Check out the images that defined the Week 3 games from around the AFC West. (All photos by AP Images unless otherwise noted)
The Broncos continued to force turnovers with two interceptions and one forced fumble on Lions QB Matthew Stafford. This athletic interception by Bradley Roby was the first of the night.
The rushing defense held the Lions to just 28 yards on the ground.
This touchdown by Owen Daniels put the Broncos up 24-12, effectively shutting the door on any realistic hopes for a Lions comeback.
RB Latavius Murray was able to shed tackles and elude defenders with ease, running for 139 yards against Cleveland.
DE Khalil Mack made Browns quarterback Josh McCown uncomfortable all day, recording two sacks and a forced fumble.
QB Derek Carr celebrates with WR Seth Roberts after a touchdown pass in the second quarter. The Raiders moved to 2-1 with the win.
The Chargers kept it close in the first half with this touchdown reception by WR Keenan Allen to cut the deficit to three points before halftime.
But the Vikings--much like RB Adrian Peterson on this play--broke away from the Chargers, reeling off 21 unanswered points. Peterson ran for a 43-yard touchdown on this play.
Ultimately the Chargers dropped their second straight game after losing to Cincinnati in the previous week.
The Chiefs fell down early in Green Bay on Monday Night Football as Aaron Rodgers connected on three touchdown passes in the first half.
WR Jeremy Maclin recorded 141 receiving yards and a touchdown, but the Chiefs' scoring came much too late.
QB Alex Smith was sacked seven times by the Packers and the Chiefs staggered to their second straight loss in a prime-time game.
Half of the AFC West managed to pull off wins in the third week with victories from the Broncos and Raiders. Denver is one of seven undefeated teams, while Oakland boasts its first winning record since 2011.
See what's next and how the division fared in Week 3:
Denver Broncos (3-0)
Last outing: 24-12 W @ Detroit (0-3)
Standouts: The Broncos offense continued to make strides in Week 3 with the offensive line allowing just one sack on quarterback Peyton Manning – an improvement after seven in the first two games. From the pistol formation for a majority of the snaps, Manning went 31 of 42 for 324 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for a QB rating of 101.7. On the other side of the ball, the defense continued its stinginess in Game 3 after forcing three turnovers and holding the Lions' ground game to just 28 yards.
Up next: After a pair of games on the road, the Broncos will head home to Sports Authority Field at Mile High to take on the 2-1 Minnesota Vikings.
- Allie Raymond
Oakland Raiders (2-1)
Last outing: 27-20 W @ Cleveland (1-2)
Standouts: The trio of QB Derek Carr, RB Latavius Murray and WR Amari Cooper once again led the Raiders on offense. Carr threw for 314 yards and two touchdowns, and with zero interceptions. Meanwhile, Murray's efficiency on the ground with 139 yards help set up Oakland for the play-action passes that helped put the Raiders up early. On defense, Khalil Mack was a force in the pass rush, getting two sacks and forcing a fumble on Browns QB Josh McCown. Veteran safety Charles Woodson then ended the game with an interception in the closing moments.
Up next: With a winning record for the first time since 2011, the Raiders are favored for their road trip to Chicago in Week 4.
- Ben Swanson
Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)
Last outing: 38-28 L @ Green Bay (3-0)
Standouts: In a road game where very little seemed to go right, WR Jeremy Maclin stood out with 141 receiving yards and a touchdown, adding a spark to the receiving corps as was expected when Kansas City signed him in free agency. Unfortunately, his excellence is a footnote with how the Packers won resoundingly on Monday Night Football.
Up next: The schedule gets no easier for the Chiefs, who stay on the road to take on the 3-0 Bengals.
- Ben Swanson
San Diego Chargers (1-2)
Last outing: 31-14 L @ Minnesota (2-1)
Standouts: Wide receiver Keenan Allen's 133 receiving yards was the bright spot for the Chargers in Week 3. San Diego hung on with the Vikings for the first half after trailing 10-7, but Minnesota then went on to score 21 unanswered points in the second half. The Chargers outgained the Vikings 369-284 in total offense, but San Diego's defense couldn't hold off running back Adrian Peterson and his two-touchdown, 126 rushing yard-performance.
Up next: San Diego will look to even their record with a home contest against the Cleveland Browns.
- Allie Raymond
