Silver Minings: Week 1 AFC West roundup, Chiefs in dead last

The Las Vegas Raiders walked away from Week 1 with a big 20-13 victory over the New England Patriots to start the 2025 regular season 1-0 and with a chance to head into next week’s Monday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in first place for the AFC West. So, let’s take a look at how the Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos fared this weekend.

Chiefs vs. Chargers

Score: 27-21 Chargers win

LAC Stats:

• QB Justin Herbert: 25/34, 318 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 7 rushes, 32 yards
• RB Omarion Hampton: 15 carries, 48 yards
• WR Quentin Johnston: 5 catches, 79 yards, 2 TDs
• WR Keenan Allen: 7 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD
• LB Daiyan Henley: 8 tackles, 1 sack
• S Derwin James Jr.: 7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 QB Hit

KC Stats:

• QB Patrick Mahomes: 24/39, 258 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs, 6 rushes, 57 yards, 1 rushing TD
• RB Isiah Pacheco: 5 carries, 25 yards
• WR Hollywood Brown: 10 catches, 99 yards
• TE Travis Kelce: 2 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD
• LB Drue Tranquill: 5 tackles, 2 sacks
• EDGE George Karlaftis: 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFLs

Kansas City is looking to make it 10 straight division titles this season, but the team got off to the wrong start as the Chiefs are currently in last place at 0-1. Mahomes and the offense are still trying to fight through last season’s woes, and wide receiver Xavier Worthy suffering a dislocated shoulder in Friday’s loss certainly doesn’t help matters. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s defense is searching for answers after getting shredded by Herbert.

Speaking of, who would have thought a Jim Harbaugh-led team would call 41 dropbacks/passing plays in a game where they were winning? And that Johnston would be the Chargers’ leading receiver? It was an impressive showing for Los Angeles as the Bolts did what they couldn’t do last season: beat the Chiefs.

KC Next Game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

LAC Next Game: @ Las Vegas Raiders (MNF)

Titans vs. Broncos

Score: 20-12 Broncos win

Stats:

• QB Bo Nix: 25/40, 176 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 8 rushes, 18 yards (1 fumble)
• RB J.K. Dobbins: 16 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD
• RB RJ Harvey: 6 carries, 70 yards
• WR Courtland Sutton: 6 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD
• CB Riley Moss: 7 tackles, 2 PDs
• EDGE Nik Bonitto: 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFLs, 3 QB hits

Denver’s defense picked up right where it left off, sacking Cam Ward six times in the rookie’s debut. Even more impressively, it was six different defenders who got to the quarterback. However, the Broncos’ offense was bad for most of the afternoon, primarily due to Nix’s three turnovers. Obviously, it didn’t end up costing them the game, but the team will need much better quarterback play to be the contender most think they will be this year.

Next game:...