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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --** With the regular season right around the corner, we take a look back at how the AFC West performed in their exhibition games.
DENVER BRONCOS
The Broncos started off a strong preseason with a 21-16 win over the Seahawks at home.
Week 2 brought a trip to the brand-new Levi's Stadium and a 34-0 victory over the 49ers.
After a week of joint practices, the Texans edged out the Broncos 18-17 in Denver, though Denver's starters left with a 17-7 lead.
In the exhibition finale, the Broncos backups romped to a 27-3 win over the Cowboys in Dallas.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Chiefs' preseason started with a bang, as their game against the Bengals turned into one of the more exciting exhibition games in recent memory. The Chiefs struck with explosive touchdowns from rookie DeAnthony Thomas (80-yard punt return) and second-year tight end Travis Kelce (69-yard catch-and-run), in addition to pick-sixes from Sean Smith and Malcolm Bronson.
Relive the Broncos' series history with the Chiefs with photographs dating to the teams' AFL roots in the 1960s.
Halfback Floyd Little tries to break through Chiefs tacklers during an October 4, 1970 win (26-13) over Kansas City at Mile High Stadium.
Defensive tackle Lyle Alzado rushes Chiefs quarterback Mike Livingston during a game in Kansas City.
Cornerback Steve Wilson scores a touchdown during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium.
Sammy Winder breaks upfield during a game against the Chiefs.
Running back Sammy Winder breaks through the hole during a September 10. 1989 win (34-20) over the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium.
Michael Brooks (56), Greg Kragen (71), Rick Dennison (55) and Marc Munford (51) of the Denver Broncos during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 10, 1989 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Eric Lars Bakke
Rick Dennison of the Denver Broncos during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 10, 1989 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Eric Lars Bakke
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg stuffs a Chiefs ball carrier during a game in Kansas City.
Tim Lucas anticipates a play against the Kansas City Chiefs in either 1990 or 1991.
John Elway calls an audible against the Kansas City Chiefs in a snow storm.
Karl Mecklenburg gets in on a gang tackle against Chiefs fullback Christian Okoye during a win over Kansas City on October 20, 1991.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg wraps up a Chiefs ball carrier during an October 4, 1992 win (20-19) over Kansas City at Mile High Stadium.
John Elway passes against the Kansas City Chiefs October 4, 1992.
Rod Bernstine leaves a Chiefs defender behind during a 27-21 win over Kansas City on December 12, 1993.
John Elway fades back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs December 4, 1994.
Tight end Shannon Sharpe celebrates during an October 27, 1996 win (34-7) over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Running back Terrell Davis carries the ball upfield during an October 27, 1996 win (34-7) over the Kansas City Chiefs.
John Elway prepares to take a snap in action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Denver: John Elway passes the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Denver: Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Denver: Neil Smith rushes the quarterback against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Denver: Alfred Williams moves around the block while trying to make a play against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Kansas City: Maa Tanuvasa, Steve Atwater, and John Mobley gang tackle a Chiefs running back as the Broncos team defense performed tremendously during the second round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Kansas City: John Elway throws deep against Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Kansas City: With a little more than 12 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Terrell Davis took the handoff from John Elway and led by a block by Shannon Sharpe, scored the touchdown that would put the Broncos ahead for good against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Kansas City: Shannon Sharpe mock salutes the Chiefs fans at the end of the game after the Broncos' victory. against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Terrell Davis beats the defense to the end zone for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe tries to break free after making a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Quarterback Bubby Brister spikes the ball after a first quarter bootleg touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Rod Smith beats the secondary and makes a long reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 6, 1998.
Willie Green breaks free from the Chiefs defender and carries the ball down to the 5 yard line against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 6, 1998.
John Elway rushes the ball down to about the 2 yard line against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 6, 1998.
Rod Smith tries to pick up extra yardage after a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 6, 1998.
Deltha O' Neal celebrates after the first of his 4 interceptions on the day against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 7, 2001.
Clinton Portis rushes the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 15, 2002.
Clinton Portis rushes the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 15, 2002.
Mike Anderson rushes the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on October 20, 2002.
Clinton Portis hops into the end zone for his first of five rushing touchdowns on the day against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 7, 2003.
Champ Bailey leaps through the air for a first down after making a reception on offense during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Patrick Hape spikes the ball in celebration after his touchdown celebration during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer rushes the ball during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer runs into the end zone for a touchdown as the Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30-10 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 26, 2005. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Ashley Lelie runs with the ball as Jake Plummer provides a block ahead of him as Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30-10 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 26, 2005. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer congratulates Jason Elam on a successful field goal as the Denver Broncos played the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 17, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Rod Smith tries to turn upfield after a catch as the Denver Broncos played the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 17, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Tatum Bell tries to escape a tackle as the Denver Broncos played the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 17, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam watches his 44 yard field goal clear the uprights in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall gains over a 1,000 yards for the season with a touchdown grab late in the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Elvis Dumervil tries to evade an offensive lineman during action in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field December 7, 2008
Jay Cutler drops back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 7, 2008.
Brandon Marshall makes an acrobatic play against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 7, 2008.
Andre Goodman celebrates after returning a fumble for a touchdown in the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs, December 6, 2009 in Kansas City,MO.
