AFC West Wrap-Up, Week 3: Broncos and Raiders come away with victories (again)

The Broncos are pulling further ahead of the Chiefs and Chargers, while the Raiders remember what it feels like to fly home from a game as winners.

Standings

Denver Broncos @ Detroit Lions

Final Score: 24-12

Recap: What could have been a classic 'trap game' for the Broncos, ended up as the game that made a lot of anxious Broncos fans relax. Manning and the entire offense looked more settled, and the Broncos defense continued to relentlessly pressure the opposing teams' quarterback coming up with several takeaways. The only person who was most likely sad about this game was Cody Latimer. With great performances from Jordan Norwood and Bennie Fowler, Latimer clearly isn't going to get any meaningful playing time unless someone else gets injured.

Injury Concerns: Juwan Thompson was evaluated for a neck injury

Week 4 Matchup: Minnesota Vikings @ Denver Broncos

Oakland Raiders @ Cleveland Browns

Final Score: 27-20

Recap: I'm sure many people discount the Raiders win against the Browns because, well, they're the Browns. But that's a mistake. The Raiders aren't going to the playoffs this year, but they are not the worst team in the NFL anymore, and they aren't even in that conversation. A win is a win. Raiders teams from the past would have let this win slip away, but a late game interception from Charles Woodson sealed the first Raiders road victory after 11 straight road game losses.

While the above fact is a bit sad (for the Raiders), it's also a turning point for the team. The Raiders now believe they can win games. Before this season if they thought of themselves as winners they were doing an awfully good job of not showing it on the field. Football is both a physical and a mental game. Even if the Raiders lose their next few games, they finally have a taste for victory again. Luckily for the Raiders, their next opponent are the punt-happy Bears.

Injury Concerns: Defensive End C.J. Wilson left the game with a calf injury

Week 4 Matchup: Oakland Raiders @ Chicago Bears

San Diego Chargers @ Minnesota Vikings

Final Score: 14-31

Recap: Phillip Rivers was being pressured and sacked pretty much until he was pulled in the fourth quarter. And the Chargers were unable to stop Adrian Peterson who looked like he was back in game shape. The Chargers are yet again a team decimated by injuries. Their O-line is a mess, and if you check out SB Nation's Chargers website Bolts From the Blue, you'll see some pretty frustrated fans. Broncos note: the Chargers just signed former Broncos centerJ.D. Walton.

Injury Concerns: Orlando Franklin left the game with an ankle injury and Chris Watt left with a groin injury

Week 4 Matchup: Cleveland Browns @ San Diego Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs @ Green Bay Packers

Final Score: 28-38

Recap: There really is never any shame about losing to the Packers at Lambeau Field. Silver lining: the Chiefs got a touchdown after their quarterback threw a pass to one of their wide receivers. Seriously.

Injury Concerns: Cornerback Phillip Gaines left the game with a strained knee

Week 4 Matchup: Kansas City Chiefs @ Cincinnati Bengals

My predictions for Week 4

Last week I just missed one game as I picked the Chargers to beat the Vikings.

Broncos 4-0, Chiefs 1-3, Chargers 2-2, Raiders 2-1-1 (I'd like the Raiders and Bears to tie each other)

How do you think things will shake out in Week 4 in the AFC West? Let us know in the comments!