The AFC West remains one of the league’s most compelling divisions in this upcoming NFL season—anchored by the perennial powerhouse Kansas City Chiefs and flanked by three teams determined to close the gap. Kansas City still leads the pack behind Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, but questions linger about receiver depth and defensive turnover despite key veteran additions. Denver looks like a real threat again with Bo Nix taking command of Sean Payton’s offense and a defense bolstered by several savvy pickups. In Las Vegas, Pete Carroll has molded a scrappy, defense-first identity, pairing Maxx Crosby with a rebuilt front and banking on youth in Chip Kelly’s wide-open offense now led by Geno Smith. And in Los Angeles, Jim Harbaugh’s arrival marks a full cultural reset as the Chargers pivot toward physicality, discipline, and an ever-changing approach around Justin Herbert. With new quarterbacks, coaching philosophies, and revamped rosters across the board, the AFC West sets the stage for a season of high-stakes clashes where no team can afford to blink. Let’s break down how each team stacks up in a division where every mistake is magnified, and the path to the top is as unforgiving as it is competitive:

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Denver Broncos

9/7 – vs. Titans – Win

9/14 – @ Colts – Win

9/21 – @ Chargers – Loss

9/29 – vs. Bengals – Win

10/5 – @ Eagles – Loss

10/12 – vs. Jets (in London, UK) – Win

10/19 – vs. Giants – Win

10/26 – vs. Cowboys – Win

11/2 – @ Texans – Loss

11/6 – vs. Raiders – Win

11/16 – vs. Chiefs – Win

11/23 – BYE

11/30 – @ Commanders – Loss

12/7 – @ Raiders – Win

12/14 – vs. Packers – Win

12/21 – vs. Jaguars – Win

12/25 – @ Chiefs – Loss

1/4 – vs. Chargers – Win

Final Record: 12-5

For the first time since Peyton Manning’s retirement after Super Bowl 50, the Denver Broncos finally broke through and returned to the postseason, a long-awaited turning point that reignited optimism around the franchise. Under third-year head coach Sean Payton, the team now feels like a true reflection of his vision. After two years of reshaping the locker room and installing his culture, Payton has the Broncos trending upward with a roster that’s both balanced and brimming with potential. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is also entering his third year and continues to fine-tune a system built primarily out of 11 personnel, designed to simplify reads for his young quarterback while creating mismatches with tempo, spacing, and motion. On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is back running his base 3-4 scheme. And thanks to a few high-impact offseason additions, his unit looks faster, tougher, and deeper than it’s been in years. With the quarterback situation finally stabilizing and the defense restocked, the Broncos believe they’re ready to take another legitimate leap forward in 2025.

All eyes in Denver are on second-year quarterback Bo Nix, who showed plenty of poise and promise as a rookie while guiding the Broncos to the playoffs. Now, with more weapons and a year of experience under his belt, expectations are growing. The backfield got a major overhaul, led by the signing of former Chargers standout JK Dobbins, whose explosiveness should bring life to the run game. He’ll rotate with rookie RJ Harvey and second-year power runner Audric Estime to keep things fresh and physical. At receiver, the group is a blend of experience and upside with Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. returning as key targets, and second-year riser Troy Franklin is expected to play a bigger role. The Broncos also brought back Devaughn Vele, but they also brought in a number of new faces, including rookies Pat Bryant and Jerjuan Newton, and veterans like AT Perry and Trent Sherfield Sr., adding depth and competition. Tight end Evan Engram, one of the team’s biggest offseason signings, gives the offense a versatile weapon over the middle and in space, while Adam Trautman sticks around as a reliable blocker. Up front, the offensive line remains largely intact, with Garrett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey anchoring the tackles and a sturdy interior of Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, and Quinn Meinerz. Depth pieces like Calvin Throckmorton and Alex Forsyth provide insurance, but this is a group with good chemistry and enough talent to protect Nix and open holes for the run game.

