AFC West Roundup: Week 10
After 10 weeks in the AFC West, the division is still very close at the top with Kansas City leading and the Raiders and Broncos right behind them. (AP Images unless noted)
On the power of their defense, Kansas City completed a comeback win on the road against the struggling Panthers. Cam Newton looked like the league MVP he was in 2015 with a rushing and passing touchdown in the first half to lead Carolina to a 17-0 lead in the second quarter. The Chiefs cut into the lead with a couple drives that ended in field goals, but really found their comeback spark when safety Eric Berry returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion, Kansas City was down just a field goal in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs tied it up at 17-17 with three minutes left and then just needed to hold Carolina off in the final 30 seconds to head to overtime. Instead, CB Marcus Peters forced a fumble on WR Kelvin Benjamin, which set up a game-winning Cairo Santos field goal.Up next: vs. Buccaneers
It was over when: Santos' 37-yard field goal sailed through the uprights as time expired to give Kansas City its fifth consecutive win.
Top performer: Eric Berry's nine tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage, and his dazzling interception return earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The Broncos resolved some of their problems before heading into their bye week. The offense looked powerful and balanced on the opening drive and the rushing defense held Mark Ingram and Tim Hightower in check. The defense came up with four turnovers, and even though Drew Brees nearly powered a fourth-quarter comeback, Denver's special teams came up with a game-winning play on a PAT attempt that could have won the game for New Orleans.Up next: Bye, then vs. Chiefs
It was over when: Rookie safety Will Parks crossed the goal line after returning a blocked PAT the distance of the field for the game-winning defensive two-point conversion. Justin Simmons' block at the very least ensured overtime for the game, but with Parks' return, the Broncos got the win in regulation.
Top performer: Darian Stewart's two interceptions and one fumble recovery helped hold Drew Brees to an inconsistent day and also set up scoring drives for Denver.
The surging Dolphins took down the Chargers in San Diego behind the arm of Ryan Tannehill and their defensive backs, who secured victory with four interceptions of Philip Rivers in the fourth quarter. San Diego struggled to run the ball well for much of the day but found success behind Rivers, who threw for three touchdowns, including a go-ahead score in the fourth quarter. However, Rivers threw disastrous interceptions in the period, including a pick-six that sealed the game and an earlier interception in the end zone.Up next: Bye, then @ Houston Texans
It was over when: Dolphins LB Kiko Alonso jumped in front of a pass to Tyrell Williams and returned it 60 yards for the game-winning touchdown. A fourth interception on the next drive then ended any chance the Chargers had for a game-tying score.
Top performer: WR Tyrell Williams finished the game with five receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown.
