NFL
By: Joey MacDonald
The AFC West, in terms of talent wise is probably the most talented division in all of the AFC. In 2025, the Denver Broncos won the AFC West for the first time since 2015, their last AFC West title. The 2025 season marked the first time in Patrick Mahomes’s career that he missed the postseason in his 10-year career. The AFC West has been a hard-hitting, physical division, just like the AFC North was in the late 2000s. Here is how the AFC West will look in 2026, with 4 teams looking like they will win some games in 2026.
1. Denver Broncos
After coming up one game short of the Super Bowl, the Denver Broncos will look to go 1 game further. In 2026, the Broncos will have their hands full with not one but two teams breathing down their necks.
The Broncos’ offense was able to upgrade the offense by trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. Along with Courtland Sutton, the passing attack for the Denver Broncos will be deadly with quarterback Bo Nix returning.
The defense going into 2026 is going to be one of the fiercest defenses in all of the NFL. It will be led by CB Patrick Surtain II and OLB Nik Bonitto, who looks to improve on a great 2025.
If this team can duplicate and Bo Nix returns to form from 2025, the Broncos could repeat as division champs.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
2025 was a very disappointing season for the Kansas City Chiefs as they missed the postseason by finishing 6-11. And a string of 10 consecutive division titles came to an end as well following many injuries for Kansas City.
The big story going into 2026 will be the return of QB Patrick Mahomes, who is returning from a torn ACL. Also, the Chiefs added to the offense by signing Super Bowl LX MVP running back Kenneth Walker from Seattle. As well as TE Travis Kelce, who is on the last stretch of his Hall of Fame career.
While the defense will see a lot of revamping with some fresh young blood on defense going into 2026.
The Kansas City Chiefs, after a year of numerous injuries, will be back in the race for the AFC West.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are going into the 2026 season with brand new coordinators on both sides. They look to win their 1st division title since 2009, when they were still the San Diego Chargers.
Justin Herbert is looking to get that elusive 1st playoff win of his career as he looks to get better. And, with the addition of Mike McDaniel, he will look to right the wrong with playoff performances.
The defense will have a new identity in 2026 as Chris O’Leary replaces Jesse Minter as the defensive coordinator.
If Justin Herbert doesn’t win a playoff game in 2026, then people will start to question him moving forward.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
A rebuild is what’s in store for the Las Vegas Raiders and their season, with a new HC and quarterback. The Las Vegas Raiders are continuing their long rebuild, going back over 20 years since 2002 and beyond.
Klint Kubiak was hired after leading the Seattle Seahawks’ offense to a Super Bowl title last season. Also, drafted Fernando Mendoza with the 1st overall pick to be their franchise quarterback for the future and beyond.
The offense got some really solid football players who can put up some yards with Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeannty.
The defense will still need some work; besides Maxx Crosby being the leader of that defense, it needs help.
2026 will be another down year for the Raiders, but the future will look better with Fernando Mendoza as their quarterback.
Overall Thoughts:
The AFC West will be a very tough and physical division in 2026. All 4 teams will be very physical win all the games they will be playing. The quarterbacks in this division will be putting up big-time numbers this year. And, overall, the division will see multiple teams make the postseason in 2026.
Predictions:
1. Denver Broncos: 13-4
2. Kansas City Chiefs: 11-6
3. Los Angeles Chargers: 10-7
4. Las Vegas Raiders: 6-11
