Week 14 AFC West predictions: Will Chiefs bounce back against Bills?

In Week 14, the Broncos and Chargers aim to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, the Chiefs hope to end their recent skid, and the Raiders are fresh off a bye week. Here are this week's predictions. 

Denver Broncos (6-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-7): On Monday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton said the team's communication and discipline must improve. Otherwise, the Broncos won't make the playoffs. While Denver has won five of its last six games, it's tied for 10th in the league in penalties (78).

Meanwhile, the Chargers offense has seemingly regressed. Over its past three games, L.A. has only averaged 12 points per game. Some of the issues tie to an inconsistent receiving corps. Per The Athletic's Daniel Popper, L.A. has logged 19 drops over the past five games.

As of Wednesday, oddschecker lists the Broncos as 2.5-point underdogs, but don't be surprised if they pull off an upset. The Chargers' offensive problems compound their inability to win close games. Los Angeles has lost five games by three points or less.

PREDICTION: Broncos, 24-21 

Buffalo Bills (6-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (8-4): The Chiefs have lost two of their last three games, and they lead the league in drops (32), per Pro Football Reference. However, tight end Travis Kelce believes they'll snap out of their funk.

"I feel like we got all the guys we need, man," he recently said on his podcast "New Heights." "Sometimes, it just takes losing one, maybe two, to figure out exactly how to come together in those situations. And I feel like that's what we're doing right now." 

Meanwhile, it's a must-win game for the Bills with their playoff chances are on thin ice. The New York Times simulator notes they'll fall from a 15 percent chance to 6 percent chance to reach the postseason if they lose to Kansas City. A turnover-prone offense hinders Buffalo's playoff aspirations. The Bills are near the top of the league in giveaways (20). Expect the Chiefs to take advantage of this.

PREDICTION: Chiefs, 26-21

Minnesota Vikings (6-6) at Las Vegas Raiders (5-7): On a recent episode of Raiders DE Maxx Crosby's podcast, RB Josh Jacobs told his teammate they need more players to buy in to make an improbable postseason push. Las Vegas has lost two of its last three games and is fading from the playoff picture.

On Wednesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced the team is sticking with QB Joshua Dobbs even though he threw four interceptions in a Week 12 loss against the Chicago Bears. The return of star WR Justin Jefferson — who missed seven games with a hamstring injury — should help Dobbs regain his mojo.

Despite the QB questions, Minnesota has the upper hand in this matchup. The Raiders have issues on both sides of the ball, ranking 27th in the league in points per game (16.8) and 18th in points allowed (21.3). As of Wednesday, oddschecker lists the Vikings as a three-point favorite.

PREDICTION: Vikings, 24-16