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The Broncos got an important road win with Brock Osweiler as their quarterback, while the Chiefs embarrassed another AFC West team for a second week in a row. The Raiders continued to struggle, and the Chargers are officially a complete mess.
The Broncos have a three-game lead over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. And they might need that lead. The Broncos have games with the Patriots, Chargers (x2), Raiders, Steelers and Bengals still on their schedule. The Chiefs have games with the Bills, Raiders (x2), Chargers, Ravens, and Browns remaining.
One of these lists is not like the other.
Standings
| Team | W | L | T | Div | Conf. |
| Denver Broncos | 8 | 2 | 0 | 2-1 | 4-2 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 5 | 5 | 0 | 2-1 | 4-2 |
| Oakland Raiders | 4 | 6 | 0 | 1-1 | 4-3 |
| San Diego Chargers | 2 | 8 | 0 | 0-2 | 1-5 |
Broncos @ Bears
Final score: 17-15
Recap: Brock Osweiler turned 25 on Sunday and celebrated with his first NFL start AND win. He can also rent a car without an under 25 surcharge fee. Enjoy it all Brock!
It was an interesting matchup for the Broncos. It was their first game without Peyton Manning and the first time the Broncos faced former Broncos coaches John Fox and Adam Gase. The Bears were on a roll after a horrid start to their season, and it was cold and windy during the game. This game could have gone several different ways. Luckily for Broncos fans, it was a solid win, maybe even a statement "Yes, we can win without Manning" win.
Osweiler and the offense had a great game with no turnovers (finally!) and improvements in the running game and tight end production. Osweiler's chemistry with Cody (can-he-really-not-learn-this-playbook-or-does-Manning-just-not-trust-him) Latimer led to a touchdown, and Osweiler overall seemed quite calm and composed. The offensive line still has some serious problems, and the defense seems to be a bit Jekyll and Hyde-like, but the Broncos were in charge of this game from start to finish.
Injury concerns: None
Week 12 matchup: Patriots @ Broncos
Chiefs @ Chargers
Final score: 33-3
Recap: 33-3 seems about right for teams that now have a four-game winning streak and a six-game losing streak on their resumés. You know your team is in trouble when opposing 346-pound defensive tackles are scoring offensive touchdowns. Rivers was sacked seven times by the Chiefs defense in one of his worst performances. The Chargers season is clearly a lost one. The Chiefs season on the other hand is a big question mark. With the league's easiest strength-of-schedule remaining, the Chiefs have a legitimate shot at a Wild Card spot, or even the AFC West title if the Broncos go on a losing streak.
Chiefs injury concerns: De'Anthony Thomas (concussion), Charcandrick West (hamstring)
Chargers injury concerns: Sean Lissemore (concussion), Jahleel Addae (concussion), Joe Barksdale (hip)
Chiefs Week 12 matchup: Chiefs @ Bills
Chiefs Week 12 matchup: Chargers @ Jaguars
Raiders @ Lions
Final score: 13-18
Recap: The Raiders/Lions game was the third loss for the Raiders and their worst game offensively. The Lions continued to be more successful running, with even Stafford making huge plays with his legs. The Raiders season has lost the steam it had a few weeks ago. While the playoffs looked like a possibility earlier, now the Raiders might be lucky to end the season with a winning record. Even if this season ends in disappointment, the Raiders clearly have enough talent to be a threat in any game. They will surely give the Broncos everything they've got Dec. 13 to make a statement.
Injury concerns: Rodney Hudson (ankle), Taiwan Jones (knee), Keith McGill (ankle)
Week 12 matchup: Raiders @ Titans