ESPN AFC West Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Denver

Raiders Week, apparently, isn't the same in Denver this year.

My take: Maybe the excitement of Raiders Week isn't the same for the media in Denver because the Raiders are so porous, but that shouldn't be the attitude in the locker room. If the Broncos themselves are complacent this week they could be in trouble. Yes, the Raiders haven't been strong this season, but they are capable of winning in Denver. This is a big game for the Broncos. A win over Oakland will bring the Broncos a step closer to the AFC West title. It can't afford to take this team lightly.

Kansas City

Tony Gonzalez is back at practice.

My take: Gonzalez is a tough player. he is still the Chiefs best player and has only missed two games in his career. Don't expect him to stay out this week. Gonzalez is still the heart and soul of the Chiefs and he wants to finish strong as much as anyone in Kansas City.

Oakland

JaMarcus Russell keeps the tough times to himself.

My take: Russell is definitely going through a long season. But if he is going to make it as an NFL quarterback, he will have to handle the tough times. He seems to be handling it fine off the field. But the issue is for him to get better on the field. As long as he has a good attitude and keeps positive, like he appears to be doing, he has a chance to ride out this tough time.

San Diego

LaDainian Tomlinson believes the running game needs to get going in San Diego.

My take: The Chargers need to stop talking about getting the running game going, and they need to simply get the running game going. They've been talking about this nearly all season and still, the normally explosive San Diego rushing attack hasn't shown itself. Whether it's injury or inconsistency or a lack of commitment, the Chargers have to figure it out and stop talking about it. It just has to get better now.