We’re past the halfway point of the season and from here on out, each matchup becomes more and more important.

When it comes to this division, the Denver Broncos seem to be running away with it, despite their loss last week.  They have a comfortable three game lead over the Oakland Raiders at this point, but the Raiders are a team on a mission and an eye on a playoff spot.

This week brings a few interesting matchups for the AFC West teams with the San Diego Chargers on the bye.

Here’s a look at Week 10’s games.

Minnesota Vikings at Oakland Raiders, Sunday 4:05p.m. EST

It's been awhile since the Raiders were playing meaningful games in the month of November in the hunt for a playoff spot, but that is just what they will be seeking this week. Oakland is 4-4 after their tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, but played a very well, hard fought game against a solid Steelers squad.

Derek Carr and the Raiders offense has been superb, but the defense is questionable at best, and cost the Raiders last week’s game.

This Raiders offense has been making putting points on the board look easy at times, but when it comes to this matchup, the defense stopping the Vikings offense is crucial.

Teddy Bridgewater has been cleared to play after a hard hit last week, and brings about a highly anticipated duel of quarterbacks.

Both Carr and Bridgewater were drafted in the 2014 draft, and both are solid at their position with bright futures ahead of them, but the Vikings took Bridgewater ahead of Carr and that will always be taken into consideration when these two play each other.

Overall, this will be a good matchup and an entertaining game highlighted by young talent. For the Raiders, their defense has to step up, especially with Rodney Hudson out, the Raider offense may be a tad off sync.

Final Score Prediction

Vikings 24 Raiders 31

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, Sunday 4:25p.m. EST

The first place 7-1 Broncos will host the 3-5 Chiefs this Sunday in a divisional showdown. The Broncos took the first game these two played this season, which was highlighted by a Jamaal Charles fumble returned for a touchdown, giving the Broncos the win. KC will look for some revenge this time around.

Denver is coming off their first loss of the season, which came against Peyton Manning’s former team the Indianapolis Colts. With Andrew Luck and company’s recent struggles, this was quite an upset.

KC on the other hand is coming off the bye.

Denver’s defense is one of the best in the league right now and will seek to attack Alex Smith.  KC’s O-line will have their hands full with the pass rush, and Smith’s targets will have to go against a solid Denver secondary.

While the Bronco offense has been hot and cold this season, this is a game they should dominate in.

Final Score Prediction

Chiefs 17 Broncos 24