NFL Divisional Previews: AFC West

 


We're rapidly approaching the 2023 NFL Season, which means it's time for some previews. I'm going to be looking at each division, one-by-one, starting with the reigning champions in the AFC West. Let's dive in.

Kansas City Chiefs:
2022 Record: 14-3, won the Super Bowl
2023 Outlook: Last season the Chiefs let Tyreek Hill walk and still won the Super Bowl. This off-season, the Chiefs again saw turnover at receiver. Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman both left in free agency. That leaves them with a young, inexperienced group outside of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney and rookie Rashee Rice will have an opportunity to step up. But as long as the Chiefs still have Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, they'll be OK. The Chiefs still have the pieces to be a tough team and I like the backfield of Isaih Pacheco and Jerrick McKinnon.
2023 Prediction: I think the Chiefs win the West again, but it will be tight. I think they'll be among the AFC contenders again.

Los Angeles Chargers:
2022 Record: 10-7, lost in the Wild Card
2023 Outlook: The Chargers did enough to make the playoffs in 2022 but blew a huge lead to fall short. This off-season the team brought in Kellen Moore to run the offense, adding rookie receiver Quentin Johnson to give them another passing game weapon. I think the pressure is still on Brandon Staley to take this team further, but can they do it? That's a question still. Austin Ekeler wants a new deal and could well be playing his last season. I like Justin Herbert and the pieces in place on offense but it's hard to tell if the Chargers are ready to take the next step.
2023 Prediction: I think this is a 10 to 11 win team again, likely in the playoffs. But how far will they go? That remains a question for me.

Las Vegas Raiders:
2022 Record: 6-11
2023 Outlook: The Raiders moved on from Derek Carr, who went to the Saints. They brought in Jimmy Garoppolo, and added Jakobi Myers at receiver, moving on from tight end Darren Waller. Josh Jacobs remains on a franchise tag, and all that should give the Raiders a full compliment of weapons, led by Davante Adams. The team also grabbed an interesting tight end prospect in Michael Mayer in the draft. But it's hard to feel confident about this team under Josh McDaniels. The wheels came off the bus in 2022 and I don't think they've made enough strides to compete in a crowded division and an incredibly crowded AFC landscape.
2023 Prediction: Six or seven wins is about right. I also think more big changes could be coming this off-season, and it's fair to wonder how long the leash is for Josh McDaniels.

Denver Broncos:
2022 Record: 5-12
2023 Outlook: The Broncos made a big change, adding Sean Payton as the coach. The Broncos added Samaje Perine to give depth at running back and drafted an interesting prospect in Marvin Mims. But the big change is the coach. And the big question is whether the team can get more out of Russell Wilson. In the final two games of the season without Nathaniel Hackett, Wilson was QB1. That, to me, is a sign of what a different coach and scheme could do. That is the hope for me and Broncos fans this season. Will it bear fruit? I hope so.
2023 Prediction: I think with better leadership the Broncos can have a more successful season. What does that equate to? I think this is a strong roster on offense and defense. I like the Broncos to win 10 or 11 games and make the playoffs.

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