Defensively, the Broncos have clearly emphasized adding speed, toughness, and playmaking across all three levels. Up front, Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers form a disruptive edge duo, and rookie Sai’vion Jones has impressed enough to earn a starting nod. DJ Jones returns to anchor the interior, with Malcolm Roach rotating in to keep the trenches fresh. The linebacker corps got a serious boost with the addition of former 49ers thumper Dre Greenlaw, who’ll pair with tackling machine Alex Singleton in the middle. On the edge, Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto retain their roles, while second-year edge Jonah Elliss continues to develop as a rotational piece. The secondary has been completely retooled—starting with the addition of standout safety Talanoa Hufanga and veteran Brandon Jones, who now join one of the league’s most dominant corners in Pat Surtain II. First-round pick Jahdae Barron is slotted to play the nickel, while Riley Moss and second-year breakout Kris Abrams-Draine are expected to hold down the outside. There’s no shortage of depth either, with Damarri Mathis, Ja’Quan McMillian, and Devon Key providing capable backup options. Yes, the team said goodbye to a few veterans like Zach Cunningham, Cody Barton, and Tremon Smith, but the upgrades across the board suggest the defense could take a major step forward this fall.

Denver’s 2025 schedule is a mix of challenging tests and high-profile opportunities, which is perfect for a team quickly on the rise again. The Broncos open at home against the Titans before hitting the road for back-to-back games against the Colts and Chargers. Late September brings a nationally televised Monday night showdown against the Bengals, kicking off a rugged midseason stretch that includes trips to Philadelphia and London for an international matchup with the Jets. As the season rolls on, games against playoff hopefuls like the Cowboys, Texans, and Chiefs will serve as measuring sticks. A late-season rematch in Arrowhead on Christmas Day adds extra spice, and their final game at home against the Chargers could have serious playoff implications. The Broncos’ late bye comes at a perfect time, giving them a breather before a December stretch that could define their season.

Continuity among the coaching staff, a deep and balanced roster, and the maturation of Bo Nix all point toward the Broncos becoming one of the AFC’s breakout teams in 2025. Sean Payton’s culture is fully installed, and his fingerprints are all over this roster. Nix may still have some growing pains ahead, but Denver has surrounded him with the weapons, line protection, and play-calling to succeed. On defense, the additions of Greenlaw, Hufanga, and Franklin-Myers complement a unit already headlined by the elite Surtain and the high-motor front seven. There are still a few unknowns with health being one of them, but this team’s floor is higher than it’s been in years. The Broncos finally have identity, structure, and legitimate upside. If things click the way Payton envisions, a 12-5 finish could become the new expectation rather than just a possibility.

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Kansas City Chiefs

9/5 – vs. Chargers (in São Paolo, Brazil) – Win

9/14 – vs. Eagles – Loss

9/21 – @ Giants – Win

9/28 – vs. Ravens – Loss

10/6 – @ Jaguars – Win

10/12 – vs. Lions – Win

10/19 – vs. Raiders – Win

10/27 – vs. Commanders – Win

11/2 – @ Bills – Win

11/9 – BYE

11/16 – @ Broncos – Loss

11/23 – vs. Colts – Win

11/27 – @ Cowboys – Win

12/7 – vs. Texans – Win

12/14 – vs. Chargers – Loss

12/21 – @ Titans – Win

12/25 – vs. Broncos – Win

1/4 – @ Raiders – Win

Final Record: 13-4

After getting beat down by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to extend their dynasty and chase a fourth Super Bowl title in seven seasons under the direction of legendary head coach Andy Reid, now in his 13th year with the franchise. The foundation remains strong, anchored by the NFL’s most dynamic quarterback in Patrick Mahomes and a coaching staff that has found consistency and success at the highest level. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy enters his third year in his second stint with the Chiefs and remains committed to his core identity, which is an 11-personnel spread system that he uses on roughly 45% of snaps, maximizing Mahomes’ mobility and improvisation within structure. On defense, seventh-year coordinator Steve Spagnuolo returns with his aggressive, blitz-heavy Base 3-4 Over scheme that thrives on confusion and pressure, an approach that has paid off repeatedly in big games. With new faces joining key holdovers on both sides of the ball, Kansas City is again poised for a deep run.

