The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled for consistency this season, and after starting 0-2, Andy Reid's team found some momentum to move to 5-3, but the loss to the Buffalo Bills poured cold water on their form.
Now coming out of the bye week and facing a crucial Week 11 clash against the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos on the road, the Chiefs, for some, are in a battle for the division, despite Denver leading by a fair margin.
This puts a lot of importance on the Week 11 game. The Chiefs need a win to keep pace with Denver and the Los Angeles Chargers, all of whom are vying for the AFC West.
But it is an uphill battle for the Chiefs, according to ESPN. Kansas City's odds for the AFC West are just 25.5 percent, compared to Denver's 44. 6 percent and the Chargers' 29.9 percent.
If things hold, the AFC West would have a new king for the first time in nine years, with the Broncos the last team other than Kansas City to win the division back in 2016.
More: Chiefs vs. Broncos prediction: Patrick Mahomes' winning streak to continue in Week 11
Chiefs face uphill battle to continue AFC dominance
The Chiefs have had their way with the AFC ever since Patrick Mahomes was named the starter.
Having won the division every year, along with getting to at least the AFC Championship game, winning three Super Bowls, and losing two, Kansas City has been the gold standard for winning.
But is that changing?
The Broncos, despite their offensive shortcomings, at 8-2 and have a strong grip on the division, while the Chargers can't be discounted either at 7-3, so the Chiefs have their work cut out to even make the postseason, let alone keep their AFC Championship streak alive.
It will be a big second half of the season for Kansas City, and it starts with a tough game against the Broncos, and it is one it will have to win if it has any intention of making the postseason, and two, winning the division.
More Chiefs news:
- Patrick Mahomes has incredible response to potential Bills playoff matchup
- 'No more chances' for Chiefs after Bills loss
- Chiefs face 'uphill battle' after crushing Bills loss
- Is Travis Kelce injured? Chiefs TE a no-show in first half vs. Bills