Week 1 of the NFL season saw all three AFC West contenders—Denver, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas—open with wins, while defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City stumbled in Brazil. Here’s how the division unfolded:
Denver Broncos 20, Tennessee Titans 12
The Broncos kicked off their season with a hard-fought win at home. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw a touchdown to Courtland Sutton and overcame three turnovers thanks to a dominant defensive performance. Denver sacked Titans rookie Cam Ward six times and held Tennessee to just 112 passing yards.
J.K. Dobbins added a rushing touchdown, and rookie R.J. Harvey broke off a 50-yard run to set up the score. A late strip-sack by Ja’Quan McMillian sealed the win, giving Denver a promising 1–0 start.
Los Angeles Chargers 27, Kansas City Chiefs 21
In a high-profile opener in São Paulo, Brazil, the Chargers stunned the Chiefs behind a stellar performance from Justin Herbert, who threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns. Quentin Johnston caught two of those scores, and Keenan Allen added another. The Chargers’ defense kept Mahomes in check early, and a late scramble by Herbert iced the game.
The win snapped a seven-game losing streak against Kansas City and marked a statement victory for Los Angeles as they aim to challenge for the division crown.
Las Vegas Raiders 20, New England Patriots 13
The Raiders earned a rare win in Foxborough, defeating the Patriots behind a balanced offensive effort. Geno Smith connected with Tre Tucker for a touchdown, and rookie Ashton Jeanty added a rushing score. Daniel Carlson nailed two field goals, including a 51-yarder.
Maxx Crosby led a defensive unit that pressured Patriots rookie Drake Maye throughout the game, holding New England to just three second-half points. The win marks Las Vegas’ first victory in New England since 1994.
AFC West Standings – Week 1
| Team | Record | Points For | Points Against |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | 1–0 | 20 | 12 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 1–0 | 27 | 21 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 1–0 | 20 | 13 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 0–1 | 21 | 27 |
With all three challengers starting strong, the AFC West looks more competitive than ever. Week 2 will test whether Denver, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas can build on their momentum—or if Kansas City will bounce back in a Super Bowl LIX rematch against Philadelphia.
©️ The Rocky Mountain Dispatch LLC. 2025
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