They have four of the NFL’s top 10 rushers.
They have an MVP candidate who is second in passer rating and first in touchdown passes.
They have the top punt returner.
And they have one of the two remaining unbeaten teams.
It has been an intriguing opening month for the AFC West. Kansas City (4-0) is followed by the Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers (both 2-2) and Oakland (1-3) in the standings. The Chiefs have won two division road games, the Broncos have lost two consecutive games, the Chargers are in better shape than last year’s 0-4 start and the Raiders, well, they’ve been in every game.
At the season’s quarter pole, here is a look at the four teams:
Chiefs
Record: 4-0.
Whatap gone right: Everything on offense. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes ended Week 4 as the league leader in touchdown passes (14) and second in passer rating (126.5). … The Chiefs survived an opening month gauntlet that included wins at the Chargers, Broncos and Pittsburgh. … Kansas City leads the NFL in scoring (36.3 points per game). … Receiver Tyreek Hill is averaging a league-best 27.4 yards on five punt returns. … Reigning rushing champion Kareem Huntap 289 yards are fifth-best in the league. … The defense is first on third down (23.8 conversion rate by opponents).
Whatap gone wrong: The defense is allowing 461.8 yards, 123.3 rushing yards and 328.5 passing yards per game and has trouble tackling.
Next four games: vs. Jacksonville (3-1), at New England (3-2), vs. Cincinnati (3-1) and vs. the Broncos (2-2).
Final comment: The class of the division and the entire AFC through four games. If they can survive the season’s second quarter with at least a 2-2 record, the Chiefs will be in fine position for home-field advantage.
Chargers
Record: 2-2.
Whatap gone right: The schedule broke their way — they won at Buffalo in quarterback Josh Allen’s debut and survived at home against San Francisco in the 49ers’ first game without Jimmy Garoppolo. … The Chargers’ offense ranks among the top 10 in yards (ninth), rushing (eighth) and scoring (tied for eighth). … Running back Melvin Gordon is averaging 5.1 yards per carry and his 276 yards are seventh in the league. … Quarterback Philip Rivers has 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions. … First-round pick Derwin James (safety) has a team-high three sacks.
Whatap gone wrong: The Chargers’ defense is struggling without defensive end Joey Bosa (foot) and cornerback Jason Verrett (Achilles). … L.A. is 28th in yards per play (6.3), 29th on third down (46.8 percent) and 28th in points allowed (30.0).
Next four games: vs. Oakland (1-3), at Cleveland (1-2-1), vs. Tennessee (3-1) in London and at Seattle (2-2).
Final comment: It was at this time last year the Chargers got going, winning seven of their next nine. The schedule, though, is a bear after Sunday’s game against the Raiders (four consecutive games away from home).
Broncos
Record: 2-2.
Whatap gone right: Rookie running backs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman have combined for 483 yards on 99 carries (three touchdowns). Lindsay is 10th in the league in rushing (267 yards). … Receiver Emmanuel Sanders has 20 catches for a 13.1-yard average and two rushes for a 26.5-yard average. … The Broncos’ defense is eighth against the run (93.8).
Whatap gone wrong: The defense hasn’t forced a turnover and quarterback Case Keenum has not thrown a touchdown since Week 1. … Keenum has six interceptions. … The pass rush has four sacks in the last three games. … Punter Marquette King has been a disappointment. … Tight end Jake Butt (torn ACL) is out for the year.
Next four games: at New York Jets (1-3), vs. Los Angeles Rams (4-0), at Arizona (0-4) and at Kansas City (4-0).
Final comment: The Broncos stunk on the road last year (1-7) and if they are to save their season this month, they must win at the Jets and Cardinals against rookie quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen.
Oakland
Record: 1-3.
Whatap gone right: The Raiders were able to beat Cleveland last week (45-42 in overtime) to end September with a win. … Running back Marshawn Lynch’s 300 yards are fourth-best in the league. … Oakland’s 441.8 yards per game are second in the league. .. Tight end Jared Cook has 26 catches for 370 yards.
Whatap gone wrong: Quarterback Derek Carr has a league-high seven interceptions. … Right tackle Donald Penn (groin) was placed on injured reserve earlier this week. … The Raiders have only five sacks (tied for fewest) after trading Khalil Mack to Chicago after the preseason. … The defense is 30th against the run (139.2).
Next four games: at Los Angeles Chargers (2-2), vs. Seattle (2-2) in London, vs. Indianapolis (1-4) and at San Francisco (1-3).
Final comment: The next month is a chance for the Raiders to get into the wild-card mix because they play Seattle on a neutral field (the Seahawks barely beat Arizona last week) and then face the rebuilding Colts and Garoppolo-less 49ers.
