It's no secret that in the Wild Wild West, it's the Chiefs and then everyone else. Kansas City has won the AFC West crown 8 years in a row. Can Jim Harbaugh and the upstart Chargers upset them this season?
We're just a few days away from the NFL Hall of Fame Game! To celebrate, we're continuing our 2024 previews by examining the AFC West. Let's get into it!
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Division Odds: +1600 / Season Wins: 5.5
The Russell Wilson project ended badly in Denver, and now Sean Payton is going back to battle with 3 unproven commodities under center. Zach Wilson, Jarrett Stidham, and rookie Bo Nix will battle things out in training camp for the starting QB role. Nix has the most upside, but is he ready for primetime?
The Broncos have to do a better job of running the ball, as they only ranked 21st in yards per rush in 2023. The O-line has to open more holes and RB Javonte Williams has got to stay healthy. That would take the pressure off of Nix or whoever else may be under center.
Last year's Denver defense was terrible, as they ranked 27th in points allowed. The sad thing is that they didn't do much in the offseason to turn things around. Pat Surtain II remains the lone bright spot on this side of the ball. It's going to be a frustrating year for Payton and company, so let's play the Under 5.5 wins as our best bet for the AFC West.
Division Odds: -250 / Season Wins: 11.5
Andy Reid led the Chiefs to yet another Super Bowl win in 2023, and the dynasty is far from over. The scary thing is that Kansas City could be even better in 2024. They picked up a couple of speedy wideouts in Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy to give Patrick Mahomes even more options down the field.
Worthy is a freaking beast, as he ran a 4.21 40 at the combine to leave most NFL scouts salivating. The former Texas star doesn't have ideal size, but his pure speed has already drawn comparisons to Tyreek Hill. Travis Kelce is getting up there in age, but he's still the most productive tight end in the league.
The offense gets most of the hype, but the Chiefs defense shouldn't be overlooked. Inking Chris Jones to a long-term deal shores up the pass rush and Nick Bolton is a real-deal playmaker at linebacker. The Chiefs will once again win this division, but I don't want to tie up money for 7 months at -250 odds.
Division Odds: +1000 / Season Wins: 6.5
You have to admire the fight that this Raiders squad showed after firing Josh McDaniels. They rallied around Antonio Pierce so well that he ended up winning the head coaching job. Youngster Aidan O'Connell looked pretty decent at QB, but I'm betting that veteran Gardner Minshew will be the starter to begin 2024.
The loss of RB Josh Jacobs stings, but I actually don't mind the duo of Zamir White and Alexander Mattison in the Vegas backfield. The receiving corps should perform even better with first-round draft pick Brock Bowers wreacking havoc from his tight end position. If Minshew can develop some chemistry with Bowers and Davante Adams, this offense can surprise some folks.
I think this Vegas defense is kind of underrated, as they ranked a respectable 11th in yards per play allowed a season ago. Maxx Crosby is back and he's still one of the most ferocious pass rushers in the game today. Bringing in Christian Wilkins at DT should also help this unit stop the run. I could see the Silver and Black finishing with a 9-8 record this season.
Division Odds: +325 / Season Wins: 8.5
The hiring of Jim Harbaugh makes the Chargers the most interesting team to watch in this division. We all know that Harbaugh can coach, as he took the Niners to a Super Bowl a few years back and he's fresh off winning a national title at Michigan. The key question is, how long will it take him to change the culture of this team?
Justin Herbert is one of the top QBs in the league and I think he'll mesh well with Harbaugh. However, the loss of both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen will definitely hurt this offense. Also, don't forget that the Chargers let Austin Ekeler walk in the off-season!
The Chargers have an easy schedule this year, but I'm afraid their lackluster defense may not let them capitalize on it. Even with stars like Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, LAC still finished 26th in yards per play allowed in 2023. Harbaugh will be worth a few good soundbites, but it'll be a year or two before he can right this ship!