Week 15 AFC West Roundup
By Justin Smith
![Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) celebrates with strong safety T.J. Carrie (38) outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) and defensive tackle Darius Latham (75) after stopping San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) short of a first down during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) celebrates with strong safety T.J. Carrie (38) outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) and defensive tackle Darius Latham (75) after stopping San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) short of a first down during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F12-2F9756089-tyrell-williams-bruce-irvin-david-amerson-travis-carrie-nfl-oakland-raiders-san-diego-chargers-850x560-478158f3d85f407f942247b4534094efbd3e23d0490a1fb691c87901f6b679e5.jpg)
A weekly update on the AFC West, to keep up with the Oakland Raiders and the rest of the division.
What a weekend for the Oakland Raiders. Not only did they clinch their first playoff bid since 2002 by beating the Chargers in San Diego, but the Raiders also regained control over the AFC West as the Kansas City Chiefs got beat by a kicker they once cut, and the Denver Broncos continue to make offensive football look downright offensive.
When the smoke cleared only the Raiders emerged victorious from the AFC West, first place back in their hands and their playoff destiny firmly theirs.
There are two games left in the NFL season. The Raiders have clinched a playoff spot and have a one-game lead on the Chiefs with two to play. Win out, the division is theirs guaranteed.
The Chiefs are in good shape with a 10-4 record and firmly in the first wild-card spot. The Broncos are not. They lost on Sunday to drop out of the second wild-card spot and are currently a game behind Miami. They’re also tied with Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Houston and Tennessee with an 8-5 record.
So there’s a logjam for the final wild card position. The Raiders are in. The Chiefs are close. The division is still up for grabs, but far more within the Raiders grasp than a week ago.