Offensively, Mahomes is flanked by a more versatile supporting cast than in recent years. Isiah Pacheco retains lead back duties, but the team brought back Kareem Hunt in free agency to give the backfield a bruising veteran presence. Elijah Mitchell, also added in free agency from the 49ers, and rookie Brashard Smith could add extra juice if injuries pile up, while second-year back Carson Steele continues to develop. In the passing game, the Chiefs parted ways with DeAndre Hopkins and Mecole Hardman, but retooled with speed and depth. Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown headline the wide receiver corps, supported by Rashee Rice, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and rotational threats like Skyy Moore and rookie Jalen Royals. Future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce remains the focal point at tight end, but with Jody Fortson and Peyton Hendershot gone, backup Noah Gray is expected to see a larger role. Up front, Kansas City is blending youth and experience. Rookie Josh Simmons will get first crack at left tackle, but Jaylon Moore, signed from San Francisco, is a steady fallback option. At guard, rookie Kingsley Suamataia may see time in place of departed stalwart Joe Thuney, with Mike Caliendo offering depth. The core of center Creed Humphrey, guard Trey Smith, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor remains intact, though Wanya Morris could rotate in if Taylor’s consistency wavers. Despite losing several veterans like DJ Humphries and Samaje Perine, the Chiefs have reloaded with young talent and smart veteran acquisitions who complement the system.

Defensively, Spagnuolo’s front remains a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Chris Jones continues to command double teams from the interior, with George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah rotating around him on the edge. Rookie Ashton Gillotte, if he flashes in camp, could add another wrinkle to the pass rush. With Derrick Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton gone, veteran Mike Pennel holds down the nose tackle role, but additions like Jerry Tillery and rookie Omarr Norman-Lott, as well as second-year pros Fabien Lovett Sr. and Marlon Tuipulotu, provide solid interior depth. At linebacker, Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal will flank the ever-reliable Nick Bolton, with rookie Jeffrey Bassa waiting in the wings. In the secondary, the Chiefs addressed departures of Justin Reid and Keith Taylor by signing former 49ers safety Mike Edwards and ex-Chargers corner Kristian Fulton. Second-year safety Jaden Hicks is expected to start alongside Bryan Cook, but Chamarri Conner could push for time. Edwards adds versatility and insurance. At corner, Fulton joins Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in a group that also includes rookies Nohl Williams and Joshua Williams. While Kansas City did lose several key pieces defensively, including Joshua Uche, Justin Reid, and Wharton, their replacements fit Spagnuolo’s mold: versatile, aggressive, and tough.

The Chiefs’ 2025 schedule is one of the most compelling slates in the NFL. They kick things off with a Friday night showdown against the Chargers in São Paolo, Brazil, before hosting the Eagles in a rematch of Super Bowl LVII. The early stretch also includes a primetime road tilt with the Giants on Sunday Night Football and a home test against the Ravens. Other major matchups include a Monday night game at Jacksonville, home dates against the rising Lions and division-rival Raiders, and a late-October Monday night showdown with the Commanders. A late-season run includes a road trip to Buffalo, a Thanksgiving Day clash with the Cowboys, and a Christmas Day home game against the Broncos. With games also against playoff-caliber Texans, Colts, Titans, and a final divisional visit to the Raiders, Kansas City will face a gauntlet filled with playoff implications. A middle-of-the-season bye arrives at an ideal time, offering rest before a demanding stretch run.

