Locked on Chiefs: Who is winning the AFC West arms race?

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks with Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio after the game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks with Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio after the game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas City Chiefs ran a draft that focused on long-term upside. Did they do enough to keep themselves in the lead for the AFC West title in 2017?

The selection of Pat Mahomes is critical in the long-term viability of the franchise at the Super Bowl potential team. But, bar an injury, he’s unlikely to be a factor in 2017. Other draft picks could sprinkle in time in a rotation but that’s on certain at best period

In the meantime, the Los Angeles Chargers did an admirable job of plugging some of the bigger holes in their roster. Their offensive line, in particular, should see an increase in performance this coming season.

The Oakland Raiders have taken a lot of gambles in this offseason, both in free agency and in the draft. If they pay off they will again push the Chiefs for the championship of the AFC West.

The Denver Broncos made some incremental upgrades and drafted some niche players. The question in Denver remains: do they have a quarterback that can bring them back into contention for the AFC West Title?

While upgrades are not complete until the final-53, this race still looks to be between the Chiefs and the Raiders.

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