While the Broncos had a bye week, Oakland got back to .500, and Kansas City ended its losing streak while San Diego continued its draught. (All photos by AP Images)
The Raiders got off to a good start by capitalizing on turnovers and a balanced offensive attack. QB Derek Carr found rookie tight end Clive Walford for a 23-yard score on this play.
An opportunistic defense picked off Chargers QB Philip Rivers twice in the first half, which led to 10 first-half points for Oakland.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper had the highlight of the day with his 52-yard catch-and-run to put the Raiders up 30-3 with a minute to go in the first half.
The Chargers made a concerted attempt to come back from a 37-6 third-quarter deficit, but even scoring touchdowns on each of their three fourth-quarter drives couldn't save San Diego.
The Chiefs entered Sunday's game on a five-game skid with hopes of ending it. Kicker Cairos Santos hit three first-half field goals to give Kansas City a 9-3 lead at halftime.
Safety Eric Berry intercepted a pass intended for Antonio Brown in the third quarter, setting up running back Charcandrick West for the Chiefs' first touchdown of the day.
West, starting his second game since Jamaal Charles tore his ACL, scored at the goal line to set up the Chiefs with a 13-point lead.
The Steelers came back to cut the deficit to three points but a touchdown to rookie receiver Chris Conley gave the Chiefs the lead for good as they ended their losing streak and got back in the win column.
Seven weeks into the regular season the Denver Broncos remain atop the AFC West with a 6-0 record. The Oakland Raiders topped the San Diego Chargers to even their record to 3-3, but the Broncos are the lone team with a winning record.
Here's how the division fared in Week 8:
Denver Broncos (6-0)
Last outing:W 26-23 @ Cleveland
Standouts: After topping the Cleveland Browns in overtime in Week 6, the Broncos took advantage of the bye in Week 7 to heal. After being plagued with injuries, Denver now welcomes back all but one injured player to practice this week. Outside linebacker Shane Ray's status is still day-to-day after suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament.
Up next: In a battle of the undefeated on Sunday Night Football the Green Bay Packers (6-0) will travel to Denver, marking just the fourth time in NFL history that two 6-0 or better teams face off.
*- Allie Raymond *
Oakland Raiders (3-3)
Last outing: W 37-29 @ San Diego
Standouts: The Raiders defense forced turnovers in the first half while the offense capitalized on the opportunities to jump out to an early lead against their division rivals. An efficient and balanced attack, helped by beneficial starting field position, led Oakland to a 30-6 advantage at halftime. Carr connected with wide receiver Michael Crabtree for a touchdown to start the second half, and the Raiders would coast to their third win of the season, which matches their 2014 total.
Up next: Oakland hosts the Jets (4-2) and their daunting defense, which ranks first in rushing yards per play and second in passing yards per play.
*- Ben Swanson *
Kansas City Chiefs (2-5)
Last outing:W 23-13 vs. Pittsburgh
After a week of relaxing with their bye, the Broncos returned to the practice field to prepare for Sunday's game against Green Bay.
Standouts: The Chiefs snapped their five-game losing streak with a victory over the Steelers Sunday afternoon. Running back Charcandrick West rushed for 110 yards on 22 carries and a score on the day. Tight end Travis Kelce continues to be a key target for quarterback Alex Smith after converting multiple key plays for first downs and finishing the day with a team-leading 73 yards on five catches. The Chiefs defense forced three turnovers on the day behind a pair of interceptions and game-sealing fumble recovery by nose tackle Jaye Howard with 2:11 remaining.
Up next: The Chiefs have descended upon London to take on the Detroit Lions (1-6) across the pond in Wembley Stadium.
- Allie Raymond
San Diego Chargers (2-5)
Last outing: L 37-29 vs. Oakland
Standouts: The Chargers once again leaned on QB Philip Rivers, though they showed improvement on the ground. Early turnovers led to an early deficit, which forced San Diego to be more desperate. They scored three touchdowns to close the fourth quarter, but a scoreless third quarter doomed the Chargers after their defense gave up 30 points in the first half.
Up next: The Chargers will try to stop their skid with a road trip to Baltimore to take on the struggling Ravens (1-6).
- Ben Swanson
