Broncos, Chargers lose so Chiefs move on up in AFC West standings

My how quickly things change.

Just a few weeks ago, I had given up hope that the Chiefs could win the AFC West. The Broncos were just too good.

Now Denver has lost to New England and at the halfway point of the season the Chiefs stand one game back in the AFC West. The Broncos are a great team and they're obviously the favorite in the division. If I were betting on this, they would still be my bet. But you have to give a nod to how quietly the Chiefs have climbed back in the division after an 0-2 start.

The Broncos play the Raiders, Rams and Dolphins before the big Week 13 showdown in Kansas City. The Chiefs play the Bills, Seahawks and Raiders before that game (with an extra long layoff after a Thursday night game in Oakland in Week 12). I'm feeling pretty good if the Chiefs are 7-4 heading into that Sunday Night Football game against Denver.

The Chargers were blown out by the Dolphins for their third straight loss, dropping them to 5-4 on the season. The Chiefs hold the head to head tiebreaker after beating the Chargers but they'll play in Week 17. The way things are going for San Diego, they could be out of contention by then.

Then there's Oakland, who may not get a win all year. Surely they find at least one win ... right?

Your AFC West standings after Week 9:

1. Denver Broncos (6-2)

2. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)

3. San Diego Chargers (5-4)

4. Oakland Raiders (0-8)

@ArrowheadPride #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/cHFgnRzZd3

— Kyle Slosson (@kjslosson) November 3, 2014