AFC West: Chargers chasing Super Chiefs, Broncos get a Payton, Raiders rebuilding (again)
AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS
Coach: Sean Payton (first season in Denver, 152-89 in as an NFL head coach, 9-8 in the playoffs).
Last season: 5-12 (fourth in the division).
Key additions: Head coach Sean Payton, OT Mike McGlinchey, G Ben Powers, DE Zach Allen, WR Marvin Mims Jr., RB Samaje Perine, TE Chris Manhertz, KR Tremon Smith, P Riley Dixon.
Key subtractions: RB Latavius Murray, OT Cameron Flemong, G Graham Glashow, S Kareem Jackson, G Dalton Risner, P Corliss Waitman, TE Eric Tomlinson, LS Jacob Bobenmoyer.
Looking ahead: After the 2022 Nathanial Hackett nadir, the Broncos brought in former New Orleans Super Bowl-winning coach Sean Payton. Payton’s an offense guy and Denver finished last in points, sacks allowed and third-down success. How much of that goes on the offensive line’s account and how much on the account of quarterback Russell Wilson, now in his 12th season? We will find out this year. The defense wore down over the last five games, but still finished seventh overall.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Coach: Andy Reid (11th season in Kansas City, 103-42 regular season, 9-7 playoffs).
Last season: 14-3 (first in the division), won the Super Bowl.
Key additions: OT Jawaan Taylor, DE Charles Omenihu, WR Rashee Rice, DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
Key subtractions: OT Orlando Brown, Jr., OT Andrew Wylie, DE Frank Clark, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, S Juan Thornhill.
Looking ahead: During the last five seasons, the Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes Chiefs have won two Super Bowls, lost a Super, and lost two AFC title games in overtime. Can anything stop them, especially as Mahomes seasons his forced magic with maturity? Sure. They’re replacing both offensive tackles and their leading wide receiver. But they still have Travis Kelce, Reid’s resourcefulness and a defense that keeps opponents from keeping up with the offense.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Coach: Josh McDaniels (second season with the Raiders, 6-11 in the regular season).
Last season: 6-11 (third in the division).
Key additions: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, WR Jakobi Meyers, LS Jacob Bobenmoyer, TE Michael Mayer, WR DeAndre Carter, CB Brandon Facyson, S Marcus Epps, DE Tyree Wilson.
Key subtractions: QB Derek Carr, TE Darren Waller, DT Andrew Billings, TE Foster Moreau, LF Denzel Perryman, CB Rock Ya-Sin., S Duron Harmon, WR Mack Hollins.
Looking ahead: The Raiders followed their first playoff game in five years with a season that showed they hadn’t come a long way, baby. Signing free agent Garoppolo creates a New England Alumni Reunion with McDaniels. Don’t assign main blame for the Raiders slide on neither former quarterback Derek Carr nor the NFL’s leading rusher, Josh Jacobs. Look at this: In a division with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Herbert and Russell Wilson, the defense finished last in the AFC in sacks and interceptions.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Coach: Brandon Staley (second season with the Chargers, 19-16 regular season record).
Last season: 10-8 (second in the division), lost in the AFC Wild Card round to Jacksonville.
Key additions: LB Eric Kendricks, LB Tuli Tuipulotu, LB Daiyan Henley.
Key subtractions: ILB Drue Tranquill, S Nasir Adderley, CB Bryce Callahan, G Matt Feller, LB Kyle Van Noy.
Looking ahead: The Chargers continue their history of flatulence when faced with opportunity. They build the NFL’s best pass rushing duo, Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, but Bosa can’t stay healthy and the run defense gets pushed around like a Fisher-Price baby walker. They’ve got Justin Herbert’s howitzer arm, but didn’t get enough big plays. That’s why Kellen Moore’s the new offensive coordinator. Will rushing, receptions and NFL touchdowns leader Austin Ekeler pout or produce through a season while feeling underpaid.