Knowshon Moreno dives into the end zone for a touchdown in the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs,December 6,2009 in Kansas City,MO.(AP Photo/Eric Bakke)
Brandon Marshall leaps into the end zone in the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs,December 6,2009 in Kansas City,MO.(AP Photo/Eric Bakke)
Denver Broncos Knowshon Moreno (27) cuts to avoid Kansas City Chief Andy Studebaker (96) on 22-yard run in first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City,MO. November 13, 2011.
Denver Broncos Eric Decker hauls in a 56 yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs November 13, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow runs up the middle for a 7 yard touchdown run in first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs November 13, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
Denver Broncos Von Miller sacks quarterback Matt Cassel in first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs November 13, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) hauls in a 36 yard pass on 2-and-8 during third quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 30, 2012.
Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) sacks the quarterback for a 5 yard loss during second quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 30, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) sacks Kansas City Chiefs Brady Quinn (9) during second quarter action in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO November 25, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws to an open receiver on Denver's second series during fourth quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO November 25, 2012.
Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) scores a touchdown during second quarter action of the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Nov. 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos cornerback Kayvon Webster (36) tackles Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during third quarter action of the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Nov. 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) scores a touchdown on a 9 yard reception during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on November 17, 2013.
Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) celebrates an interception during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on December 1, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during second quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, September 14, 2014.
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) hangs on to a 4 yard touchdown reception during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, September 14, 2014.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) catches a 12 yard pass for a touchdown at 1:15 remaining in the second quarter as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Owens (20) defends on the play in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,Colo. September 14, 2014
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) and linebacker Nate Irving (56) team up to make the stop during fourth quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, September 14, 2014.
Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward (43) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) for a 13 yard loss during first quarter action in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO, November 30, 2014.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) celebrates a touchdown on a 15 yard reception during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO, November 30, 2014.
Emmanuel Sanders makes a catch during action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Earl Richardson)
Demaryius Thomas makes a tough catch in action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Earl Richardson)
Bradley Roby returns a fumble for the game-winning touchdown during action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Earl Richardson)
Chris Harris Jr. returns an interception during action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Earl Richardson)
Thomas' and Smith's touchdowns happened just 16 seconds apart, while Kelce's came with 21 seconds left in the first half. The Chiefs also threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown in the second quarter, but prevailed 41-39 in the wild affair.
The rest of KC's preseason was less glamorous, as they lost three games by 50 combined points to the Panthers, Vikings and Packers. The Chiefs trailed 13-5 and 14-6 when their starters left the games against the Panthers and Vikings, respectively. Both teams sat their starters in the preseason finale in Green Bay. The team's most productive player was Kelce, who picked up 193 yards receiving and two touchdowns on 11 preseason catches.
Even with the three losses to close the exhibition season, the Chiefs finished on a high note, extending quarterback Alex Smith's contract through the 2018 campaign. They open the regular-season slate by hosting the Titans on Sunday morning.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
The Raiders began their exhibition season with a 10-6 defeat at the hands of the Vikings, a conservative matchup that saw both offenses average fewer than 4.5 yards per play. After a few joint practices with the Cowboys the following week, Oakland beat the Lions 27-26, highlighted by strong performances from Matt McGloin and rookie David Carr (16-for-31 for 223 yards and two touchdowns combined).
Take a photographic trip through the series history between the Broncos and the Raiders.
1977 AFC Championship Game
1977 AFC Championship Game
In a thrilling game capped by a game-winning Jason Elam field goal as time expired, Ring of Fame RB Terrell Davis also scored the last touchdown of his career.
In their third preseason game, the Raiders fell behind the Packers 22-7 with both team's starters in the game on the way to a 31-21 defeat. But they rebounded in the final week with a 41-31 win over the Seahawks to move to 2-2. Though Seattle's starters didn't play long, Carr shined for Oakland, completing 11-of-13 passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns as the Raiders built a 28-7 lead.
The big game brought Carr's preseason stat line to 30-of-45 for 326 yards, four touchdowns and an interception, good for a team-high QB rating of 108.2. That performance, combined with a minor elbow injury to Matt Schaub, convinced Head Coach Dennis Allen to name Carr the starter for the opener at MetLife Stadium against the Jets.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
The Chargers also went 2-2 in the preseason, beating the Cowboys by 20 and the Cardinals by three at home and losing in Seattle and San Francisco by a combined 41 points. The win against Dallas was highlighted by Kellen Clemens' perfect passer rating, after he completed 5-of-5 for 134 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown.
Relive the Broncos vs. Chargers series history with photographs dating to the teams' AFL roots in the 1960s.
A slow start doomed the Broncos in their Color Rush game. Head Coach Gary Kubiak missed the game as he recovered from complex migraine symptoms and interim duties were handled by Special Teams Coordinator Joe DeCamillis. Quarterback Trevor Siemian returned after a shoulder injury suffered in Week 4, but could not complete the comeback victory.
Though they trailed Seattle 24-0 in the second quarter, the Chargers were down just 10 when their starters left the game. Likewise, a 21-7 loss to the 49ers belied a 7-3 San Diego lead when both first-strings exited. The Chargers' backups held the Cardinals to just 98 total yards on 43 plays (2.3 yards per play) to win a field-goal fest in the preseason finale.
Philip Rivers was very sharp in limited work, completing 15-of-18 passes for 166 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions, good for a rating of 123.6. The Chargers also got their first-round pick from the 2014 draft, cornerback Jason Verrett, back on the field for two games after he recovered from surgery to repair a torn labrum in March.
