AFC West Roundup: Week 15
The AFC West is still jumbled at the top, and the Broncos are in the race for a wild-card spot. (Photos by AP)
The Raiders clinched their first playoff appearance since 2002 with a narrow comeback victory in San Diego behind two fourth-quarter field goals from Sebastian Janikowski. Philip Rivers tossed two touchdowns to WR Travis Benjamin and TE Hunter Henry to keep Oakland at bay for three quarters, but their defense couldn't hold the Raiders scoreless for the upset win.Up next for Oakland: vs. ColtsUp next for San Diego: @Cleveland
It was over when: safety Reggie Nelson picked off Philip Rivers with 1:51 left in regulation. San Diego just needed to get into field-goal range to tie the game at 19, but yet another late-game turnover doomed the Chargers.
Top performer, Oakland: Michael Crabtree's "slice of blue" touchdown — so called by the referee upon seeing blue end-zone grass between Crabtree's feet and the sideline during the video review — made him our top performer.Top performer, San Diego: Melvin Ingram was a terror Sunday, recording one sack, two quarterback hits, one pass defensed and two forced fumbles.
The Titans have played AFC West teams tough this year, and they drew even with the division with Sunday's upset win over the Chiefs. Kansas City led for three quarters after another fast start from Tyreek Hill, but their offense couldn't muster any second-half points. Meanwhile, Tennessee scored a potential game-tying touchdown with three minutes left, but the Titans went for a two-point conversion to go for the win. The attempt failed, and it seemed like Kansas City would be able to run out the clock. But Tennessee held them to a three-and-out and then drove for the game-winning field goal.Up next: vs. Broncos
It was over when: Titans kicker Ryan Succop squeaked through a 53-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.
Top performer: Jeremy Maclin provided a deep threat all day and caught six passes for 82 yards.
The Broncos stuck with the AFC's top team for the entire game, but New England extended their lead as Denver's offensive opportunities evaporated. The defense held Tom Brady to a meager 188 yards on 16-of-32 passing, but New England's offense found the end zone after a 46-yard interception return set them up for a short scoring drive beginning at the Denver 46-yard line. The Patriots defense held Denver to five three-and-outs to start the second half, and the Broncos could not spark a scoring drive to climb back into the game. Up next: @ Kansas City
It was over when: Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski added his third field goal to extend New England's lead to 13 points in the fourth quarter.
Top performer: Shane Ray proved to be most bothersome for Tom Brady, recording one sack and two quarterback hits.
