Kansas City Chiefs' fifth straight win preserves lead in jumbled AFC West race

The Good: The Chiefs have ripped off five straight wins in a fashion nobody would've predicted at the start of this year. Their defense has gone from being a liability to being a strength, as that unit has allowed just 56 points over the last five games. The major change has come in the pass rush, where Chris Jones has returned to being a dominant force at defensive tackle (after an ill-fated attempt at playing defensive end to start the year) and defensive ends Frank Clark and Melvin Ingram have been disruptive on the edge. The defense also has benefitted from an infusion of youth and athleticism, with safety Juan Thornhill and linebackers Willie Gay Jr. and Nick Bolton becoming true difference-makers in bigger roles. This defense was on pace to be historically bad through the first seven weeks of the season. Its turnaround has been nothing short of amazing.

The Bad: We're still waiting for the Chiefs offense to show up. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes came into this contest tied for third in the NFL with 11 interceptions and he added another one against the Broncos. Overall, he completed 15 of 29 passes for 184 yards and no touchdowns. To put this into perspective, Mahomes has thrown for more than 300 yards only once in the last six games. The Chiefs also have been especially disappointing on offense at home, where they've only scored more than 24 points once (in the season-opening win over Cleveland). There is still enough time for Mahomes and his teammates to straighten out these issues. It's hard to imagine Kansas City moving deep into the postseason without a little more juice on that side of the football.

The Good: Quarterback Justin Herbert looks like an MVP candidate on his best days. Just ask the Cincinnati Bengals. Herbert threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns (with one interception) in Sunday's 41-22 win, and it's obvious that the Chargers will only go as far as his right arm takes them. They've given him better protection and he doesn't lack for weapons in the passing game, most prominently wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. The Bolts don't have much in terms of a rushing attack, so everything depends on Herbert playing like a star.

The Bad: This team looks scary as hell when it's on its game. It's too bad that only happens every other week of this season. Los Angeles is the ultimate example of a Jekyll-and-Hyde team, and the win over Cincinnati was a perfect example of that dynamic. The Chargers jumped out to a 24-0 lead before surrendering 22 straight points and then finishing with 17 consecutive points of their own. In other words, it's what you would expect from a team that was once 4-1 and now sits at 7-5. The Bolts also have a huge problem on defense, as they came into Sunday ranked 29th in points allowed and 30th in rushing yards allowed. They have too much talent to be that bad on those areas.

The Good: The Broncos have been playing stingy defense, even after dealing star outside linebacker Von Miller before the trade deadline. Only one team has scored more than 22 points against Denver in the last five weeks, and that defense has helped the Broncos produce huge wins over the Cowboys and Chargers. That unit was once again impressive against the Chiefs on Sunday, as it threw Mahomes off rhythm and allowed just 267 total yards. The Broncos have a lot of the things you want in a modern defense, including a strong pass rush and talented defenders in the secondary.

The Bad: If only the Broncos' offense could be as impressive as the Broncos' defense. There aren't many offenses in the league that are less enjoyable to watch than Denver's. The Broncos pound the football relentlessly and their passing game isn't known for its explosiveness. It's basically the type of lifeless offense many predicted when Denver traded for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the offseason and then watched him beat out incumbent Drew Lock for the starting job. It's hard to see this team being a true threat until it has the capability to score more points.

The Good: This team has more heart than people give it credit for. The Raiders lost their head coach (Jon Gruden resigned) and their best deep threat on offense (wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was released) and they've never used those setbacks as reasons to crater. Don't get it twisted: They've produced plenty of doubt at key junctures. However, this team notcheda huge win at Dallas on Thanksgiving before taking a 17-15 loss to Washington. It's important to note that Las Vegas played Sunday's game against the Football Team without its best offensive weapon, tight end Darrell Waller. Once Waller returns -- and wide receiver DeSean Jackson continues to grow as Ruggs's replacement in this offense -- the Raiders will have to like their odds of staying in the race for a playoff bid.

The Bad: That loss to Washington was a killer. Not only did the Raiders lose on a field goal in the final minute but they took an L just one week before traveling to play the Chiefs in Kansas City. Nothing is going to come easy for Las Vegas between now and the end of the year. Every team the Raiders face will be vying for a postseason spot, as they'll follow the Chiefs game with a schedule that includes the Browns, Broncos, Colts and Chargers. Like the Bolts, the Raiders have been up and down this year. And just like Los Angeles, Vegas can't afford to be inconsistent any longer.