AFC West predictions in 2026
By: Jake Rajala
The AFC West is filled with a few teams that could win it all. There’s the Denver Broncos, who could have made it into the Super Bowl for the AFC, if Bo Nix was healthy. They also led the league in sacks last season. Then we are given the Los Angeles Chargers, who have one of the most fearsome head coaches with Jim Harbaugh. Their defense was eighth in PPG allowed. It’s worth noting that there’s the Patrick Mahomes-Travis Kelce duo in the division, as well. In Sin City, they have a shiny new HC-QB combo with Klint Kubiak and Fernando Mendoza. With that all said, I’m going to rank these teams.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders may not have many Pro Bowl-caliber players. However, they have a few really good players. Brock Bowers and Maxx Crosby are pieces that the Raiders should build around. If they trade away Crosby, they are setting themselves back. Ashton Jeanty is also a weapon that can dominate in the right scheme. Kenneth Walker shined under Kubiak in Seattle last season. Perhaps, Jeanty can wreak more havoc under Kubiak, too.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers were fifth in YPG allowed last season, which is quite impressive. They lost Brandon Staley in recent memory, but that hasn’t slowed them down. They are led by Derwin James, who can do it all. He made second team All-Pro for the second straight season. They need Ladd McConkey to step up his game.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
If Chris Jones kept contain on one play and hustled on another play, the Chiefs may have won two extra games. Jones is one of the very best inside defensive lineman in the league, but he needs to have a high motor. Patrick Mahomes is coming off a freak leg injury. He should be motivated to win another MVP award. He has K9 in his offense now, too.
1.Denver Broncos
Sean Payton is slowly building his team in the right way.. Payton has added former Saints to his roster, such as Adam Trautman and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. I’d love to see the Broncos add Taysom Hill as their next weapon. The Broncos have one of the best defensive minds in the league in Vance Joseph.
The AFC West is an ultra competitive divisions, to say the least. I could foresee three teams getting at least 10 wins. Yes, I’m talking about the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos. The Raiders are a couple of steps away from reaching these heights.
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