AFC West Preview


 We’ve made it to August, which means the NFL Season is just around the corner! Over the course of the month, I’ll be previewing each of the division races, looking at the teams in order of finish from 2025. Below, we continue with the AFC West. Let’s dive in!

Denver Broncos (13-4)
About: The Broncos finished first in the AFC West and the AFC, but an injury to Bo Nix in the Divisional Round led to a loss in the AFC Championship Game. That was tough, but the Broncos are poised for another run in 2026. Nix is back healthy, and the Broncos added Jaylen Waddle to provide more pop in the passing game. The team also added Jonah Coleman to provide depth in the backfield. With a strong defense and a good team overall, the Broncos are contenders.
Prediction: This team will be in the mix to win the AFC West again and make the AFC Playoffs.

Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
About: The Chargers fell short last season, leading to some changes. Mike McDaniel is in as Offensive Coordinator, hoping to provide some pop on offense and help Justin Herbert to the next level. The team added David Njoku and Charlie Kolar at tight end, but otherwise it remains largely the same group. The Chargers merely need the Offensive Line to be healthier and to have some better luck in the clutch. Can they do that in Year 3 under Jim Harbaugh?
Prediction: The Chargers will be in the mix to win the AFC West and make the AFC Playoffs.

Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
About: The Chiefs fell off in a big way in 2025. The team came up short time and again, then ended with crucial injuries, including to Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs, needing a change, brought back Eric Bienemy to run the offense, which should help. The team also added Kenneth Walker at running back, which should be a huge boost to the ground game. The defense is a work-in-progress, and the receiver room is upside without consistency. Still, if Mahomes bounces back the Chiefs should be in the mix again.
Prediction: The Chiefs will be in the mix to win the AFC West and make the AFC Playoffs.

Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
About: The Raiders were the worst team in the NFL in 2025, which was a surprise given the modest expectations heading into the season. There’s nowhere to go but up with veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza leading the quarterback room for Klint Kubiak. The Raiders spent a lot in free agency, too, hoping to build the team back quickly. I don’t think they are there yet, but this team has potential to be much better.
Prediction: The Raiders won’t make the playoffs, but they’ll be fun and take a step forward.

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