AFC West 2024 predictions: Who will reign supreme?

Each club has one main goal in sight as they get ready to kick off the season: win the Super Bowl.

Everyone is gunning to secure their position, most notably in the AFC West, where each team believes it can secure a playoff spot while one is trying to three-peat as Super Bowl champion.

Here’s a breakdown of the AFC West this year and each team’s chances of making a deep postseason run:

 

1. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have become the most powerful team in not just the AFC West but all the NFL. They have been divisional champions for eight straight seasons and Super Bowl winners three of the past five years, including back-to-back titles.

Mahomes is motivated to help his team become the first one ever to secure three straight Super Bowls. Great quarterbacks like Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, Tom Brady, Terry Bradshaw, and Bob Griese have tried but couldn’t propel their teams to get that third straight Lombardi Trophy.

Elsewhere, although Rashee Rice managed to break out a little later in the season, the likes of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Kadarius Toney stifled the process, which infuriated the coaches and the fans as well.

As a result, the Chiefs upgraded their wide receiver room by not only adding Marquise “Hollywood” Brown but also drafting rookie speedster Xavier Worthy in the first round. Many now see the Chiefs as a better team heading into 2024, a scary thought for the rest of the NFL.

As the NFL betting line suggests, it would be quite an upset if they somehow did not win their ninth consecutive AFC West crown. But in the NFL, anything is possible, and keeping Mahomes and star defensive tackle Chris Jones healthy will be critical for another postseason run.

 

2. Los Angeles Chargers

Working towards improving on their dismal 5-12 record in the 2023 NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for a new beginning in 2024. With Jim Harbaugh now occupying the head coaching role, the focus shifts to constructing a competitive side that can make the playoffs.

And of course, when there is a mention of strengthening the pass-catching group, one cannot ignore the youngest member of the group – Ladd McConkey – a promising second-round draft pick who could become quarterback Justin Herbert’s go-to option following the departure of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.

The Chargers also hope that 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston will develop after a disappointing rookie season.

The Chargers have a great mix of experienced players, such as Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, and youth that looks promising already. With a few nuanced changes, such as bringing in Harbaugh, they could easily fix what seems to be broken.

 

3. Denver Broncos

There are fresh feelings for the Denver Broncos that 2024 will be different, thanks to head coach Sean Payton. After what was a highly contested pre-season, rookie Bo Nix proved that he was a top quarterback when given the chance.

Nix had a great senior season at Oregon, finishing second in the country with 4,508 passing yards. He also led the NCAA with 45 touchdowns. Even with the buzz and optimism

surrounding Nix, the big question is whether the team can give him the helping hand that he needs to do something about a rather wobbly offense. Javonte Williams leads a running back corps that carries its own question marks while the depth behind Courtland Sutton at wide receiver is anything but stable.

As for the defense, known for his play as a top-class cornerback is Pat Surtain II, but the ability of the pass rush will be one of importance for the team’s success and playoff chances.

 

4. Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are trying to capitalize on the good vibe brought in by head coach Antonio Pierce following Josh McDaniels's firing. With the mic firmly in his mouth, Coach Pierce does justice to the task by keeping up the group’s spirits.

Gardner Minshew was signed to compete for the starting job with Aidan O’Connell, with Minshew winning the battle in the preseason.

While many believe Minshew is more of a solid backup than a starter, there are times when he gets hot. Last year, he nearly led the Colts to the playoffs when filling in most of the season for Anthony Richardson.

The Raiders have star performers like Davante Adams and rookie Brock Bowers, a first-round Georgia tight end who provides big play potential.

Minshew has to be well supported by others for plays to be made and points scored for the team Las Vegas in order to have a competitive season this year. A lot will be put on the shoulders of Zamir White, who takes over as the top running back after Josh Jacobs left for Green Bay.