AFC West Preview


 We're quickly approaching the 2025 NFL Season. As such, I'll be previewing each of the divisions over the next few weeks. We'll look at teams in order of finish, then I'll make a prediction for the new season.

Kansas City Chiefs
2024 Record: 15-2
About: The Chiefs were, again, a good team in 2024. They were nearly flawless in the regular season, falling just short of a Super Bowl title. The Chiefs look to be a good team again in 2025. They have a solid set of weapons and still have Patrick Mahomes driving things. I like their potential to compete for another AFC West crown and a playoff berth.

Los Angeles Chargers
2024 Record: 11-6
About: The Chargers exceeded expectations in the first season under Jim Harbaugh. But there were flaws, and they underwent a lot of changes. Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton are leading the backfield, while the Chargers added rookie receiver Tre Harris and veteran tight end Tyler Conklin to the passing game. Still, this is about good defense, a solid running game, and receiver Ladd McConkey leading the way for Justin Herbert. Will the Chargers be as good? I'm a bit skeptical.

Denver Broncos
2024 Record: 10-7
About: This is another team that exceeded expectations. The Broncos found a franchise quarterback in Bo Nix. They also have a very strong defense. But this off-season, the team worked on boosting the offense. They drafted RJ Harvey and signed J.K. Dobbins to fix the backfield, and added veteran tight end Evan Engram. The Broncos are a good young team.

Las Vegas Raiders
2024 Record: 4-13
About: The Raiders imploded in 2024 and blew it up. They added coach Pete Carroll and then traded for Geno Smith to solidify the quarterback position. In the draft, the Raiders added Ashton Jeanty to power the backfield. With veteran receiver Jakobi Myers and second-year tight end Brock Bowers, the offense should be better. Has the defense improved enough? Can Pete get them back into the playoffs quickly? That remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts: I think the AFC West was surprisingly great in 2024. It won't be a surprise, but the division should be good in 2025, too. I think the Chiefs will be near the top or at the top again, and I think the Broncos will make another playoff run. I'm mixed on the Chargers. I think there's a chance they win nine or 10 games but fall just short. I think the Raiders will be better, closer to .500, but I don't think they make the playoffs.

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