AFC west.(NFL)(American Football Conference, National Football League )

DENVER BRONCOS

WLB D.J. Williams is the team's leading tackler and a star in the making. He's fast and strong and, unlike a lot of rookies, makes solid tackles rather than going for highlight-reel shots. Williams is a natural blitzer and knows how to get into the backfield.... Ashley Lelie is maturing into a more consistent wideout. He's working harder and spending more time studying, enabling him to be more consistent and get open more often.... The team is hoping to use RB Quentin Griffin's quickness and playmaking skills by having him return kickoffs. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: Defenses know QB Jake Plummet is going to roll out and throw or run naked bootlegs, but they can't stop him. The team's cutback running scheme forces defenders to stay at home and play honest. If they spy on Hummer, RB Reuben Droughns will make them pay. Whether it's freeing up tight ends in the flat or lining up the fullback wide, coach Mike Shanahan adds wrinkles each week to keep defenses guessing.--Patrick Saunders

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Replacing CB Dexter McCleon (5-10, 195) in the starting lineup with William Bartee (6-1,200) made sense. McCleon was struggling against bigger, taller and more physical receivers in one-on-one coverage.... WR Eddie Kennison, 31, has lost some speed, but defenses still must respect his ability to stretch the field. Kennison doesn't make many catches between the numbers and, at this point in his career, probably would be better as a third receiver. But given the Chiefs' lack of depth at the position, he remains an important cog in the offense. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The team is using the same tactics it has employed in recent seasons, but it hasn't been as effective in the passing game. The Chiefs have struggled to protect QB Trent Green, and Green isn't the same player when he's out of the pocket or throwing on the move. Opponents also have made an effort to remove RB Priest Holmes as a receiving threat. His yards after the catch are key to the offense.--Adam ...