KC Chiefs: What we learned about the AFC West after Week 16

The KC Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed. What else did we learn in the AFC West?

We already knew that the Kansas City Chiefs were the best team in the AFC West but now we know they’re the best team in the AFC as well (at least according to the records). The Chiefs are the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs and were able to lock that up with their 17-14 victory over the four-win Falcons.

What all did we learn about the AFC West this weekend? Let’s start with the first team to play this weekend.

What did we learn about the Las Vegas Raiders?

The Raiders hosted the Wild Card Dolphins on Saturday night and it didn’t go well for the silver and black. In fact, it went about as bad as it could have gone, as the Raiders lost 26-25, dropped to 7-8, and are now eliminated from playoff contention.

If the Raiders want to avoid a second-half collapse next season, they need to really fixate on the defense this offseason. Their defense has been atrocious and it was clear that Jon Gruden didn’t believe in them when he had Josh Jacobs sit down at the one-yard line rather than take the pigskin in for six points.

I’ve criticized Derek Carr throughout his career but he’s not to blame for the Raiders’ epic collapse. He threw for over 300 yards and did what he needed to do to get his team the win. It’s not his fault the Vegas defense couldn’t stop anything.

What we learned about the Raiders is that they’re officially eliminated from playoff contention and will be watching the postseason from home. Carr has yet to start a playoff game with the Raiders (he was injured when the team made it in 2016) and that has to be frustrating. Will the silver and black stick with him moving forward?

Next up: The Raiders close out their season with a trip to Denver for a late Sunday afternoon matchup against the Broncos.