2) AFC West
I’ll admit my evaluation of Bo Nix might have been a little too tempered in 2025, especially when considering how effective Denver’s offense proved to be late in the season. Two years into his pro career, Nix has significantly exceeded expectations and has a point to prove entering 2026 after an ankle injury robbed him of a chance to compete for the AFC title. I’m eager to see how it plays out, especially with Jaylen Waddle joining the receiving corps.
Patrick Mahomes heads toward the 2026 campaign in an unfamiliar place. His Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in his career and he’s working his way back from the season-ending knee injury he suffered in December. He too has a point to prove, and it’s an even greater one than what Nix is chasing. Mahomes has to show the world he’s still Patrick Mahomes -- and that these are still the big, bad Kansas City Chiefs. We’ll see how that transpires, starting with the question of whether Mahomes will be ready to go in Week 1.
Justin Herbert’s breakdown is simple: Please protect him, Chargers. He played heroically in 2025 despite being under constant assault, proving his toughness behind an injury-riddled O-line. It wasn’t his best season, but it might have been his most impressive. It’s time for the Chargers to build on that, instead of spinning their wheels because of trench deficiencies.
The Raiders are another fascinating team entering 2026 because of how they intend to handle the quarterback situation. New coach Klint Kubiak said he wanted a veteran to run the show from Day 1 in the right scenario, then had his wish granted days later when the Raiders signed Kirk Cousins, the appointed steward of this unit. Before long, though, this will be No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza’s offense, hopefully as the result of a process that isn’t rushed.