The AFC West has been run by the Chiefs since 2016 and there hasn’t been too much competition. However, is this the year they are dethroned?
Las Vegas Raiders
Offense Overview: I am actually a big fan of Derek Carr. Even though the Raiders have fallen short of expectations over the last two years, Carr has put up 4,000-yard seasons each year. Josh Jacobs has had back-to-back 1,000 yeard seasons and is looking better each year. Receiving core is a bit suspect with Henry Ruggs III needing to break out in a big way this year. However, they still have a top 3 tight end in Darren Waller who is a matchup nightmare. The offensive line got much younger with the additions of Alex Leatherwood, Denzelle Good, and Andre James. Not sure how I feel about Carr throwing behind this inexperienced unit.
Defense Overview: This defense does not impress me. Starting with the defensive lineman. They have Yannick Ngakoue and Clelin Ferrell. It is important to note that their defensive line only had 14.5 sacks for the whole year last season. The addition of Ngakouse is huge. The linebacking core is lackluster featuring Cory Littleton, Denzel Perryman, Nick Marrow. The secondary is no better, but I like the addition of second-round safety Trevon Moerhig. Besides Moerhig, they have Casey Heyward Jr, Trayvon Mullen Jr, and Johnathan Abram.
Overall Assessment: Besides Carr, Jacobs, and Waller, this team doesn’t impress me. They have an inexperienced offensive line and all-around poor defense outside of Ngakoue. They had collapses each year under Gruden so far and I don’t think they will have a collapse because I don’t think they will be in a position to have one. Projected Finish: 5-12, 4th in the AFC West.
Los Angeles Chargers
Offense Overview: Justin Herbert tore it up last year throwing for 4,336 yards under one of the worst-ranked offensive lines. I’m excited to see what he can do next year. Austin Ekeler had 933 scrimmage yards in 10 games last year and a fully healthy season could see him eclipsing 1,500 scrimmage yards. Keenan Allen was 8 yards short of 1,000 yards last year but he only played 14 games. Alongside Allen are Mike Williams, Tyron Johnson, and new tight end Jared Cook who will replace Hunter Henry. The offensive line is much improved with the addition of Corey Linsley and Rashawn Slater. I think this offense has improved which is going to be scary for opposing defenses.
Defense Overview: The defense leaves a lot to be desired in my eyes. Starting with the front seven, Joey Bosa is a beast but has only played 2 full seasons in 5 years. His health is a question mark but regardless he will make an impact even with the loss of Melvin Ingram. Kenneth Murray Jr had 107 tackles last year as a rookie so it is nice to see productive MLB(middle linebacker) play for the Chargers moving forward. The secondary has Chris Harris Jr, Michael Davis, Derwin James, and Nasir Adderley. This is a solid secondary but Derwin James needs to stay healthy.
Overall Assessment: I like this team but I don’t love this team. Brandon Staley had a great defense to work with last year in Los Angeles and now he has to work with slightly less. The offense is great but the sophomore slump is always a concern. Regardless I still think this team will be fighting for a playoff spot. Projected Finish: 9-8, 3rd in the AFC West.
Denver Broncos
Offense Overview: The journeyman Teddy Bridgewater has landed in Denver and I think this is good for him. Bridgewater has proven he can manage a game quite well if the situation permits. For example, when Drew Brees was injured in week 2 back in 2019. In 5 starts for the Saints, he put up 1,205 yards with 8 touchdowns. The Saints were in a better overall situation but this Broncos team is no pushover. Starting with the running backs. Javonte Williams is a highly rated rookie out of North Carolina and Melvin Gordan is a good veteran to have backing you up. Whoever starts, should get the job done. The Broncos get Courtland Sutton back alongside Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, and tight end Noah Fant. These are legit weapons Bridgewater has to work. Now the concern comes on the offensive line. Garrett Bolles didn’t allow a sack last year. The rest of the offensive line has weight to pull.
Defense Overview: Shelby Harris was menacing on the line. He was either getting sacks or pass deflections. Their pass rush consists of Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed, and a returning Von Miller. Their two interior linebackers, Alex Johnson and Josey Jewell are great run stuffers. The secondary is much improved including the addition of Ronald Darby, and first-round pick Patrick Surtain. The safety duo of Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson is going to be fun to watch when surrounded by great corners.
Overall Assessment: I really like the upgrades this team made. The secondary is revamped for the better, Von Miller and Courtland Sutton are back and Teddy Bridgewater can serve as the average QB they need to make a run. Defenses have carried teams to playoff appearances before and I think this team has a great defense. Hopefully, the offensive line can hold up. If it does, this team could be a sleeper to win the division with the easy schedule that they have. Projected Finish: 12-5, 2nd the AFC West.
Kansas City Chiefs
Offense Overview: Patrick Mahomes is an elite talent and I’m not sure there is much else to say. The dude can play. Alongside him in the backfield is second-year back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. I am a big fan of what he can do in the backfield as the number 1 back. The receiving core is elite including speedster Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce who is the best tight end in the league. The offensive line does worry me but with the addition of Orlando Brown and Joe Thuney, Mahomes should not have to worry too much.