Kansas City’s path to another Lombardi Trophy will hinge on three key factors: the performance of its young offensive line, the chemistry of Mahomes with his new-look receiving corps, and how quickly the new defensive additions acclimate to Spagnuolo’s demanding system. The offensive tackle play, especially from rookie Josh Simmons, could make or break long drives, while depth at running back and receiver gives Kansas City more flexibility than it had in 2024. On defense, the interior depth and revamped safety group will be tested against elite quarterbacks and creative play-callers. Yet with the best quarterback in the league, a creative offensive mind in Nagy, and a proven defensive architect in Spagnuolo, Kansas City remains the AFC’s measuring stick. As long as Kansas City can use those close calls and wins from last year and build on them to become the strong force that everyone around the league fears with their strong continuity. A 13-4 campaign feels realistic for a team with elite leadership, a deep roster, and another strong case to be a Super Bowl contender again in their sights.

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Las Vegas Raiders

9/7 – @ Patriots – Loss

9/15 – vs. Chargers – Win

9/21 – @ Commanders – Loss

9/28 – vs. Bears – Win

10/5 – @ Colts – Loss

10/12 – vs. Titans – Win

10/19 – @ Chiefs – Loss

10/26 – BYE

11/2 – vs. Jaguars – Win

11/6 – @ Broncos – Loss

11/17 – vs. Cowboys – Loss

11/23 – vs. Browns – Win

11/30 – @ Chargers – Loss

12/7 – vs. Broncos – Loss

12/14 – @ Eagles – Loss

12/21 – @ Texans – Loss

12/27-28 – vs. Giants – Win

1/4 – vs. Chiefs – Loss

Final Record: 6-11

The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2025 NFL season with a new identity under second-year head coach Pete Carroll, who brings a veteran presence and competitive spirit back to the sidelines after his successful tenure in Seattle. With a blend of youth and experience across the roster, the Raiders are hoping Carroll’s leadership and energy can help stabilize a franchise in transition. The offensive reins are now in the hands of first-year coordinator Chip Kelly, whose up-tempo scheme emphasizes rhythm, spacing, and quick reads, which is a shift that suits the new pieces on this side of the ball. Meanwhile, Patrick Graham returns for his fourth year as the defensive coordinator, maintaining his base 4-2 front while adjusting to a retooled unit that added speed and depth in key positions. Carroll’s old-school philosophy meets Kelly’s modern spread influence, making the Raiders one of the more intriguing schematic hybrids in the AFC.

On offense, veteran quarterback Geno Smith takes the lead in what could be a career-defining season under Kelly’s aggressive play-calling. While Aidan O’Connell returns as a solid backup and rookie Cam Miller brings developmental intrigue, Smith will be flanked by an interesting blend of skill and talent. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has the tools to thrive in Kelly’s zone-heavy ground game, with Raheem Mostert signing from the Dolphins and bringing home-run speed and experience. Zamir White may slip into a limited role as the backfield continues to evolve. The receiving corps is young but explosive, featuring Tre Tucker, rookies Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech, and the reliable Jakobi Meyers. Bech and Thornton bring size and length, while Bech in particular could become a favorite on third downs. Former FCS quarterback Tommy Mellott is a developmental weapon with serious upside. Brock Bowers headlines a dangerous tight end group alongside Michael Mayer, giving Smith two versatile options. New addition Ian Thomas adds blocking depth. The offensive line has solidified with the acquisition of Alex Cappa from Cincinnati, while second-year center Jackson Powers-Johnson is poised to anchor the interior. Kolton Miller remains the stalwart at left tackle, and rookies like Charles Grant and Caleb Rogers have impressed coaches enough to be considered potential plug-ins if needed. Dylan Parham and DJ Glaze round out a line that’s young but increasingly reliable, with depth from players like Jordan Meredith, Will Putnam, and Thayer Munford Jr.

