AFC West Week 18 Preview: Raiders-Chiefs, Broncos-Chargers

The AFC West standings are set, but these final two games of the season will help determine playoff seeding for Kansas City and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Just one weekend remains in the NFL regular season.

For the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos, it comes down to a sense of pride. For the Kanas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams, though, postseason seeding is on the line.

Here's what to watch for in these two divisional games:

Chiefs at Raiders

This is going to be one tough task for the Raiders, but they proved earlier this season they could go toe-to-toe with the division's best team on its own turf, nearly coming away with the victory had a few plays had gone differently.

A big difference this week, though, is the absence of Derek Carr. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham had himself a day last week against the San Francisco 49ers, but Kansas City now knows what to expect from the young quarterback and how the offense operates with him leading it.

The Chiefs lead the league in total offense and passing offense, while Las Vegas is in the bottom quarter of the league in total defense.

If the Raiders leave everything they have left on the table in this season finale, though, those factors shouldn't carry much weight, as the Silver and Black will surely be looking to avenge a loss that could have very well set their season on a different course had it gone in their favor.

Chargers at Broncos

A week after being brutally embarrassed by a sub-par Los Angeles Rams team, the Broncos fought hard in what was a tight battle with the Chiefs in Week 17.

Ultimately, though, they came away with their eighth straight loss, with only one last opportunity to reach five wins.

But Los Angeles wants the best seed it can get in this year's playoffs.

The Chargers will have a big test in front of them on the road against a top-six defense, but even then, they seem to be too much of an overpowering threat with something still to play for.   

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Aidan Champion
AIDAN CHAMPION