A player to watch from each AFC West team in Week 11:
Denver Broncos, Lance Ball, running back: Ball had 96 yards on 30 carries Sunday at Kansas City. With Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno hurting, Ball could get more opportunities Thursday night against the New York Jets.
Kansas City Chiefs, Jackie Battle, running back: Battle averaged 6.8 yards per carry Sunday against Denver. His per-carry average decreased for three straight games prior to the Denver matchup. By getting 61 yards on nine carries against Denver, Battle gave the coaching staff confidence in him heading into Monday night at New England.
Oakland Raiders, Darrius Heyward-Bey, receiver: Heyward-Bey has not had a catch in the past two games, even though he has been the Raiders’ best receiver for much of the season. The Raiders have to find a way to get Heyward-Bey in sync with new quarterback Carson Palmer, beginning Sunday at Minnesota.
San Diego Chargers, Corey Liuget, defensive end: The first-round pick needs to start making an impact. The Chargers are banged up on defense it’s time for Liuget to get going. He has had his moments, but he needs to start making a more consistent contribution, beginning Sunday at Chicago.