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AFC West Rundown: Week 9

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DENVER BRONCOS (6-2)**

Week 9: Lost 43-21 at New England Patriots

How it happened: The Broncos were leading 7-3 at the end of the first quarter, but the Patriots' 24-point second quarter put the Broncos in a hole that they couldn't climb out of. Peyton Manning was picked off early in the quarter and the Patriots capitalized with a Julian Edelman 5-yard touchdown. Edelman also had a punt return for a touchdown. The Broncos turned the ball over on downs later in the quarter and Patriots took the ball downfield for another touchdown before the half ended. While the teams' statistics were similar, lack of success on third down, turnovers and special teams mistakes proved costly for the Broncos and they fell to the Patriots in Foxborough for the third consecutive year in the regular season.

It was over when: On fourth-and-five at their own 48-yard line early int he fourth quarter, Manning found Emmanuel Sanders for four yards, turning the ball over on downs.

Key performer: Sanders posted his fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season. Despite incurring a bruised rib after tackling Rob Ninkovich after he picked off Manning, Sanders returned to the game.

Between the hash marks:

  • Julius Thomas' touchdown in the third quarter was his tenth of the season, making him the NFL's touchdown reception leader.
  • Demaryius Thomas finished the game with 127 yards, giving him his fifth consecutive 100-yard game, extending his team record in that category.
  • DeMarcus Ware tacked on his eighth sack of the season.

Check out the best shots from Sunday's game in Foxborough.

What's next: The Broncos head to Oakland to take on the 0-8 Raiders.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (5-3)

Week 9: Won 24-10 vs. New York Jets

How it happened: The Chiefs defense led the way in this game, only allowing the Jets to score one touchdown and a lone field goal. The Chiefs opening drive resulted in a Jamaal Charles touchdown. In one of the stranger touchdowns of the season, on first-and-goal, Alex Smith's pass was tipped by the Jets and landed in the arms of Anthony Fasano, who was on the ground, and he reached into the end zone for the score. The Chiefs scored touchdowns on three of their first four possessions and neither team could score in the fourth quarter. While the Jets were able to gain 139 yards on the ground and 235 in the air, the Chiefs came away with the W.

It was over when: On fourth-and-goal at the Kansas City 3-yard line, Michael Vick sent a pass incomplete intended for Percy Harvin. Vick was knocked down and banged his head on the turf on the play and missed the Jets' next series, which also ended in a turnover on downs.

Key performer: Justin Houston continues to be dominant and had two sacks for ten yards and two quarterback hits. He and the Chiefs defense held the Jets to four-of-12 on third downs and two-of-five on fourth down.

Between the hash marks:

  • Justin Houston's 12 sacks this season are good for first in the NFL, three more than Von Miller and Everson Griffen who are tied for second.
  • The Chiefs are the only team in the NFL to not allow a rushing touchdown on defense this season.
  • Dwayne Bowe tied a season-high mark with six receptions for 55 yards.

What's next: The Chiefs travel to Buffalo to play the Bills.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (0-8)

*Week 9: Lost 24-20 at Seattle Seahawks

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How it happened: The Raiders were first to get on the board with a field goal on their first drive. But they couldn't get on the board for the rest of the half and the Seahawks put up 24 points, including Bruce Irvin's pick-six. Early in the third, Denico Autry blocked Seattle's punt and Brice Butler recovered the ball in the end zone for the score. Derek Carr connected with Mychal Rivera for two touchdowns in the second half. The Raiders pulled within six with 1:52 left in the game, but their onside kick attempt failed.

It was over when: Sebastian Janikowski's onside kick was recovered by Jermaine Kearse to allow the Seahawks to run out the clock.

Key performer: Mychal Rivera, who had a season-high 83 yards last week, remained a consistent target on Sunday as he had two touchdowns receptions, his first scores of the season.

Between the hash marks:

  • The Raiders have only allowed nine sacks this season, tied with the Broncos for the fewest allowed through eight games.
  • The Raiders held Russell Wilson to his lowest completion percentage of the season (48.6) and no touchdowns.
  • Oakland, now 0-8, is off to its worst start since 1962.

What's next: The Raiders will play the Broncos at home.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

*Week 9: Lost 37-0 at Miami Dolphins

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How it happened: After a 5-1 start, the Chargers have lost three consecutive games and were shut out on Sunday. They were outgained 448 to 178 during the game and Philip Rivers had three interceptions, including two to Brent Grimes and one lost fumble deep in Chargers territory. Two of Rivers' picks resulted in Dolphins field goals and his fumble turned into a touchdown. Ryan Tannehill picked apart the Chargers' defense and finished 24-of-34 for 288 yards and three touchdowns. His rating of 125.6 was his highest of the season and he connected with ten different receivers during the game.

It was over when: The Dolphins, who got the ball to start the second half, drove down the field in just under four minutes and finished the drive with a 21-yard touchdown reception by Ryan Matthews. That score put the Dolphins up, 27-0.

Key performer: Andrew Gachkar had three tackles for loss.

Between the hash marks:

  • The Chargers were three-of-11 on third down and had season lows in total yards, net yards passing and first downs.
  • This is the first time the Chargers have been shut out since 1999.
  • The Dolphins began the game with seven straight possessions without a punt.

What's next: The Chargers have plenty of time to recover from the loss as they have their bye week. They will play the Raiders at home the following week.

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