Predicting Each NFL Division Standings: AFC West

The AFC West is highlighted by the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. The rest of this division has been trying to catch up to the Chiefs for years now. Do any of these other AFC West teams have a chance to dethrone Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs?

Kansas City Chiefs 12-5 (#2 Seed in the AFC)

The Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs will not be denied in a division that has a lot of teams changing coaches and quarterbacks. The consistency of Mahomes and Andy Reid will allow the Chiefs to continue dominating offensively in this division no matter who is catching the ball from Mahomes. The Chiefs did take care of their defense by locking down their defensive anchor, Chris Jones, this offseason with a new contract extension which will pay dividends as the Chiefs look to make another deep playoff run this season as the second seed in the AFC.

Los Angeles Chargers 10-7 (#7 Seed in the AFC)

This will be a surprise team in the AFC as the Chargers finally correct course from their old ways under Jim Harbaugh. This team will finally have an identity running the ball, complemented by efficient Justin Herbert passing. This team has historically been plagued by terrible game management by their coaching staff and those same mistakes should go away with Jim Harbaugh. This season we will see Herbert take a step in the right direction even if he doesn’t have his “best” statistical season in this offensive system. This new style of play will result in the Chargers winning more games even if their stats look worse.

Denver Broncos 5-12 (Miss the Playoffs)

I am a believer in Bo Nix, but this roster isn’t ready to be successful yet. There are some good pieces to build around, but as a whole the offensive skill positions are the worst in the division. If this team can get more pieces next year through the draft and free agency then they could start to contend for the division, but the Russell Wilson cap hit is devastating this team currently. With a lack of star power presently on this team, they won’t be able to accomplish much this season.

Las Vegas Raiders 3-14 (Miss the Playoffs)

This quarterback situation is one of the worst in the league. Despite some good offensive weapons like Brock Bowers and Devontae Adams, they are unlikely to be used correctly because of the current quarterback situation. Don’t be surprised if there is some drama created within this team once things start to go south in Las Vegas with Adams potentially requesting a trade. With a first-time coach and a quarterback who isn’t talented enough to start on any other team, this team will be one of the worst in the league.