A quick breakdown of the AFC West race

Imagine if the Chiefs had been told at training camp that they would be in a three-way tie for first place in the AFC West with four games to play.

There probably would have been a little disappointment to know two other teams were in the running, but they’d have taken it. Right?

Funny how there is a lot of disappointment among fans to see the Chiefs in this position heading into the final four games of the season.

But, after a 5-0 start to the season, this is where the Chiefs are — a 6-6 record and tied with the Chargers and Raiders.

It may be a bit early for this, but if you were wondering, here are the first four tie breakers for determining a division champion from the NFL:

1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).

2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.

3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.

4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.

Those four steps also are used if there is a three-way tie, but if two teams remain tied after a third team is eliminated during the process, the tie breaker reverts to step one of the two-club format.

But what are the chances of a three-way tie atop the AFC West by season’s end, right?

Heading into the final four games of the season, here is a quick breakdown of the race to win the West:

Chiefs

Remaining schedule: vs. Raiders (Sunday); Vs. Chargers (Dec. 16); vs. Dolphins (Dec. 24); at Broncos (Dec. 31)

Division record: 2-1

AFC record: 4-4

2017 meetings with other two teams: 1-1 (beat Chargers 24-10, lost to Raiders 31-30)

Record in common games: 4-4

Record in last five games: 1-4

Chance to win division, per 538.com: 59 percent

Reason to hope: Consecutive home games against Raiders, Chargers give Chiefs chance to seize control of the race

Reason to mope: The Chiefs’ have looked dreadful in their three games

Raiders

Remaining schedule: at Chiefs (Sunday); vs. Cowboys (Dec. 17); at Eagles (Dec. 25); at Chargers (Dec. 31)

Division record: 2-2

AFC record: 5-5

2017 meetings with other two teams: 1-1 (lost to Chargers 17-16, beat Chiefs 31-30)

Record in common games: 4-4

Record in last five games: 3-2

Chance to win division, per 538.com: 15 percent

Reason to hope: Marshawn Lynch and the defense are playing much better of late

Reason to mope: Three of their final four games are on the road, including a trip to Philly on Christmas night

Chargers

Remaining schedule: vs. Washington (Sunday); at Chiefs (Dec. 16); at Jets (Dec. 24); vs. Raiders (Dec. 31)

Division record: 2-2

AFC record: 4-5

2017 meetings with other two teams: 1-1 (lost to Chiefs 24-10, beat Raiders 17-16)

Record in common games: 4-4

Record in last five games: 3-2

Chance to win division, per 538.com: 26 percent

Reason to hope: After the 0-4 start, who would have guessed they would have a chance to win the division?

Reason to mope: That AFC record is the worst of the three contenders