Defensively, the Raiders have revamped a group that had major lapses in consistency last season. Maxx Crosby remains the soul of the front, but the real growth lies in the trenches next to him. Former Dolphins lineman Christian Wilkins joins Adam Butler and Leki Fotu—who was brought in from the Jets—to strengthen the interior, while second-year players like Zach Carter and rookies Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues offer developmental potential. On the edges, Malcolm Koonce steps into a starting role, though former first-rounder Tyree Wilson must finally show signs of consistency to solidify his place. At linebacker, Vegas made big moves by signing former Bengals leader Germaine Pratt and ex-Texans linebacker Devin White, adding high-level tackling and blitz versatility. Elandon Roberts and second-year player Tommy Eichenberg round out a deep and physical second level, with Cody Lindenberg and Jaylon Smith bolstering depth. The secondary is led by former Packer Eric Stokes, rookie Darien Porter, and Decamerion Richardson, which are three athletic options with upside, while Darnay Holmes returns to anchor the nickel. Kyu Blu Kelly and rookie Greedy Vance will compete for rotational snaps. Jeremy Chinn, signed from the Commanders, brings a hybrid safety-linebacker skill set to a deep safety group that also features Isaiah Pola-Mao, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and second-year player Trey Taylor. Free agent losses like Tre’von Moehrig, Nate Hobbs, and Divine Deablo left holes, but the Raiders moved aggressively to rebuild and modernize.

The Raiders’ 2025 schedule won’t do them many favors as they continue rebuilding under Carroll. The team opens at New England before returning home to face the Chargers in primetime on Monday Night Football, followed by tough road trips to Washington, Indianapolis, and Kansas City, which are all physical matchups that will test both lines. Coming out of their Week 9 bye, the schedule intensifies with matchups against the Cowboys on Monday night, Eagles, Browns, and division rivals like Denver, the Chargers, and Kansas City. A tricky late-season road swing at Houston and Philadelphia could further complicate their playoff hopes, and whether or not the young talent can hold up under pressure will define how competitive this team remains down the stretch.

For Las Vegas to exceed expectations, Geno Smith must find his rhythm early and stay healthy behind an improving offensive line. Ashton Jeanty must grow into a legitimate lead back, and rookies like Thornton, Bech, and Bowers must contribute immediately in a system that demands spacing and speed. On defense, a major leap in performance will need to come from new starters like Pratt and White at linebacker, and the cornerback trio of Stokes, Porter, and Richardson must hold up against elite AFC passing attacks. While the roster overhaul brought in some intriguing talent, the lack of proven NFL stars outside of Crosby and Wilkins could hold them back in crunch time. All things considered, expect growing pains but flashes of promise from this new-look squad. A 6-11 season feels about right for the Raiders, though the foundation laid in Year Two under Carroll could be the beginning of a more competitive future.

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Los Angeles Chargers

9/5 – vs. Chiefs (in São Paolo, Brazil) – Loss

9/15 – @ Raiders – Loss

9/21 – vs. Broncos – Win

9/28 – @ Giants – Win

10/5 – vs. Commanders – Win

10/12 – @ Dolphins – Loss

10/19 – vs. Colts – Win

10/23 – vs. Vikings – Win

11/2 – @ Titans – Win

11/9 – vs. Steelers – Win

11/16 – @ Jaguars – Win

11/23 – BYE

11/30 – vs. Raiders – Win

12/8 – vs. Eagles – Loss

12/14 – @ Chiefs – Win

12/21 – @ Cowboys – Loss

12/27-28 – vs. Texans – Win

1/3-4 – @ Broncos – Loss

Final Record: 11-6

Expectations are climbing for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 as they get ready for the second year of the Jim Harbaugh era. His fingerprints are now fully embedded in this team’s identity, which can be seen as a gritty, power-focused, and adaptable group, and with offensive coordinator Greg Roman and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter returning for their second seasons in Los Angeles, there’s no mystery about the Chargers’ scheme and philosophy. Roman continues to run a run-heavy system that utilizes tight ends and downhill running backs, but it’s possible he could lean more into his passing game this season as well. Meanwhile, Minter’s base 3-4 under defense is built on disguised coverages, well-disciplined linebacker play, and reliance on size and physicality. Harbaugh has remade the roster to his liking, bringing in tough players who can thrive in his pro-style approach. Now with a full offseason to build chemistry, this Chargers squad is aiming to turn growing potential into tangible success.

