With preseason football just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to discuss the NFL. Let’s dive into the AFC West Divisional Preview for 2024, providing all the essential details about the division dominated by Arrowhead.
For quite a while now, the Chiefs have been the indisputable rulers of this division. Since 2016, they have emerged victorious every year, and it seems highly unlikely that they have any intentions of relinquishing their dominance. Over the past 15 years, either Kansas City or Denver has consistently claimed the top spot in this division, with the Chargers managing to snatch a win in 2009, and the Raiders emerging victorious back in 2002.
Can anything change this year?
In this piece, we will include:
- Betting Odds to Win the Division
- Team Outlooks
- Division Predictions
Okay, let’s start right away!
AFC West Betting Odds
Is there anyone capable of defeating Travis Kelce and the Chiefs?
Odds to Win the AFC West
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of 3:17 pm Eastern on July 16th, 2024.
- Kansas City Chiefs -250
- Los Angeles Chargers +325
- Las Vegas Raiders +1000
- Denver Broncos +1400
Undoubtedly, the Chiefs Division is theirs to lose. However, is there anyone capable of challenging them?
AFC West Team Previews
In this depleted Broncos offense, Courtland Sutton emerges as the primary wide receiver, taking on the role of WR1.
Denver Broncos
Last year, the Denver Broncos secured the 3rd position in the AFC West. They concluded the season with an 8-9 record, which did not reflect their strong performance statistically. In terms of scoring, Denver ranked 19th in the NFL, while their defense ranked 27th, allowing over 24 points per game while only scoring 21. This offseason, the Broncos made the decision to part ways with Russell Wilson, creating uncertainty in their quarterback situation. However, with the acquisition of a former 2nd overall pick and selecting a QB with the 12th pick in the draft, the future remains uncertain.
The Denver Broncos’ current quarterback group includes Jarrett Stidham, 12th overall pick Bo Nix, and Zach Wilson. As of now, they are ranked in that order on the team’s depth chart, but it remains uncertain who will start in Week 1. While the team did acquire Josh Reynolds, a fast wide receiver, they lack offensive weapons in other areas. Moreover, Denver released Safety Justin Simmons and made minimal efforts to find a replacement. Consequently, the Broncos may face a challenging and arduous season.
Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers form an unstoppable pair of wide receivers.
Las Vegas Raiders
Last year, the Raiders finished 2nd in the AFC West with an 8-9 record, but duplicating that success will pose a challenge. In January, Las Vegas appointed Antonio Pierce as their head coach, but they made the decision to let RB Josh Jacobs go, who subsequently joined the Packers. Additionally, the Raiders selected TE Brock Bowers as the 13th overall pick to strengthen their offense, which already boasts talents like Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. The RB duties will be split between Zamir White and Alexander Mattison, but the question remains whether Aiden O’Connell is capable of leading this team in this competitive division. To bolster their options, the Raiders signed Gardner Minshew, who will be vying for the starting position. Nevertheless, the competition for that role is fierce.
Las Vegas is facing an uphill battle with a new head coach and a second-year quarterback trying to compete against formidable opponents like Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert, Andy Reid, and Patrick Mahomes. Despite finishing in the top 10 for points against last year, their offense was severely lacking. While Bowers may provide some assistance, there are still too many obstacles to overcome in terms of scoring, which may hinder their performance this NFL season.
Is there a possibility for Justin Herbert to rejuvenate his career under Jim Harbaugh’s guidance?
Los Angeles Chargers
Last season, the Chargers had a disappointing record of 5-12 and ranked last in the AFC West. Their performance in rushing yards, scoring, and points against placed them above 20th position in the league. Realizing the need for a transformation, the Chargers made a significant move by hiring Jim Harbaugh, the former Head Coach of Michigan. Harbaugh brings prior experience from coaching the San Francisco team in the NFL from 2011-2014 and is fresh off a National Championship win at Michigan. Additionally, the Chargers made a bold move by extending Justin Herbert’s contract, demonstrating their commitment and belief in his potential.
Austin Ekeler was released by Los Angeles, but they made moves by signing Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins to strengthen their backfield and provide options for Herbert. Keenan Allen departed, but the Chargers managed to sign DJ Chark and drafted Ladd McConkey, who are expected to have an immediate impact. Josh Palmer and Quintin Johnston are other wide receiver targets for Herbert, so their success will depend on their ability to make catches.
Despite their strong defensive lineup featuring Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Asante Samuel Jr, and Derwin James Jr, there are still concerns on the Chargers’ offensive side. Hiring a coach like Harbaugh, who focuses on offense, may be a solution, but I remain skeptical that it would be enough for them to surpass Kansas City in their division.
Is it possible for Isiah Pacheco and the Chiefs to achieve a three-peat this season?
Kansas City Chiefs
Here we go, folks. Let me give you the lowdown without any sugar-coating. The Chiefs have been going through a rebuilding phase for the past two seasons. Despite facing challenges, Patrick Mahomes received little support from his receivers last year, as they seemed to drop crucial passes left and right. Nevertheless, Travis Kelce continued to excel, and the Chiefs’ defense stepped up their game. As a result, the team finished with a record of 11-6, clinched the AFC West title for the eighth consecutive season, and secured their second consecutive Super Bowl victory.
The Chiefs have bolstered their WR Room by signing Hollywood Brown and drafting WR Xavier Worthy, injecting a remarkable level of speed. Alongside Rashee Rice and Kelce, who excel at running downfield, opposing defenses will face a daunting challenge in keeping up. Being favored at -250 to win the division speaks volumes about Kansas City’s dominance, particularly in the relatively weak AFC West.
The Broncos are in a chaotic state with no quarterback available, the Raiders are led by a rookie head coach and have an intriguing quarterback situation, and the Chargers, despite having a competent quarterback, have a fresh head coach and numerous challenges with their wide receivers. Undoubtedly, the Chiefs are poised for an effortless victory in this division once again.
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