Ranking the quarterbacks in the AFC West

Another offseason has come and gone, preseason football is around the corner, and training camp is underway. Changes have been made across the NFL and the AFC West is no exception.

Today, we kick off our series on AFC West positional rankings starting with the most important one: the quarterback. [Note: This series will be written with the assumption that all parties are fully healthy and playing.]

The quarterback position in the AFC West is highlighted by two-time world champion Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is considered by many to be the top quarterback in the league. With a cast of interesting players under center, we take a look at the one through four ranking of the position in the AFC West.

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Backups: Blaine Gabbert, Shane Buechele

This is the biggest no-brainer in the West. It is clear to anyone that understands the game of football: There is simply no one like Patrick Mahomes. Beyond an extrodinarily strong arm, Mahomes could be one of the best improvisers that the game has ever seen. With an incredible understanding of where he is on the field at all times, Mahomes has led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship in three of the last four seasons with two Super Bowl titles under his belt.

Simply put, there is no reason to believe that anyone (let alone the guys in the AFC West) will surpass Mahomes in the quarterbacking category. While the receivers on the team are a mixed bag, Mahomes has only gotten better as time has gone on. It is notable, however, that Blaine Gabbert is new to the system and an injury to Mahomes in the short-term would likely be less steady than what Chad Henne provided a season ago. With that in mind, Mahomes currently owns the West.

2022-2023: 435/648, 67.1%, 5,250 yards, 41 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 358 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns

2023-2024 projection: 429/637, 67.3%, 5,021 yards, 44 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 244 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns.