One player to watch for each AFC West team in Week 9:
Denver, Ronnie Hillman, running back: The third-round pick was used extensively last week. The Broncos would like to see Hillman continue to grow as a solid contributor Sunday at Cincinnati. He had 86 yards and 14 carries and it showed.
Kansas City, Justin Houston, linebacker: Houston is a disruptive force and he is becoming one of the better young pass rushers in the NFL. The Chiefs need him to harass Philip Rivers on Thursday night.
Oakland, Darren McFadden, running back: McFadden had 114 yards against Kansas City last week, including a big fourth quarter. The Raiders hope that performance can ignite McFadden, who has been slowed often this season, on Sunday against visiting Tampa Bay.
San Diego, Melvin Ingram, pass-rusher: The first-round pick has come on in the past couple of games. Ingram had seven tackles and a half sack in the past two games. The Chargers hope to see continued improvement out of Ingram against Kansas City on Thursday night.