Broncos win, Mendoza debuts, Chargers fall to 0-5 — AFC West roundup

It was a busy day in the AFC West, with the Denver Broncos grabbing a divisional road win, the Las Vegas Raiders taking a lopsided loss despite a high-profile rookie debut, and the Los Angeles Chargers sinking deeper into trouble at 0-5 amid growing trade chatter. The Kansas City Chiefs remain atop the division at 4-0 without taking the field.

Denver Broncos

Denver went into Los Angeles and came out with a 23-17 victory over the Chargers. The win lifts the Broncos to 3-2 and keeps them in the chase behind Kansas City in the AFC West. CBS Sports had highlighted the betting markets around this Week 5 matchup between divisional rivals; when it was finally played, Denver did just enough to hand the Chargers another close loss and strengthen its own early-season position.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders had a rough trip to New England, losing 45-17 to the Patriots. The game still marked an important milestone for the franchise: the NFL debut of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick. According to CBS Sports, Mendoza delivered a solid first outing even as the game got away from Las Vegas on the scoreboard. The Raiders fall to 3-2, matching Denver’s record but losing ground to the undefeated Chiefs.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers’ 23-17 home loss to Denver leaves them alone in the AFC West basement at 0-5. With the team off to what Pro Football Rumors calls a disastrous start, attention is already shifting to what could happen before the November 10 trade deadline. Citing reporting from The Athletic, Pro Football Rumors notes that outside linebacker Khalil Mack could be a name to watch in the coming weeks. The outlet also reports, via multiple sources described by Fox, that wide receiver Quentin Johnston may be another trade candidate, even though the Chargers showed confidence in him by picking up his fifth-year option in the offseason.

CBS Sports also promoted betting markets for Chargers and other California teams’ Week 5 games, underlining that Los Angeles remains a high-profile team for fans and bettors alike. On the field, however, the reality is bleak: five games, five losses, and a roster that may look different by the time the season’s second half arrives.

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City did not factor into Sunday’s scores but stays firmly in control of the AFC West at 4-0. With Denver and Las Vegas sitting at 3-2 and the Chargers mired at 0-5, the Chiefs enjoy an early cushion in a division that is already showing clear separation between the top and the bottom.