Week 13: The Division Waters Keep Getting Murkier In The AFC West

How about them Raiders?

Regardless of whether they take the division title this season, Oakland seems to own the division itself. They are a remarkable 4-0 in the division this season.

This, of course, makes the race for the divison title a little more interesting. 

Scenario 1

The Kansas City Chiefs can safely lose one more game from here on out. They would still lock the division with 11-5.

The Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers can't do better than 10-6. Now who's living on a prayer, San Diego fans?

Assuming Kansas City doesn't go 11-5, everything changes.

Scenario 2

If all three teams were to finish 10-6 (as I believe after today that is entirely possible), Oakland takes the division.

Scenario 3

If Oakland and either team go 10-6 again, Oakland takes the division. They have not one but two tie breakers in this scenario against either team.

Scenario 4

If Kansas City and San Diego tie for 10-6, San Diego takes the division. They would be tied for head to head and division games.

It would go to the common opponent's tie breaker. San Diego is one ahead of Kansas City, with no one left to play except each other and common opponents.

What this means for Kansas City

If Kansas City loses more than one game, they need to make sure it's not next week.

If they lose next week, they have to win out (or pray for a loss from both teams) to go to the playoffs; if they win next week, San Diego is out of the running and they only have to deal with Oakland. 

In my opinion, if they beat San Diego, they will take the division. I feel San Diego and Oakland are the toughest games left on their schedule. If they beat San Diego they will likely finish 11-5.

The only way we'll know for sure who takes the title before the end of regular season is if Kansas City wins their next three games.

If they lose this coming week, the division is in the air and will likely stay there until season's end.

The race for the west is getting more interesting by the week. Kansas City's fate is still in its hands; however, they have two teams breathing down their necks in Oakland and San Diego.

Kansas City can't afford to stumble if they want to take the AFC West.