The Denver Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs in a Week 13 match-up and the result could very well decide who wins the AFC West, and maybe even the entire conference.

The Broncos and Chiefs both sport a 9-2 record tied for AFC and AFC West best and a game ahead of nearest conference rival New England Patriots (8-2), which faces the lowly Houston Texans (2-9) in their own Week 13 game.

Denver already beat Kansas City in Mile High City and assures the tiebreak advantage with a victory over the Chiefs Sunday night. The Broncos beat the Chiefs, 27-17 in Week 11 behind Peyton Mannings' 323 yards and a touchdown.

Both are also coming off heart-breaking losses in their previous games. The Broncos lost an OT thriller to the Patriots, 34-to-31 on the road while the Chiefs lost a close one as well against the San Diego Chargers, 41-to-38 at home.

A number of complicated scenarios exist for each team to clinch a postseason spot with a win this week.

While the Broncos (9-2) might be feeling the majority of the disappointment after matching a franchise-record 24-point collapse Sunday in New England, the Chiefs (9-2) are likely feeling the brunt of the pressure.

They've dropped their first two games in consecutive weeks, including their first at home in Sunday's last-minute 41-38 loss to San Diego. They've also lost consecutive games at Arrowhead Stadium to the Broncos.

The more alarming trend might be a defense that has allowed season-high point totals the last two weeks. After allowing over 17 points for the first time this season in a 27-17 loss Nov. 17 at Denver that didn't exactly raise huge concerns, Sunday's game certainly exposed some holes -- and physically created them with injuries.

This appears to be a more important game for the Chiefs as they have a tougher final stretch in their schedule. Kansas City wants to avoid a three-game losing skid as well after a perfect 9-0 start this season.

The Chiefs meet the Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts and Chargers in their final four games- three teams virtually out of contention plus a match-up with the Colts, who's most likely to win the AFC South.

The Broncos meanwhile have the Tennessee Titans, Chargers, Houston Texans and Raiders in their final outings-all teams are improbable to make the postseason at this point barring a miracle or two.