Defense Overview: Chris Jones and Frank Clark are a nice duo to have off the edge but I would like to see more out of Frank Clark this year. Anthony Hitchens leads are thin linebacking core but this unit has potential to grow. The secondary is lead by the Honey Badger, Tyrann Mathieu. Besides that, the unit is serviceable including Daniel Sorenson, Charvarius Ward, and L’Jarius Sneed.
Overall Assessment: This team still has Patrick Mahomes with elite weapons so the Chiefs are never out of it as long as they are healthy. My concern comes from the offensive line, defense, and very hard schedule. Regardless, it is very hard to bet against this team but it would not shock me if they did not win the division. Projected Finish: 12-5, 1st in the AFC West.
CloudZeroSports Team Prediction:
Stephen’s Pick: Chiefs I went back and forth on this pick I am not going to lie. I always like to include a hot take every year that I think is within reason but I found it hard to bet against the Chiefs. Last year my hot take would be that the Bucs would miss the playoffs. I learned my lesson. However, with that being said, the Chief’s schedule alongside an almost new offensive line unit and questionable defense made me actually think about picking them. Then I remembered that Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are difficult to bet against and until they prove me wrong, I shouldn’t pick against them. However, I think this division is not going to be as easy as it was in the past. Be on the look for the Broncos and maybe even the Chargers.
Dante’s Pick: Chiefs The Kansas city chiefs. Unless Patrick Mahomes suddenly drops off the face of the Earth, it is their division to lose. The chargers have made strides, however, it is hard to bet against Reid, Mahomes, and that offense. They retooled their offensive line bringing in Kyle long, Orlando Brown Jr, Joe Thuney, and rookie creed Humphrey. They learned from their mistakes and are protecting Mahomes. Their defense is returning their studs in Matthieu, need, and Chris Jones. Look for the Chiefs to make a 3rd straight run to the Super Bowl
Puggy’s Pick: Chargers The Chiefs have owned this division for the past five seasons, but I believe that reign will finally come to an end. I think the Chargers are going to rise to the challenge this season and dethrone the Chiefs. When comparing the improvements each team in this division made this past offseason, the Chargers stand out the most. The Chargers were able to secure two new additions to their tremendous offensive line as well as boost their secondary with newly drafted DB Asante Samuel Jr. Don’t get me wrong, I think the Chiefs will make a name for themselves this year, but I just find it hard to see Mahomes perform better than he did last year. This season is going to put Mahomes and the Chiefs to the test, especially after losing some key players in the offseason.
Zach’s Pick: Chiefs This is a no-brainer, the Kansas City Chiefs will win the AFC West for the sixth year in a row. They are just the cream of the crop with all their weapons, they have it all. Their X-Factor is clearly Patrick Mahomes, but everyone can be one of those on this team. Can anyone even stop them? Vegas still has the ever-reliant Derek Carr at QB, along with a nice-looking RB duo of Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake. Let’s not forget about Darren Waller, which in his last two seasons, was better than many wideouts in terms of receiving. Hopefully, their defense picks it up this year to match this stellar offense. The Chargers have a great team on paper, but never seem to get the job done. They are basically a slightly worse Chiefs. A team with a great QB, a solid running pairing and a good receiving core, along with a good defense lead by Joey Bosa. The Broncos need to make Teddy Bridgewater the starting QB if they really want to succeed. As proven last year, when Teddy B. is healthy, the team thrives. Don’t count out any of the other three teams to make pushes for the playoffs. The Chiefs will still win the division, but maybe one or two of their AFC West buddies will join them in the playoffs.
Ryan’s Pick: Chargers My pick is the Los Angeles Chargers. Last season the Chargers really put up a fight against the Kansas City Chiefs. Will it be enough to knock the Chiefs off of their division championship streak? I truly believe so because the offense of the Chargers has been redone. Austin Ekeler is back after missing some games last season due to a hamstring injury. Therefore, Justin Herbert, their quarterback was playing without the top running back on the team. Not to mention the Chargers recently acquired Josh Palmer as a wide receiver. Looking at his stats on paper, I am pretty impressed. Overall, I believe the Chargers do have a chance at knocking the Chiefs out of the title.
Micky’s Pick: Chiefs The AFC West has belonged to the Chiefs since 2016 and will remain theirs for at least another year. The teams in that division haven’t seen massive changes this offseason or at least any changes notable enough for me to believe that the Chiefs won’t win again. That being said Justin Herbert is turning into a very solid young quarterback, and I would be lying if I said I was not excited to see what he is going to do these upcoming seasons. As for the Broncos and Raiders, I was told growing up “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” so good luck next year to those two teams.
Dustin’s Pick: Chiefs Patrick Mahomes is an incredible talent and it is very hard to pick against them. I like the direction of the Chargers and Broncos but I can’t see them overtaking the Chiefs just yet. Mahomes may win MVP this year along with winning another division title.
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