AFC West

DENVER BRONCOS

SOUND CHECK: The red-zone defense has been among the worst in the league. Opponents have mainly thrown when inside the Denver 20, partly because they were trailing but also because the run defense has been solid. The defense simply must step up and make plays in the red zone. The Broncos have had difficulty getting WR Ashley Lelie the ball deep downfield. Lelie has been open against man coverage, but QB Jake Plummer hasn't been accurate. Denver must continue to throw long to take advantage of eight-man fronts designed to stop the run. FAST-FORWARD: If Plummet remains efficient (no interceptions in his last 171 attempts), the offense should be fine. CB Champ Bailey (hamstring) needs to be healthy, and K Jason Elam needs to right himself on long field-goal attempts. The running game and the front seven will help combat the elements at Kansas City and Buffalo in December, keeping the Broncos on track for their first division title since 1998. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: B. Defense: A-. Special teams: C-. Coaching: A. Overall: A-.--Lee Rasizer

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

SOUND CHECK:The offensive line has been inconsistent, particularly in pass protection. Injuries forced a shuffling of personnel, and the lack of continuity has showed. With all their key linemen back, the Chiefs need to settle on their best five and leave them alone. The return of CB Eric Warfield should allow the Chiefs to play more man-to-man and press coverage--coordinator Gunther Cunningham's preferred methods. This should help a pass defense that was shredded frequently in the first half. CB Dexter McCleon's best position at this point in his career probably is nickel back. He would get more help covering the slot receiver than he does on the edge. FAST-FORWARD: It seems unlikely the Chiefs can win the division, but they could challenge for a wild-card spot. They have reason to expect at least minimal defensive improvement, but the defense isn't strong enough to carry the team. The offense must improve its production or the playoffs will be an unrealistic goal. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: C-. Defense: D+. Special teams: C+. Coaching: C Overall: C-.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

SOUND CHECK: Third-down success on offense and defense remains a huge concern. Offensively, the Raiders need to stay committed to the run and eliminate penalties. Now that RB LaMont Jordan is in a groove, the team should do a better job on third down. Defensively, the Raiders need to make more big plays on early downs and put opponents in third-and-long situations. They are increasing their pressure on quarterbacks and stacking the line to stop the run. The Raiders must continue to do a better job of incorporating WR Jerry Porter, who caught two touchdown passes in the win over the Titans, into the offense. Randy Moss is not the team's only playmaking wideout; they need to use Porter like one, too. FAST-FORWARD. The Raiders have talent but haven't shown they can win enough close games. Their reliance on four rookies and two second-year players on defense figures to catch up with them, especially in big games. The team commits too many penalties, forces too few turnovers and has too much difficulty winning on the road for it to be considered a serious threat to make the playoffs. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: B-. Defense: C+. Special teams: B. Coaching: C. Overall: C-.--Steve Corkran

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

SOUND CHECK: The offensive line's biggest problem is that it has faced some physical defenses. The line is banged up; every starter except LG Kris Dielman has missed games or been playing with significant injuries. The rest of the schedule isn't as imposing, so if the linemen can get healthy, they'll be sufficient. WR Reche Caldwell figures to help open up the offense. He has improved his route-running and has above-average separation speed, making him a deep threat. Fumbling has been a problem, but coaches likely will work with Caldwell on protecting the ball as he runs. The coaching staff has made some bizarre decisions at the end of games. The team's best hope is to execute better and not have so many close games. FAST-FORWARD: The offense has shown flashes, and the defense is improving. A more manageable schedule will help the club make a run for the playoffs. But it will stumble somewhere in the final three games--at Indianapolis and Kansas City and at home against Denver. A 9-7 record will leave San Diego a game outside of a wild-card berth. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: B. Defense: B-. Special teams: B. Coaching: B-. Overall: B-.--Kevin Acee

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