AFC west.(NFL)

DENVER BRONCOS

Trevor Pryce's versatility allows the defense to create mismatches. He can hold up at tackle because of his lower-body strength. Though he has adequate quickness to get around the edge at end, his go-to moves are more power-oriented. Coaches want him to better use his hands on his speed moves. ... The Broncos' fast start can be partly attributed to smarter and more disciplined play. They are committing fewer penalties and are tackling better as a team. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: Coaches have played more base defense, a sign of their confidence in the ability of OLBs Ian Gold and D.J. Williams to cover top tight ends and, occasionally, slot receivers. Denver also has unveiled a three-safety look in the nickel package that takes advantage of SS Sam Brandon's coverage skills. The most significant change is the Broncos are swarming to the ball and creating takeaways, which has transformed them into a defense-oriented, field-position team.--Lee Rasizer

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Even with LT Willie Roaf back and playing well, pass protection continues to be the offense's biggest problem. Ts Jordan Black and Chris Bober have been blamed, but Gs Will Shields and Brian Waters and C Casey Wiegmann haven't played to the team's standards, either. QB Trent Green needs time to throw to be effective. ... DE Jared Allen is producing despite increased attention from blockers. He is tireless and has improved his technique. Blockers can never lose track of Allen-he has made several plays after it looked as though he had been taken out of them. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The pass defense has been too conservative. Coordinator Gunther Cunningham likes to press receivers and blitz the quarterback, but the defense has pressed far less than it did last season because CB Dexter McCleon struggles in bump-and-run coverage and SS Sammy Knight doesn't run well. The return of CB Eric Warfield, who is trying to catch up after a four-game suspension, should allow Cunningham to use more man-to-man coverage.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

QB Kerry Collins' streak of passes without an interception reached 140 before one ...