NFL
By: Monte Perez
The AFC West could be the best offensive division in football. The Raiders, Chiefs, and Chargers should all be able to put up points. If the Broncos find a quarterback, they can be an offensive juggernaut as well.
AFC WEST:
Kansas City Chiefs (Projected Record, 13-4):
The Chiefs have played in 2 straight Super Bowls and 3 consecutive AFC Championships. In their AFC Championship games, they have scored 31, 35, and 38 points. This teams’ success is predicated on their offense. Patrick Mahomes started 15 games in 2020, threw for 4,700 yards, had 40 total touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. Before his injury, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was on pace to compete for rookie of the year. He rushed for 806 yards, caught 36 passes, and had 4 rushing touchdowns. He should get the bulk of the carries this season. The receiving group is “top-heavy” but Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce could be the best at their respected positions. They combined for 219 catches and 25 touchdown receptions. They are the best WR/TE combo in the NFL. With Sammy Watkins now in Baltimore, the question is who will be the No.3 option in the passing game for the Chiefs. Look for Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson to step up and fill that void.
Defensively the Chiefs had 32 sacks last season. 13.5 came from Frank Clark and Chris Jones. Tyrann Mathieu had 62 tackles and 6 interceptions from the safety position. This is a team that should be playing from the lead in most of their games. The job of the defense will be to sack the quarterback and force turnovers.
They should win this division by 2 or 3 games.
Los Angeles Chargers (Projected Record, 11-6):
The Los Angeles Chargers ended the 2020 NFL season on a four-game winning streak and a record of 7-9. Oregon Ducks quarterback, Justin Herbert was the Rookie of the Year. He threw for 4,100 yards had 31 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He completed 66% of his passes and had 5 rushing touchdowns. The Chargers’ first 4 draft picks addressed every one of their off-season needs.
- Round 1: 13, OL Rashawn Slater
- Round 2: 47, CB Asante Samuel Jr.
- Round 3: 77, WR Josh Palmer; No. 97, TE Tre’ McKitty
This offense has enough talent to be an elite Unit. Austin Eckler, when healthy, can be a very productive running back. Keenan Allen is a top 5 WR, and TE Jared Cook should help in the Red Zone and 3rd down efficiency.
Los Angeles has playmakers on the defensive side. This defense can be a top 10 unit. Joey Bosa had 7 sacks, 14.5 tackles for a loss in 7 games. Derwin James could be the best safety in the NFL and linebacker Kenneth Murray had 107 tackles last season. All the pieces are in place for Rookie Head Coach, Brandon Staley, to be successful.
Las Vegas Raiders (Projected Record, 8-9):
Jon Gruden is entering his 4th season as the Las Vegas Raiders head coach
- 2018, 4-12.
- 2019, 7-9.
- 2020, 8-8.
Gruden has a career record of 114-110. His team gave up 30 or more points, 10 times last season. The Raiders have talent on offense. Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota have proven they could put up points against any team in their division. Josh Jacobs Rushed for over 1000 yards and had 12 touchdowns last season. The Addition of WR John Brown should add another dimension for Henry Ruggs, Daren Waller, and Hunter Renfro. Overall, the Raiders’ offense was not a problem. They ranked eighth in the NFL in 2020.
Defensively, the Raiders had 21 sacks last season. The team struggled to get stops when they needed them most and were 25th overall in defense. In a division that has high-powered offenses, this defense will struggle again. If the Raiders do not make the playoffs, Gruden could be out of a job.
Denver Broncos (Projected record 7-10):
The Broncos have talent on both sides of the ball. The biggest question mark going into this season is their quarterback. On draft night, Aaron Rodgers wanted to be traded. Former Broncos guard and Denver radio host Mark Schlereth reported that a deal was “about as close to a done deal as can happen.” Rodgers just reported to training camp for the Green Bay Packers. Drew Lock only completed 57% of his passes last season and threw for 16 touchdowns with 15 interceptions. He did not take a step forward last season. Lock ranked 31st in uncatchable pass rate and first in interceptions in 2020. They added veteran Teddy Bridgewater from Carolina, he could compete for the starting job during training camp. Melvin Gordon averaged 4.6 yards per rush out of the backfield and had 9 rushing touchdowns. TE Noah Fant led the team with 62 receptions and rookie Jerry Jeudy had 52 catches on the year. Courtland Sutton had 72 receptions, 1112 yards, and 6 touchdowns in 2019.
Defensively, Denver could be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Shelby Harris is the Broncos’ most veteran defensive lineman. He played in 11 games in 2020, totaling 32 tackles, seven pass deflections, four tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Von Miller is coming off an injury but is still a great linebacker. Bradley Chubb made his first Pro-Bowl last season with 42 solo tackles and 7.5 sacks. Kyle Fuller is one of the most talented defensive backs in the NFL. After the Broncos, rookie Patrick Surtain has high expectations with the 9th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
If this team gets consistent quarterback play, they could surprise the league and make the playoffs.
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