Can Broncos, Chargers supplant Chiefs for AFC West supremacy? | 2025 Broncos Preview
So much has changed in the AFC West.
Yet to start the season the Chiefs still appear in control.
The last time Kansas City didn’t win the division was 2015 when the Broncos went 12-5. While the Broncos, Chargers and Raiders plan on being much improved, the Chiefs still have the highest projected win total for the season.
Here’s where each team stands to start the season:
Broncos
Coach: Sean Payton, third season
Last year: 10-7, lost in wild card
Over/under wins: 9.5
Key additions: RB J.K. Dobbins, RB RJ Harvey, TE Evan Engram, LB Dre Greenlaw, CB Jahdae Barron, S Talanoa Hufanga
Key departures: RB Javonte Williams, WR Devaughn Vele, LB Cody Barton, P Riley Dixon
Outlook: If Bo Nix takes another step in his second season, the Broncos will make plans for the playoffs with an outside shot at a Super Bowl. Courtland Sutton and Engram give the signal-caller trusted options in the receiving game, while Dobbins and Harvey look to carry most of the weight in the run game. A strong defense led by Defensive Player of the Year candidates Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto is fortified by the additions of Greenlaw and Hufanga. If it all comes together, it could be the season Denver fans have been awaiting for a decade. Denver opens the season at home against the Titans on Sunday.
Kansas City Chiefs
Coach: Andy Reid, 13th season
Last year: 15-2, lost in Super Bowl
Over/under wins: 11.5
Key additions: QB Gardnew Minshew, RB Elijah Mitchell, OT Josh Simmons, OG Trey Smith, CB Kristian Fulton, P Matt Araiza
Key departures: QB Carson Wentz, WR Mecole Hardman, WR DeAndre Hopkins, OT D.J. Humphries, OG Joe Thuney, DL Tershawn Wharton, DL Derrick Nnadi, S Justin Reid
Outlook: Patrick Mahomes is still surrounded by Isiah Pacheco, Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce at the skill positions, and that means the Chiefs are thinking Super Bowl for the fourth consecutive season and sixth time in seven years. The dynasty talk was disrupted by Philadelphia’s 40-22 win in last season’s finale, but that might be more motivation as Kansas City’s core gets closer to the end of its time. Reid will be missed in the Chiefs’ secondary, but Fulton looks to be an upgrade at corner. The Chiefs host the Chargers in a divisional season-opener on Friday.
Las Vegas Raiders
Coach: Pete Carroll, first season
Last year: 4-13, missed playoffs
Over/under wins: 6.5
Key additions: QB Geno Smith, RB Ashton Jeanty, RB Raheem Mostert, DE Malcolm Koonce, DT Adam Butler, LB Germaine Pratt, LB Elandon Roberts, LB Devin White, CB Eric Stokes, CB Darnay Holmes, SS Jeremy Chinn, FS Isaiah Pola-Mao
Key departures: QB Gardner Minshew, RB Alexander Mattison, RB Ameer Abdullah, Edge K’Lavon Chaisson, LB Robert Spillane, LB Divine Deablo, S Tre’von Moehrig
Outlook: It’s a whole new era in the desert. Pete Carroll dusted off his playbook and returned to coaching after a year serving as an advisor in Seattle. He’s bringing a new starting quarterback, Smith, and a top-10 pick at running back in Jeanty, while Bowers figures to be one of the game’s most productive tight ends. Last season’s middle-of-the-road defense featured more overhaul than the offense. It looks like an uphill battle to make the playoffs, but the pieces are getting into place for a future push. The Raiders will get their first look at this season’s squad on Sunday in New England.
Los Angeles Chargers
Coach: Jim Harbaugh, second season
Last year: 11-6, lost in wild card
Over/under wins: 9.5
Key additions: RB Omarion Hampton, RB Najee Harris, WR Keenan Allen, TE Tyler Conklin, OG Mekhi Becton, DE Da’Shawn Hand, CB Donte Jackson
Key departures: RB J.K. Dobbins, RB Gus Edwards, WR Josh Palmer, Edge Joey Bosa, DT Poona Ford, DT Morgan Fox, CB Kristian Fulton
Outlook: The Chargers made solid progress in Jim Harbaugh’s first season back in the NFL, and the good news is he won’t be heading back to the college game soon after being presented a four-year show case. The bad news is the departures of Bosa, Ford and Fox will leave some holes to be plugged in the defensive front. If they can replace the trio, the Chargers can start the Harbaugh era with consecutive playoff berths. The Week 1 date with Kansas City makes for a tough start, but at least it’s in Los Angeles.
—Win totals via DraftKings






