A capsule look at the AFC West heading into the 2025 season, with teams listed in predicted order of finish.
Kansas City Chiefs
BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 8-1; Over-under win total, 11.5
Strengths: The Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes and, after seven years, the 31 other teams still do not. The offense and the pass rush took steps back last season, and the team still went 15-2 and made the Super Bowl. Now Mahomes gets two key wide receivers back from injury, plus potentially two upgrades along the offensive line.
Weaknesses: Father Time remains undefeated, but it’s still probably too early for him to declare victory against the Chiefs’ dynasty. That said, Kansas City needs an infusion of impact from younger players on the defense and to do a better job of protecting Mahomes, even if he remains a magician when plays break down.
Denver Broncos
BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 25-1; Over-under win total, 9.5
Strengths: This defense was already formidable, and it could be even better with the additions of safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and first-round CB Jahdae Barron. Bo Nix exceeded a lot of people’s expectations as a rookie, and now he’s got a shiny new tight end (Evan Engram) to throw to and a revamped running back depth chart.
Weaknesses: There are very real expectations for Nix in Year 2. The new running backs have had injury issues or are young and unproven. A breakout year from a young wide receiver might be needed for this offense to really take off. OK, we’re picking nits. It’s time to win big again in Denver … maybe?
Los Angeles Chargers
BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 28-1; Over-under win total, 9.5
Strengths: Quarterback Justin Herbert is in Year 3 or 4 of, “Is this the year?” but the tools are all there and he finally has some continuity with the offensive coaching staff. The defense was the stingiest in the league to score on last year.
Weaknesses: Is Herbert even the best Oregon alum at his position in the division? Mike Williams was going to help him out, but he decided to retire so the wide receivers are going to be young. The running backs are first-round pick Omarion Hampton and 2021 first-rounder Najee Harris, who might like running behind this line better but he had mixed results in Pittsburgh. But losing OT Rashawn Slater for the season to injury is a huge blow.
Las Vegas Raiders
BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 100-1; Over-under win total, 7.5
Strengths: Going from Josh McDaniels and Antonio Pierce to Pete Carroll at head coach should be a big upgrade. Ashton Jeanty is the most exciting rookie running back since … Saquon Barkley, at least? Tight end Brock Bowers and edge rusher Maxx Crosby are franchise players.
Weaknesses: Hired a coach who helped a past team to the Super Bowl, like the rest of the AFC West? Check. Found a young franchise quarterback to build around? Eh, not so much. Geno Smith is better than what the Raiders have had recently, but he might be fourth best in this division. And then there is the Christian Wilkins situation, which certainly doesn’t help a team already facing a talent deficit compared to its rivals.
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