The regular season comes to a close with Week 17, and when it comes to the AFC West it has been quite an interesting year. Teams have shown vast improvement, while others struggled, but have made a serious playoff push.
Week 17 will be huge for two teams with playoff implications on the line.
Here's a look at how the AFC West teams will match up in two divisional showdowns.
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday 4:25p.m. EST
The Raiders haven't won at Arrowhead since 2012, but they're hoping to start a new kind of streak on Sunday afternoon.
In these two teams first matchup of the season, the Chiefs were victorious and have been on a roll after losing five straight early in the season.
KC can win the AFC West with a victory over the Raiders and a Denver Broncos loss. Quite the turnaround from Week 6 when the Chiefs seemed to be out of playoff contention.
They overcame the loss of Jamaal Charles and have played great football as of late, but the Raiders have something to play for as well.
Although they are eliminated from playoff contention, this will be an emotional game for the Raiders. Charles Woodson announced his retirement a few weeks ago, and with Sunday's game comes his final appearance in the NFL. He's had an amazing 18-year career and would like to end it on a high note with a win.
The Raiders would love to play spoiler, but playing in KC is never easy, especially against a good squad.
For the Raiders, they can't make mistakes on offense. Derek Carr has to protect the ball, and be cautious with throws. Turnovers have been an issue the past few weeks, putting this offense in a hole they haven't always been able to climb out of.
Defensively, Oakland needs to create turnovers and attack the quarterback. Khalil Mack has had phenomenal season and will look to enter Raiders record books this week. Mack is one sack away from tying former Raider Derrick Burgess' single-season record of 16 sacks.
For KC they enter this game with hopes of a division title. Granted they'll need a little help, but regardless they have to get the W. They're already in the playoffs, but home field advantage with a division win is something every team in the playoff hunt seeks.
Alex Smith will look to take advantage of a struggling Raiders secondary. Oaklands defensive backs have been a weakness all season, and Smith will look to use that to his benefit.
Defensively they will attempt to create turnovers as they did their last meeting with the Raiders in Oakland. Throwing Carr off his game early not only gives the Chiefs the ball, but also has Carr on his toes throughout the game.
Final Score Prediction
Raiders 24 Chiefs 27
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos, Sunday 4:25p.m. EST
The Chargers have had a very disappointing season, and will finish last in the AFC West.
The Broncos on the other hand will enter the playoffs yet again this year, but have to secure this win for the division title.
For the Chargers, there has been much talk about how they've handled Eric Weddle, but he was placed on season ending IR, and the two ways are expected to part ways this offseason.
Their offense has been so-so, and they haven't been able to finish games.
Denver on the other hand has had another impressive year, despite losing Peyton Manning midseason to injury.
The quarterback has been replaced by backup Brock Osweiler who has been rather impressive these past few weeks.
Manning has said he can play if needed this week, but the Broncos are starting Osweiler bringing about talks of a quarterback controversy come playoffs.
This is a game the Broncos have to dominate. A win secures their division title and a bit of momentum heading into the playoffs.
This defense is one of the best in the league and need to swarm Philip Rivers.
Offensively, they should put up a lot of points. This is a home game for them against their last place division rival. As one of the leading AFC West contenders, the Broncos have to show up big this Sunday.
Final Score Prediction
Chargers 13 Broncos 27