Advertisement

AFC West Review – Week 13

Brandon Scott

Just as the San Diego Chargers gave hope to their fan base last week with a win over Houston, any such feelings quickly diminished on Sunday. The Chargers fell to the red hot Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winners of four in a row and now tied atop the NFC South. Coupled with victories by Oakland, Kansas City, and Denver the Chargers opportunity to save the season has passed.

Even with two divisional games remaining for San Diego, the Oakland Raiders have taken a firm hold on first place among the division. Leading by only two games over the third place Denver Broncos, the Raiders have kept winning after reaching the top. However, the upcoming Thursday night game could see that hold weaken if the Chiefs can defeat the Raiders in Arrowhead. Alternatively, the Chargers continue taking two steps back after every sign of progress.

Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Craig Mager (29) has words with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Craig Mager (29) has words with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Following are the AFC West Division results from Week 13:

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS – LOST vs. TAMPA BAY, 28-21

OAKLAND RAIDERS – WON vs. BUFFALO, 38-24

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – WON at ATLANTA, 29-28

DENVER BRONCOS – WON at JACKSONVILLE, 20-10

Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) intercepts a two point conversion attempt and returns it for the game winning points against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Chiefs won 29-28. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) intercepts a two point conversion attempt and returns it for the game winning points against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Chiefs won 29-28. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the Week 14 matchups for the division:

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at CAROLINA PANTHERS – SUN at 1:00pm ET

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS vs. OAKLAND RAIDERS – THUR at 8:25pm ET

OAKLAND RAIDERS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – THUR at 8:25pm ET

DENVER BRONCOS at TENNESSEE TITANS – SUN at 1:00pm ET

Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) and running back Jalen Richard (30) celebrate after a 37-yard touchdown reception by Cooper in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills during a NFL football game at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) and running back Jalen Richard (30) celebrate after a 37-yard touchdown reception by Cooper in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills during a NFL football game at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Current standings through Week 13 of the regular season:

OAKLAND RAIDERS (10-2)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (9-3)

DENVER BRONCOS (8-4)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (5-7)

AROUND COVER32

Winners and Losers: An up-and-down week of NFL action

QB Rankings: Familiar faces on top

10 Things We Learned: The Cowboys and Raiders are legitimately really, really good

Chargers News: AFC West Review – Week 12

Chargers News: Responding After the Bye

Chargers News: Bolts Fall to Bucs

An upcoming cross-country trip to Carolina puts the spotlight on the San Diego Chargers approach to the remainder of the season. With both teams relegated to the role of spoiler moving forward, each will be anxiously awaiting another opportunity. Their respective approach and effort are sure to be judged accordingly.

The post AFC West Review – Week 13 appeared first on Cover32.