AFC west.(NFL)(American Football Conference)

DENVER BRONCOS

Injuries to CB Lenny Walls have opened the door for Kelly Herndon, who has responded with gutsy, hard-nosed play. Herndon is an excellent tackler and a decent cover man, but he also makes some mental errors and blows some coverages. ... Look for Reuben Droughns, who rushed for 193 yards against Carolina, to be the feature back the rest of the season. He doesn't do anything fancy, but that works well in this system. Droughns is a straight-ahead runner who punishes tacklers and always falls forward. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The Broncos always are looking to add creative twists to the offense. The latest is putting a tight end in the backfield. Initially, the team lines up in a one-back set, then Dwayne Carswell or Patrick Hape shifts into the backfield as a lead blocker. The result has been outstanding. Carswell or Hape gets a head of steam and is able to pound a linebacker or end. Another option: QB Jake Plummer fakes a handoff and hits the tight end downfield as a receiver.--Patrick Saunders

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

LE Eric Hicks is a tireless worker who often makes plays simply because of his effort. Hicks plays more with quickness and good technique than with power or tremendous ability. Hicks frequently lines up outside of the opposing tackle, a tactic that plays more to his strengths than having him directly over a blocker. ... With the wide receivers as healthy as they've been all season, it might be wise to reduce Dante Hall's offensive role. That will help Hall, who isn't making big plays as a receiver or return man. The diminutive Hall (5-8, 193) isn't built to be an every-down player. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: In practice, the Chiefs are using the scramble drill, something they usually use only during training camp. Receivers are instructed where to be when protection breaks down and the quarterback is forced from the pocket. The team found the drill necessary when protection faltered early in the season and QB Trent Green had trouble locating an open receiver.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Lead RB Tyrone Wheatley (shoulder) is expected to ...