As Week 12 approaches, the playoff picture is getting more interesting by the game. When it comes to the AFC West, the Denver Broncos remain the favorite, despite Peyton Manning being sidelined with an injury.
Here's how the AFC West teams match up this week.
San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday 1:05p.m EST
The Chargers stand at 2-8 in last place of the AFC West, while the Jaguars are 4-6. This has been a disappointing year for the Bolts as they fall further back in the standings each week.
As for the Jags, they are in the mix of the AFC South, and have won two games in a row. They are one game back and will seek to keep pace in the South to make a playoff push in this extremely weak division.
The Chargers offense is struggling with losing key players to injury including receiver Keenan Allen.
San Diego has lost six in a row. The Bolts haven't lost seven in a row since 2001.
The Chargers have struggled on the road dating back to last season, and with their recent struggles they could be in for another loss this week.
They faced the Kansas City Chiefs last week and were dominated 33-3. The Jags are hanging on in one of the weaker divisions this season and will look to take advantage of a struggling Chargers team.
Final Score Prediction
Chargers 10 Jaguars 17
Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans, Sunday 1:05p.m EST
The Oakland Raiders stand at 4-6 on a three game losing streak after making a case for a Wild Card spot.
The offense has been bleak and the defense hasn't been able to make a critical stop the past few weeks.
In recent years they have had severe struggles on the road, and last week was no exception as they took a L against the Detroit Lions.
The secondary is one of the worst in the league, and DJ Hayden has been burned 68 percent of the time this season.
Offensively, the run game has been stagnant the past three weeks, and Derek Carr and company aren't clicking like week's past.
The Tennessee Titans are 2-8 and in last place of the AFC South. This is a game the Raiders should win, but with the way they've been playing it's a toss up. Both teams are coming off a loss last week, and need a win to get back on track.
Final Score Prediction
Raiders 21 Titans 17
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday 1:05p.m. EST
This has what it takes to be an intriguing matchup. The Chiefs have come back to life stringing together a winning streak to stand at 5-5 and in second place of the West. Buffalo is also 5-5 and in second pace of the AFC East.
The Chiefs have recovered from the loss of Jamaal Charles to a season-ending knee injury. The Chiefs have shined both offensively and defensively as of late as they make a playoff push.
As for the Bills, Tyrod Taylor is expected to start this week. Buffalo is also in the playoff hunt.
John Miller and Marcus Easley have been ruled out for Sunday's matchup.
This is an important game for both teams as they seek a Wild Card spot. It will be interesting to see how KC handles a tough Buffalo Bills defense.
Final Score Prediction
Bills 24 Chiefs 21
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos, Sunday 8:30p.m. EST
The expected Brady-Manning bowl won't happen this season as Brock Osweiler gets the start for the Broncos. He got a win in his first career start last week.
Brady and the Patriots are a perfect 10-0 while the Broncos are 8-2; both are first in their divisions.
The Broncos defense has been their strongest asset which makes for an interesting matchup against Tom Brady.
Brady seems to just dominate any defense, but this may be his most difficult opponent, defensively, this season.
As for Denver, the injury to Peyton Manning has explained a lot about his play this season. The offense wasn't clicking and they were hanging on by a thread with the defense holding it down and delivering wins.
These matchups are always entertaining. Two of the best teams in the league going head to head in Sunday night football.
Final Score Prediction
Patriots 31 Broncos 20