The Broncos got a huge win against the Patriots, the Chiefs continued their huge win streak and the rest of the division got wins, too.
In a thrilling Sunday-night showdown, the Broncos mounted a 14-point comeback in the fourth quarter, eclipsing the undefeated Patriots by three with this touchdown catch by Andre Caldwell with a minute left in regulation.
After hounding Patriots QB Tom Brady into a three-and-out in overtime, C.J. Anderson found the end zone on a 48-yard sweep to the left. The play gave the Patriots their first loss of the season.
The win gave QB Brock Osweiler his second win in as many starts. Anderson ran for 113 yards and two touchdowns as the Broncos totaled 179 yards on the ground, the most the Broncos have had this season.
The Chiefs defense couldn't get to the quarterback as often they usually do, but when they did they forced two fumbles on QB Tyrod Taylor. After losing five in a row following their season opener, Kansas City wasn't thought to be much of a contender, but they had won four straight to get them back to a .500 record.
Travis Kelce's touchdown to open the third quarter gave the Chiefs the go-ahead score after Kansas City fell behind by as many as 10 points. Kelce finished the game with four receptions for 69 yards and the 15-yard touchdown.
Ultimately we saw an explosive Kansas City offense make the difference. QB Alex Smith threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard strike to WR Jeremy Maclin, who had 160 total receiving yards.
After a couple losses dropped the Raiders into third in the division, Oakland defeated the Titans on the road to inch back closer to .500. QB Derek Carr found WR Michael Crabtree in the first quarter to kick off the Raiders' scoring.
Oakland's rush defense held Tennessee to just 44 yards on the ground, making the Titans offense one-dimensional. However, Titans QB Marcus Mariota led them to take the lead late in the fourth quarter with a touchdown to go up 21-17 with 4:41 left.
With 1:21 remaining, Carr found WR Seth Roberts for his second touchdown reception of the day. This time it was a game-winner, and the Raiders escaped with their fifth win of the season.
TE Antonio Gates caught four passes for 53 yards and two touchdowns, as the Chargers had one of their more successful days through the air. QB Philip Rivers had 300 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
S Jimmy Wilson sacked Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles for one of the Chargers' two sacks. They also hassled Bortles into an interception.
WR Stevie Johnson's five-yard touchdown catch sealed the win for San Diego, their first since Week 4 against the Browns.
The AFC West's four teams came out of Week 12 with four wins. For the Broncos, they kept their three-game lead and knocked off the Patriots. The Chiefs eclipsed the .500 mark and the Raiders ended their losing streak to stay close to Kansas City. Meanwhile, San Diego won its first game since Oct. 4.
Denver Broncos (9-2)
Last outing: W 30-24 vs. Patriots (10-1)
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Standouts:** In stunning fashion, Denver brought an end to New England's undefeated run Sunday night. Quarterback Brock Osweiler made his second career start and led a 14-point fourth-quarter comeback to give the Broncos a go-ahead score with 1:09 remaining in regulation. The running game produced 179 rushing yards, including running back C.J. Anderson's game-winning TD on a 48-yard sweep.
The defense also had an outstanding night despite game-ending injuries to nose tackle Sylvester Williams and safety T.J. Ward. Defensive end Derek Wolfe led the team in tackles with eight total (six solo) and had one of the team's three sacks.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-5)
Last outing: W 30-22 vs. Bills (5-6)
Standouts: With a 17-point run over the second and third quarters, the Chiefs left behind an early deficit and built a commanding lead to get their fifth straight win. It wasn't the type of win we usually see from the Chiefs, where their defense leads the way, but QB Alex Smith was able to throw for two touchdowns, the offensive line gave up just one sack and RB Spencer Ware ran for 114 rushing yards and one touchdown as they held the Bills to a scoreless fourth quarter to ensure victory.
Up next: The Chiefs and their winning streak head to the Black Hole to take on the Raiders.
Oakland Raiders (5-6)
Last outing: W 24-21 @ Tennessee
Standouts: QB Derek Carr once again showcased late-game heroics for Oakland in comeback victory over the Titans, this time leading a 90-yard drive that ended with a 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Seth Roberts with 1:27 left in the game. The defense forced two interceptions from rookie QB Marcus Mariota, including a game-ending pick on the Titans' drive following the go-ahead touchdown by Roberts.
Up next: Oakland returns home to try to put an end to the Chiefs' hot streak, and to get back into contention for a wild-card spot.
San Diego Chargers (3-8)
Last outing: W 31-25 @ Jacksonville (4-7)
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Standouts:** The Chargers' six-game losing streak finally came to an end with their road win over the Jaguars. It was San Diego's first road win this season. Unsurprisingly, it was quarterback Philip Rivers leading the Chargers to victory against a subpar Jaguars passing defense. Rivers had 300 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, finding tight end Antonio Gates for two scores and one apiece to wide receivers Stevie Johnson and Dontrelle Inman.
Up next: San Diego hosts the Broncos (9-2) fresh off a thrilling victory against the previously undefeated Patriots.
