The Broncos remain undefeated and Oakland stays above .500. Here's how the AFC West fared in Week 8. (All photos by AP Images)
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr came out strong in the first half against the Jets to post a commanding lead. On the day, Carr tossed four touchdown passes, including this one to wide receiver Michael Crabtree in the first frame that encited this celebration.
Wide out Andre Holmes was a popular target for Carr against the Jets. He collected two touchdown passes, including this one in the first half.
Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston helped lead the charge in Kansas City's dominant win over the Detroit Lions. Houston posted 1.5 sacks and an interception on the day, including this sack of Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Kansas City running back Charcandrick West powered his way through the Lions defense to score a touchdown. On the day, the Chiefs tallied four rushing touchdowns from as many players.
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers threw his franchise-record fifth consecutive 300-yard game on Sunday, but his efforts alone weren't enough. The Chargers fell to the Ravens on the final play of the game, a 39-yard field goal by the Ravens.
Wide receiver Malcolm Floyd tallied 92 receiving yards on four catches, including a 70-yarder, and a pair of touchdowns. Draped in heavy coverage, this was Floyd's first score of the game.
For the first time in league history, four teams remain 7-0, and the Denver Broncos remain one of them. The Broncos have started 7-0 once before in franchise history in 1998 when they went 13-0 before losing their first game, and won the team's second Super Bowl Championship. The Oakland Raiders continue to gain momentum and look like they might secure a spot in the playoffs, which would be the first time in 13 years.
Here's how the division fared in Week 8:
Denver Broncos (7-0)
Last outing: W 29-10 vs. Green Bay (6-1)
Standouts: The offense clicked. The defense throttled. The Broncos pulled off the upset and handed the Packers their first loss of the season. Running backs C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman ignited the Broncos offense on the ground, scoring three rushing touchdowns between them. The defense also stymied Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers to 77 passing yards, 50 net-passing yards.
Up next: The Broncos will look to move to 8-0 in Indianapolis on Sunday. The win could be also poetic for quarterback Peyton Manning, who was released by the Colts in 2011 for current quarterback Andrew Luck. Manning also has a chance to make history as the all-time winningest starting quarterback in league history and the league's all-time leading passer.
Oakland Raiders (4-3)
Last outing: W 34-20 vs. New York Jets (4-3)
Standouts: For their second straight-win of the season, Raiders quarterback Derek tossed four touchdown passes to keep Oakland in contention in the AFC West. Carr spread it around, too, finding wide receiver Andre Holmes twice, and Michael Crabtree and Taiwan Jones each once. Running back Latavius Murray racked up 113 yards on the ground and safety Charles Woodson picked off Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to lead the NFL in interceptions with five.
Up next: The Raiders will look to remain over .500 with a trip to Pittsburgh and Heinz Field to take on the Steelers (4-4).
Kansas City Chiefs (3-5)
Last outing: W 45-10 vs. Detroit Lions (1-7)
Standouts: The Chiefs made magic in London on the ground after putting together four rushing touchdowns on the day. Quarterback Alex Smith and running backs Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware and De'Anthony Thomas all punched in touchdowns. Smith also found tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in the air to roll past the Lions. Linebacker Justin Houston tallied an interception and 1.5 sacks while cornerback Sean Smith collected his first pick of the season.
Up next: The Chiefs will enjoy a Week 9 bye before gearing up for a trip to Denver to take on the Broncos (7-0).
San Diego Chargers (2-6)
Last outing: L 29-26 at Baltimore Ravens (2-6)
Standouts: Quarterback Philip Rivers threw a franchise-record fifth consecutive 300-yard game on Sunday, but once again the Chargers fell on the game's final play – a 39-yard field goal from Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. Wide receiver Malcolm Floyd tallied 92 receiving yards on four catches, including a 70-yarder, and a pair of touchdowns. Wide receiver Keenan Allen also recorded a touchdown reception, but went down with a lacerated kidney and is headed for season-ending injury reserve.
Up next: The Chargers will host the Chicago Bears (2-5) at home before breaking for a bye in Week 10.
