings play off-script.
4) Las Vegas Raiders (2–5)
Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Raiders are in an identity search after being blanked and held under 100 total yards. There was absolutely no tempo, field position, or explosive threats. Credit Spags’ personnel and plan, but still. Injuries haven’t helped, but this is more than health; they need a first-down go-to they trust and a sequencing plan that lets Geno live in manageable downs. Maxx and Co. were forced to defend forever on Sunday, and even a spirited pass rush can’t hold if the offense can’t stay on the field. Right now, it’s got to be back to basics, with maybe a coaching change?
Week 8 Outlook (BYE): Use the week to self-audit: early-down offense, protections, an opening script that doesn’t put them in a deficit early, and a run/pass package that’s balanced. Getting healthier and sharpening third-down answers are the quickest paths to competitiveness before Jacksonville.
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