Their offensive unit starts and ends with Justin Herbert, who returns healthy and locked in as the franchise cornerstone. Taylor Heinicke is a trustworthy backup should Herbert miss time, but all signs point toward the offense being tailored for Herbert’s big arm and leadership. The run game is undergoing a major revamp. Rookie Omarion Hampton and former Steeler Najee Harris bring a physical one-two punch that suits Roman’s ground-based attack, with Hassan Haskins, who thrived under Harbaugh at Michigan, providing additional power depth. The receiving corps, while youthful, carries plenty of upside, especially with the return of former star and six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, who had spent last season in Chicago. Quentin Johnston enters a pivotal year alongside rookies Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, while second-year breakout candidate Ladd McConkey and Derius Davis provide speed and spacing in the slot. Mike Williams was also initially planning on making his return after stints with both the Jets and Steelers last season, but now that he announced his retirement from football, Jalen Reagor needs to be the guy to develop consistency in the deep passing game if the group wants to surprise some people. Tight ends Will Dissley and former Jet Tyler Conklin offer reliability in both blocking and short-yardage situations, while rookie Oronde Gadsden II may emerge as a matchup nightmare in passing sets. The offensive line remains anchored by Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt on the outside, with Zion Johnson and free-agent addition Andre James providing interior depth. Mekhi Becton, another offseason pickup, should slide into the right guard spot, and Bradley Bozeman will likely handle center duties until rookie Branson Taylor develops.

Meanwhile, Minter’s scheme with the defense can maximize a front seven that has been reshaped after a busy offseason. With Joey Bosa off to Buffalo and Morgan Fox gone, the defensive line now leans on former Dolphin Da’Shawn Hand, Teair Tart, and Otito Ogbonnia. Rookie Jamaree Caldwell from Oregon could pressure Tart for nose tackle snaps, while second-year player Justin Eboigbe is a rotational piece to watch. On the edge, Khalil Mack remains a dominant force, with Tuli Tuipulotu and rookie Kyle Kennard likely rotating to keep pressure fresh. Inside linebacker depth is impressive: Bud Dupree and second-year starter Junior Colson bring physicality, while veterans Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley solidify the spine with Troy Dye offering flexibility as he waits his turn on the bench. In the secondary, Kristian Fulton’s departure and Asante Samuel Jr. unlikely resigning meant retooling was necessary as former Steeler Donte Jackson and former Commander Benjamin St-Juste step in to start alongside second-year corner Cam Hart. Tarheeb Still starts at nickel, while Ja’Sir Taylor and rookies Trikweze Bridges and Nikko Reid wait in the wings. Derwin James Jr. remains the unit’s tone-setter at strong safety with Alohi Gillman getting the nod next to him, though Elijah Molden could push for time, and rookie RJ Mickens and veteran Tony Jefferson round out the depth chart.

The Chargers’ 2025 schedule offers high-stakes matchups nearly every week, starting with a season-opening Friday night clash in São Paolo, Brazil against the Kansas City Chiefs. That contest sets the tone for a wild ride that includes Monday Night matchups at the Raiders and at home versus the Eagles, a Sunday night bout against the Steelers, and end-of-season matchups against the Texans and Broncos. Other notable games include road trips to Miami early on and both Kansas City and Dallas in the final stretch, and a late bye could be an advantage as the Chargers prepare for a potentially playoff-deciding stretch run.

Ultimately, this Chargers team looks and feels far more in Jim Harbaugh’s image than last year’s transitional squad. If the rookies can contribute early and stay healthy, the Chargers have the potential to be one of the AFC’s more balanced rosters. Depth at linebacker and in the offensive line is stronger than in years past, and the tight end room is much improved thanks to veteran additions. The ceiling of the team hinges largely on Herbert’s ability to command a ball-control offense while making game-breaking plays when needed. With a rugged defense, a stronger run game, and a schedule filled with high-leverage contests, expect the Chargers to take a major leap forward in 2025. I’m predicting a 11-6 record with a legitimate shot at a Wild Card spot in the postseason.

Stay tuned next week as I turn my attention over to the NFC and finish the second half of my team previews and predictions for the NFL!