We have the AFC East, North, and South out of the way, so now it’s time for the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs continue to be the gold standard in the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs advanced to another Super Bowl but were blown out by the Eagles in a 3-peat attempt. Can they continue their reign in the division? The Los Angeles Chargers will make a run at the Chiefs in Jim Harbaugh’s second season as coach. Los Angeles is looking to finally take control of the AFC West from the Chiefs. Las Vegas made quite a few moves this offseason with the biggest being bringing in Pete Carroll as coach. Can the Raiders contend this season? Denver is looking to take that next step with second-year QB Bo Nix. Who will win the AFC West in the 2025 season?

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs lost their quest to become the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row. Rashee Rice will be suspended for the first six games of the season. Kansas City was able to bring back Hollywood Brown on a one-year deal. They also signed Elijah Mitchell to add depth and speed at the running back position. Kansas City continued to build up its defense throughout the offseason. They brought back Nick Bolton on a three-year deal. Bolton is one of the intricate parts of the Chiefs defense. The Chiefs did lose Justin Reid in free agency, but they did sign Mike Edwards. This team still has Patrick Mahomes at the quarterback position, and he’s still on top of his game. Travis Kelce also returned to the team with hopes of winning another Super Bowl. Kansas City should finish atop of the AFC West this season.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are the biggest threat to the Chiefs in the AFC West. Justin Herbert continues to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Justin Herbert threw just three interceptions last season, and LA had the second-fewest turnovers. The Chargers are hoping to continue their trend of building a tough offense. They signed Mekhi Becton to help on the offensive line to go alongside Bradley Bozeman. Los Angeles added Najee Harris to the backfield, and he brings his toughness to the Chargers. Najee Harris will share the backfield with newly drafted Omarion Hampton, and they’ll make a formidable duo. The defense did lose Joey Bosa and Poona Ford on the defensive line. Defensively, the Chargers were outstanding in 2024, leading the NFL in points allowed (17.7 per game). The Chargers are more than capable of dethroning the Chiefs in the AFC West this season.

Denver Broncos

In a tight division, the Denver Broncos are projected to finish third in the AFC West. Bo Nix enters his second season as the full-time starter. Nix had an amazing rookie season, and the Broncos continue to build around Nix. I’m picking the Chargers and Broncos to finish tied in the division. The Broncos are one of my top 5 AFC teams heading into the 2025 season. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey in the backfield should improve a rushing attack that was, at best, middle of the pack in 2024. Evan Engram will certainly help too to be a big target for Nix in the passing game, as Payton loves his tight ends being very involved as pass catchers. Denver should have one of the best defenses in the league again. They added Talanoa Hufanga and Drew Greenlaw from San Francisco to make the defense better.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are my pick to finish last in the AFC West. The Raiders will be a better team this season, but they’re in a tough división. Las Vegas brought in Pete Carroll as their new head coach. Carroll will bring new energy to the franchise, and he’s made some changes. Las Vegas traded for Geno Smith to become their new starting quarterback. The Raiders drafted Ashton Jeanty with their first-round pick. Las Vegas signed the Speedy Raheem Mostert to top air him with Jeanty in the backfield. On defense, they signed Maxx Crosby to an extensión and deservedly so. The defense also added Jeremy Chinn and a few more veterans on defense. As mentioned, they’re in a tough AFC West división and will finish at the bottom. Can Geno Smith put this team on his back and surprise a few teams this season?

Trav’s AFC West Projected Standings for 2025

1. 1, Kansas City Chiefs
2. 2. Los Angeles Chargers
3. 3. Denver Broncos
4. 4. Las Vegas Raiders

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