Week 18 AFC West predictions: Raiders' Antonio Pierce shows why he deserves HC gig

In Week 18, the Broncos and Raiders face off in a matchup that will affect the future of both franchises while the Chiefs attempt to cruise to another win against the Chargers. Here are this week's predictions.

Denver Broncos (8-8) at Las Vegas Raiders (7-9): The Broncos were eliminated from the playoffs in Week 17, but head coach Sean Payton claimed their last game isn't meaningless. He also indicated it could be a final audition for quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

When asked Monday if this matchup could impact Stidham's future, Payton said, "That's the case with every player, right?"

Antonio Pierce has one last chance to show Las Vegas he deserves to have his interim tag removed. Per CBS Sports' Josina Anderson, Raiders owner Mark Davis hasn't "tipped his hand yet."  

Since Pierce assumed HC duties, the Raiders' defense has played well, allowing 16.3 PPG, better than the league average (22 PPG). This gives them a slight edge against the Broncos, who are tied for 17th in the league in points  (21.4). As of Wednesday, FanDuel lists Las Vegas as a 2.5-point favorite.

PREDICTION: Raiders 23, Broncos 20

Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-11): The Chiefs clinched their eighth straight division title in a Week 17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. On Monday, head coach Andy Reid signaled he hasn't determined whether to rest the starters.

The Chargers, meanwhile, are 0-2 under interim HC Giff Smith and seeking a replacement for Brandon Staley, who they fired as HC in December. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported L.A. is targeting Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh, who recently led the Wolverines to their first CFP title game.

Surprisingly, as of Wednesday, FanDuel lists the Chargers as a 3.5-point favorite. However, expect the Chiefs to pull off an upset even if they rest their starters. Over its past three games, Los Angeles ranks 27th in the league in points (17.3).

PREDICTION: Chiefs 21, Chargers 17