The AFC is generally conceded to be ruled by the New England Patriots, but the AFC West has not gotten that memo.
The Oakland Raiders are in first place in the division with a 10-2 record, and that matches the Patriots' record in the AFC East. However, going into Week 14, the Raiders have the edge on New England because they have the better record against common opponents. The only two teams that both have played to this point are the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans.
The Raiders are 2-0 against those teams, while the Pats are 2-1, having split the season series with the Bills.