AFC west.(NFL)

DENVER BRONCOS

WR Ashley Lelie still uses his top-end speed to run past defenders and displays the superb body control that made him one of the league's better deep threats over the past two years. As a result, his per-catch average is creeping up. But the coaching staff has been most pleased by his willingness to compete for the ball in the air and sacrifice his body over the middle. ... The Broncos are on pace to defend the fewest rushing attempts in a non-strike season in team history. The biggest reason they have been tested so infrequently has been their often substantial first half leads. Because of their speed at linebacker and physical play up front, the Broncos also have done a solid job of keeping teams bottled up. PROBLEM SPOT: The team's kickoff return unit has been pedestrian all season. Rookie Darrent Williams is a natural punt returner who has only limited experience on kickoffs. To shake things up, the Broncos have replaced him with Roc Alexander, who handled kickoffs in college and has a better feel for the role.--Lee Rasizer

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

CB Dewayne Washington isn't the same caliber as CB Patrick Surtain (ankle), who likely will miss a couple of games, but he has played well as a fill-in this season and should be a solid replacement. But another injury at corner would pose a problem; CBs Benny Sapp and Dexter McCleon are best when they play nickel back and line up on slot receivers. ... RE Jared Allen doesn't have a blazing first step, but he runs well enough and knows how to use leverage so he plays bigger than his 265 pounds. Allen never quits on a play, so he gets some sacks on sheer effort. He is more consistent against the run than he was as a rookie last year. PROBLEM SPOT: Right tackle has been an unsettled position. Four players have started there, and none has played particularly well. Three of those players--Jordan Black, Chris Bober and John Welbourn--might be better suited to playing guard or center. Welbourn currently occupies right tackle, and the Chiefs should stick with him and hope they can build some continuity. Welbourn is not a great edge pass protector, but he is strong at the point of attack and in the running game.--Adam ...