In the AFC West in Week 13 of the 2020 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs clinched the playoffs, while the Las Vegas Raiders kept their hopes alive.
The AFC West slate in Week 13 of the 2020 NFL season saw the first team from the division clinch the playoffs, while a second needed every second to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Las Vegas Raiders traveled to New York a week after getting blown out on the road against the Atlanta Falcons and needed a miracle to win.
The Los Angeles Chargers get schooled by the Patriots’ run game, and special teams, as Bill Belichick wins again against a rookie quarterback. Finally, the Denver Broncos defense played well, but the Kansas City Chiefs just get by them for the win and become the first team in the division to clinch a playoff spot.
Here is a more in depth look at each game and the AFC West standings.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos played a surprisingly close game on Sunday Night Football, as the Chiefs become the AFC team to clinch a playoff spot. Broncos quarterback Drew Lock had an up and down game, as he threw two touchdowns and two interceptions, and Melvin Gordon III ran all over the Chiefs defense, which continues to be their Achilles heel.
Gordon had 131 yards on 15 carries while Phillip Lindsay, on the other hand, has continued his season long struggle only rushing for 26 yards on 14 carries.
The Broncos defensive line played excellently as Patrick Mahomes struggled with the pressure all game, but Mahomes still ended up with over 300 passing yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs ran for a total of 134 yards, but that’s propped up by a 30-yard rush by Tyreek Hill.
Denver’s defense competed hard all game long, but ultimately tight end Travis Kelce was too much to handle for the Broncos defense, as he hauled in eight catches for 136 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City won the game, 22-16