The AFC West title was ripe to get wrested from the Kansas City Chiefs this season, yet their division rivals dug themselves into big holes once again.
There’s still a mathematical chance the Raiders (7-8) or Broncos (7-8) could catch the Chiefs (9-6) following Las Vegas’ 20-14 win at Arrowhead on Christmas Day, but a lot would have to line up for one of them to unseat K.C.
The defending but teetering Super Bowl champions have owned the division since 2016, when Patrick Mahomes was still slinging it in Lubbock, Texas, and tight end Travis Kelce was heading into his first All-Pro season.