One player to watch for each AFC West team in Week 16:
Denver, returner Trindon Holliday: Holliday almost lost two fumbles in the Week 15 victory at Baltimore. Holliday has twice scored on returns as a Bronco -- but he also has trouble holding onto the ball and makes some questionable decisions. If he makes a big miscue in the final two weeks, Denver may have to reconsider its return options for the postseason. All the Broncos have to do is look at San Francisco last season to see how return-game woes can ruin Super Bowl dreams.
Kansas City, receiver Jamar Newsome: The receiver signed off the street has been getting some late-season snaps -- it's audition time in Kansas City. Newsome has good size and the team likes him. He is playing for his future.
Oakland, defensive end Matt Shaughnessy: Shaugnessy had a strong 2010 but was lost for much of last season with an injury. He has started every game this year but hasn’t produced much. He saw veteran Andre Carter take some of his reps last week -- not a good sign. Shaughnessy is 26. Carter is 33 and a stop-gap player. If Shaughnessy can’t play over Carter, you have to wonder what the Raiders' brass thinks of him.
San Diego, running back Curtis Brinkley: Brinkley is like Newsome -- playing for his future. He was brought back to the roster a few weeks ago and got a chance when Ryan Mathews went down with a broken clavicle in Week 15, an injury that will sideline him for the final two games. Brinkley has a chance to impress the team down the stretch.
