The AFC West is regarded as the strongest division in the AFC due to the presence of the AFC “juggernauts” the Kansas City Chiefs. With the emerging of other strong teams like the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos, and with their young QBs, as well as the beginning of a rebuild with the Las Vegas Raiders, the look to shutdown the Kansas City’s dominance. The Chiefs’ consecutive division titles and Super Bowl appearances have established the division as a consistently competitive and tough group of teams, but the question is: Can the Chargers, Broncos, and Raiders finally breakthrough and take down the Chiefs?
1. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
3,928 Passing Yards
26 Passing TDs
11 Interceptions
67.5% Completion Percentage
93.5 QBR
15-1 Regular Season Record (16 games played)
2-1 Playoff Record (Loss in Super Bowl to Philadelphia Eagles)
1st in AFC West
Patrick Mahomes’ 2024 season further cemented his legacy as one of the greats at such a young age. Despite battling through inconsistent receivers, age being a factor for them, and inconsistent protection from the O-line, Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to their 5th Super Bowl in the last 6 seasons (3 of which won).
Kansas City made moves to strengthen Mahomes’ weapons, drafting WR Xavier Worthy. The offense is expected to evolve further and bounce back after a depressing Super Bowl loss. In order to minimize Mahomes’ hits, the Chiefs would need to strengthen the O-line even more. With Travis Kelce aging and the run game still developing, the Chiefs are expected to add more offensive weapons. Most of the Chiefs receivers have already flashed potential, but need to “come out of the dorm they’re hiding in.” Mahomes’ ability to change the game as a whole has been detrimental to the sport and is currently the face of the league. We are surely going to see the Chiefs at the top once again and likely Mahomes earning yet another MVP.
2. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
3,870 Passing Yards
23 Passing TDs
3 Interceptions
65.9% Completion Percentage
101.7 QBR
11-6 Regular Season Record (17 games played)
0-1 Playoff Record (Loss in AFC WildCard to Houston Texans)
2nd in AFC West
Justin Herbert’s 2024 campaign was a rollercoaster. He returned from injury but was often found struggling with a beat up supporting cast and changes + challenges in the Los Angeles Chargers’ new offensive system under HC Jim Harbaugh. Herbert showed flashes of sparks particularly on deep shots and tight accurate throws, but consistency brought him down with an offensive line that allowed 47 sacks, 6th most in the league.
This offseason, the Chargers moved forward with a full rebuild, trading WR Keenan Allen and RB Austin Ekeler. Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz have stated their intention to build around Herbert by investing in players that will help Herbert, similar to the way Harbaugh powered the 49ers to a Super Bowl a decade ago. Herbert’s arm strength and intelligence still make him a cornerstone, but 2025 is a make-or-break year for his growth as a franchise savior or another strong Chargers QB with no help (reference to Phillip Rivers).
3. Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)
3,775 Passing Yards
29 Passing TDs
12 Interceptions
66.3% Completion Percentage
93.3 QBR
10-7 Regular Season Record (17 games played)
1-1 Playoff Record (Loss in AFC WildCard to Kansas City Chiefs)
3rd in AFC West
Bo Nix enters his sophomore season with the Denver Broncos carrying the weight of expectation and optimism in Denver since Peyton Manning. Drafted 12th overall in 2024, Nix won the starting job in training camp over Jarrett Stidham and performed efficiently during the preseason, showcasing poise under pressure, mobility, and an ability to process quickly with strong and accurate throws that are included with key traits in Sean Payton’s system. His comfort with checkdowns and anticipation throws aligns well with Payton’s offensive philosophy that didn’t workout with Russell Wilson.
Denver’s offense will revolve around protecting Nix with a balanced attack and play-action, easing the transition to NFL speed. With young weapons like WR Courtland Sutton and a stronger O-line, the Broncos are focused on gradual development to the top of the AFC West to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs. While not expected to contend immediately, Nix has drawn comparisons to a young Drew Brees (reference with Sean Payton). His progression could define the Broncos’ future.
4. Geno Smith (Las Vegas Raiders)
2024-2025 Seattle Seahawks Quarterback
4,320 Passing Yards
21 Passing TDs
15 Interceptions
70.4% Completion Percentage
93.2 QBR
10-7 Regular Season Record (17 games played)
Missed Playoffs
2nd in NFC West
Geno Smith’s 2024 season was marked by steady regression and a diminishing role in Seattle. After a strong 2022 Pro Bowl season and a solid 2023, Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason as part of Seattle’s rebuild. In Las Vegas, he looks to lead a young offense under aggressive HC Antonio Pierce. Smith’s experience and leadership made him the favorite to start over QB Aidan O’Connell.
Smith’s playstyle flows well with the Raiders’ new look offense, centered around WR Jakobi Myers, who looks to breakout, and potential future RB Ashton Jeanty. However, questions remain about his ability to extend broken plays and find leverage against the best defenses in the league. As a veteran bridge quarterback, Smith has the opportunity to stabilize a franchise and be the bridge to a new team that looks to get atop of the AFC.
