AFC west

DENVER BRONCOS

WR Ashley Lelie has become a huge big-play threat. He has learned how to use his body-and push off without getting caught-on deep balls. That enables QB lake Plummer to take more chances downfield because he knows Lelie has a good chance of coming down with the ball.... Rookie WR Darius Watts has terrific skills. He's fast and elusive and knows how to get open. He's also raw and inconsistent. He has dropped a number of big passes, including an end zone drop against the Raiders that could have given the Broncos a victory. And, like some rookies, he seems to be a bit overwhelmed by the speed of the NFL, which can lead to mistakes. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: C+. Red zone failures and Plummer's interceptions hurt when it counts. Defense: B-. It lacks a consistent pass rusher and gives up too many big plays downfield. Special teams: D. P Micah Knorr has been inconsistent, costing Denver field position, and the return game is ordinary. Coaching: B-. Game plans have been solid, but third-down failures, red zone troubles and too many penalties reveal a lack of discipline.--Patrick Saunders

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Chiefs should play RB Larry Johnson more in the final four games if Priest Holmes isn't fully healthy. Johnson, given a considerable workload in Sunday's win at Oakland, gained 118 yards in 20 carries. There's little to gain by playing RB Derrick Blaylock because he could leave after the season.... OL Jordan Black got his first extended playing time at right tackle against the Raiders and responded well. The Chiefs hope Black can develop into a reliable tackle but think he will be better at guard long-term because pass protection is not his strength. Black might start this week if Chris Bober (toe) isn't ready.... Look for Dick Vermeil to coach for one more year. He hasn't done his best coaching job this season, but it's not because the game has passed him by. Expect him to bounce back next season. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B+. This potent unit needs to score on more late drives. Defense: D. Coordinator Gunther Cunningham has made little impact. Special teams: D+. The return and coverage units aren't special. Coaching: D+. Vermeil gets some blame for not improving defensive personnel.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

RB Tyrone Wheatley (hamstring) could miss the rest of the season, which might mean the end of his Raiders career. He's scheduled to make more than the team likely will want to pay him next year. Second-year RB Justin Fargas now will be tested and must show promise in the final games or risk being labeled a situational back. He has speed, strength and decisiveness; his durability remains a question.... OLB Sam Williams has recovered from shoulder surgery and has beaten out DeLawrence Grant for the starting job. Williams has learned how to use his long arms to keep blockers from getting to his body and to get to ballcarriers before they turn downfield. He's fast and instinctive. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: C+. QB Kerry Collins finally is in sync with the young receivers, but the running game is lacking. Defense: C-. The players still are adjusting to new positions and new schemes and are searching for continuity. Special teams: C+. Special teams coach Joe Avezzano is doing a solid job erasing last year's horrifying images. Coaching: C. Norv Turner is sticking to his beliefs during a rebuilding season.--Steve Corkran

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

RB LaDainian Tomlinson still isn't 100 percent because of a groin injury, but he's starting to look more like his old self. He's showing more cutting ability than in previous weeks and making more defenders miss, but his timing still is off. He is hitting holes too early or too late.... Randall Godfrey (6-2, 245) doesn't have the prototypical size of an inside linebacker, but he understands angles and leverage and how to get off blocks. He also provides big hits in pass coverage. He plays with great tenacity, and his attitude rubs off on teammates.... CB Sammy Davis (broken leg) will have a hard time regaining his starting job if Drayton Florence continues to play well. Florence is showing greater patience and a heightened attention to detail, traits that are putting him in better position to make plays. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: A. The unit has ranked at or near the top in scoring all year. Defense: B. It is among the league's best at stopping the run, but the pass coverage must improve. Special teams: C+. P Mike Scifres should be in the Pro Bowl; K Nate Kaeding and the coverage units have to be more consistent. Coaching: A. The staff has maximized the abilities of its players, the sign of a job well done. -Jim Trotter

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