Power ranking the AFC West by position groups

Team Rankings

4) Los Angeles Chargers

This team is one of the most imbalanced that we can ever remember in the history of the league. When healthy, the defense could legitimately be the best in the entire NFL, but is at worst a top three unit. But even at full strength, getting the most out of all of the offensive potential, it is difficult to imagine them getting into the top 20 of the league. That imbalance has got to be frustrating for the team, and the fanbase, but they’re doing little to right the ship at this point. Expect a long season in Southern California, filled with many losses in which the opposition scores less than 20 points, but still wins.

3) Las Vegas Raiders

You might disagree, but the Las Vegas Raiders are team headed in the right direction. Mayock and Gruden have infused the roster with a lot of talent, and while there are still holes at some key positions, the team may only be two years from legitimate AFC contention. But there is (of course) a big if: the fate of the Raiders rests on the ability of the GM-Head Coach tandem to agree on, and be right about, the quarterback position. Las Vegas is not winning the AFC with either Marcus Mariotta or Derek Carr at the helm – so a replacement is coming to Sin City in the very near future if the team is going to advance. Do not be surprised if the Raiders make a big, Chiefs-for-Mahomes-type leap in the 2021 NFL Draft to secure one of the draft’s top three quarterbacks.

2) Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are all-in on quarterback Drew Lock and the reality is, they might be right about it. He looked really, really good in six starts a season ago. He finished with a 5-1 record ad his only loss was to the eventual Super Bowl Champions. The team bet all of its’ chips on that 5-1 record this offseason, signing a big name free agent running back and using its’ first two draft picks on wide receivers. Development will be key not only in Lock, but also in the stable of young pass catchers at the wide receiver and tight end positions. The defense is healthy again and the pass rush of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb should be enough to keep the team in most games. Can the offense grow enough with each other in 2020? This team won’t compete for the AFC Title this year – but it should no surprise anyone if they’re a playoff team.

1) Kansas City Chiefs

There is no easier division power ranking in the entire NFL than placing the defending Super Bowl Champions atop the AFC West. Andy Reid has led the team to four consecutive AFC West titles, and more impressively has compiled a 27-3 record against division opponents since the start of the 2015 season. The Chiefs have the best quarterback in the entire NFL, they feature the best tight end and one of the top five wide receivers in football, and they have three All-Pro caliber defensive stars. Kansas City should not only win the AFC West running away, but they should be in line for their third consecutive trip to the AFC Championship game.