AFC West Roundup: Week 13
The AFC West standings remained largely the same after the top three teams each got wins in Week 13. (AP Images)
A slow start most of the first three quarters was turned around in quick succession in the final 25 minutes of game time with a 29-0 run to end the game. Though Buffalo ran for 212 yards on the ground, their defense fared worse, and they couldn't keep Oakland out of the end zone in the second half like they had in the first. Oakland also won the turnover battle with an interception and a fumble while the Bills couldn't force a single takeaway.Up next: @ Kansas City Chiefs
It was over when: Latavius Murray capped a 16-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run after an interception of Tyrod Taylor set up Oakland deep in Buffalo territory with an opportunity to go up two possessions.
Top performer: Khalil Mack finished the game strong, deflecting a pass for an interception (which would end up being a Murray touchdown run) and recording a strip-sack and fumble recovery to finish off the Bills.
It was just a matter of getting the win any way possible for Kansas City, and that's what they did. They scored on offense both on the ground and through the air, on defense with a pick-six and a defensive two-point conversion and on special teams with a fake punt. The Chiefs nearly lost an 11-point fourth-quarter lead but after a go-ahead Falcons touchdown, Atlanta opted to try a two-point conversion to go up by a field goal with 4:32 remaining. Falcons QB Matt Ryan tried to throw to his tight end over the middle but safety Eric Berry jumped the route and picked off the pass and took it the length of the field for the game-winning score.Up next: vs. Oakland Raiders
It was over when: QB Alex Smith converted third-and-6 at the two-minute warning for a 10-yard gain. While the defensive two-point conversion attempt provided the game-winning score, there was still plenty of time for Atlanta's offense if they could prevent Kansas City from getting a first down. However, the Falcons could not and only had one timeout, meaning the Chiefs were able to end the game on kneeldowns.
Top performer: What more can be said about Eric Berry? A pick-six and interception to score two points on a defensive two-point conversion secured the victory and simply adds to an exceptional season.
Dominant defense led the way for the Broncos as quarterback Paxton Lynch made his second start while Trevor Siemian recovered from a foot injury. Chris Harris Jr. and Bradley Roby each wrangled in an interception while Shane Ray jumped on a fumble as Denver recorded three takeaways and zero giveaways.Up next: @ Tennessee Titans
It was over when: Aqib Talib broke up a pass intended for Allen Robinson on fourth-and-4 at the Denver 38-yard line with 8:18 left in the game. Down a touchdown, the Jaguars hoped they would have another opportunity to score in Denver territory, but on their four remaining possessions they never got past midfield.
Top performer: the entire No Fly Zone. While Bradley Roby made the most electric play with his 51-yard pick-six, the entire group wreaked havoc on Blake Bortles and Jacksonville's receivers. According to Pro Football Focus, Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby were targeted 20 times in the game but yielded just six catches for 57 yards.
After a promising first half holding the ascendent Buccaneers to just one touchdown, the Chargers regressed and faltered as turnovers mounted in the second. Tampa Bay returned one interception for a touchdown en route to a 21-7 second-half run to get a tough road win in the league's toughest division, and any attempt to tie the game ended when QB Philip Rivers threw his second interception with three minutes left in the game.Up next: @ Carolina Panthers
It was over when: Rivers was intercepted by safety Keith Tandy after a 44-yard drive to the Tampa Bay 31. The Chargers would not have another possession.
Top performer: RB Melvin Gordon totaled 138 all-purpose yards (84 rushing, 54 receiving) and led the team in rushing and receiving.
