Kansas City Chiefs
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 22: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a first quarter pass during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Last Season
Despite finishing with a franchise-best regular season record of 15-2, giving them the number one seed in the AFC, the season ended in heartbreak after a devastating loss in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs also suffered from an inconsistent offense and lack of O-Line depth, which proved that the team has clear holes that need to be filled in 2025 if they are to go back to the promised land.
However, only one loss against a division rival last year means that despite previous hiccups, the Chiefs still hold good stead over the division, and it won’t take much more for them to win the division for a record 10th year on the bounce.
The Chiefs have strengths across the board; it’s part and parcel as to why they have been as dominant as they have. Head Coach Andy Reid is one of the best in the league and continues to build on previous successes, Patrick Mahomes at QB continues to play at an MVP level, and their defense was standout. They finished with the second highest-graded defense in 2024, with stars such as Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis stepping up alongside arguably the league’s best DT in Chris Jones, the Chiefs have the capacity to lock teams up in 2025.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 20: Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs on the field during pregame introductions prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Weaknesses
KC had two clear weaknesses in 2024, and as it stands it’s unclear as to whether they have plugged those gaps ahead of 2025. Patrick Mahomes lacked the offensive weapons he’s had in previous, and tight end Travis Kelce had a particularly down year. Whilst rookie receiver Xavier Worthy was a great addition and will be for years to come, no one in the Chiefs’ receiving room had over 800 receiving yards, and no one other than the aforementioned Kelce had over 700 receiving yards. Rashee Rice looks promising on the field, but problems off it means he’ll miss a handful of games in 2025.
The team’s second weakness was their offensive line and their depth at the position. After injuries across the O-Line, players were forced to move around and play in unfamiliar positions, something the Philadelphia Eagles exploited in the Super Bowl, earning six sacks without rushing more than four D-Lineman. Whilst they added former 49ers tackle Jaylon Moore, and drafted Ohio State’s Josh Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, question marks loom over both, Simmons has the talent to be the best tackle in the 2025 draft class but is coming off a season ending, and Moore has never been a surefire starter in San Francisco.
Breakout Player
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy is for sure a breakout candidate for the Chiefs. After an impressive rookie season under coach Andy Reid, as well as off the field issues with Rashee Rice, it seems as though Mahomes could rely on Worthy in tight games and end the season as the team’s definitive WR1.
Last season, Worthy had 638 receiving yards from just 59 receptions, averaging over 10 yards per reception. He also scored six touchdowns despite being targeted around 40 times less than Travis Kelce.
Worthy has the chance to really build on his debut season and become a premier receiver in the league and should continue to thrive under Andy Reid’s leadership.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 9: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the pregame warmups before the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 9, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Bruce Yeung/Getty Images)
Rookie to Watch
We have already talked about the Chiefs’ O-Line problems in 2024, so the rookie to watch for KC just has to be tackle Josh Simmons. Despite a season ending injury obtained in week four of the college football season, up to that point, Simmons looked to be the most talented OT in the draft class, and he’ll certainly offer key protection and depth in a position of need for the Chiefs.
And they certainly need his talent and skill in order for them to succeed in 2025. Keep an eye out for him as he matches up against the likes of fellow rookie Abdul Carter in September and an established pass rusher coming off an injury in Aiden Hutchinson in October.
Los Angeles Chargers
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 16: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up before the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Last Season
2024 saw a new era in Chargers history as head coach Jim Harbaugh took over and saw many flourishes of success in Los Angeles. A second-place finish in the division after finishing last in 2023 gave Chargers’ fans hope for the future.
Quarterback Justin Herbert is still young, as is the rest of the offense and their defense proved strong at times last year. A loss in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs ended what was a positive season overall for the Chargers, however, more needs to be done if they are to dethrone Kansas City.
The Chargers are pretty well rounded coming into 2025, but their biggest strength is probably their offensive line. With Rashawn Slater returning after injury, and second year Joe Alt, who had an immense rookie season in LA, they certainly short on protection for Justin Herbert.
Their O-Line is a big part of their success under coach Jim Harbaugh, who is a run first type of coach, but their talented linemen allow Herbert to throw the ball to guys like Ladd McConkey more freely.
Weaknesses
Depth. The Chargers are lacking depth in two key positions – tight end and cornerback.
With the rest of the division all boasting talent at the tight end position after the Denver Broncos picked up Evan Engram in the offseason, the Chargers have fallen behind in that regard. Whilst they have got the likes of Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin and 2025 draftee Oronde Gadsden II, it is not a trio that excites fans.
With regards to cornerback, the Chargers lost both Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr this offseason and seemingly failed to replace them with equally talented players. In what was an inconsistent secondary already last season, losing their two best options at CB doesn’t bode well for the Chargers.
Breakout Player
Ladd McConkey was most likely the first name that came to your head for this category. However, our pick is for offensive lineman Joe Alt, who is ready to build off an incredible rookie season. At just 22 years old, he can cover both left and right tackle expertly and in 2024 was in the top 25 for O-linemen in PFF’s pass blocking grade.
Now in his second season, Alt now has more experience and knowledge of the game which could prove scary for opposing defensive linemen in 2025.
Rookie to Watch
Omarion Hampton looks to be a nice draft pick for the Chargers, who are going to be relying on their run game under Jim Harbaugh. Over the last two seasons, Hampton had 3,164 rushing yards, and paired with free agent pickup Najee Harris, these two could be a formidable duo in the AFC West.
Being paired with the veteran Harris means Hampton won’t be overworked, meaning his skills will only be more effective when he’s on the field and limits injury risk – an important factor in the Chargers’ offense.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton is selected 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Chargers during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos
DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 16: Adam Trautman #82 and Calvin Throckmorton #76 of the Denver Broncos walk to the coin toss before the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on August 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
Last Season
10 wins and 7 losses saw the Denver Broncos finish 3rd in the AFC West, and earn a spot in the Wild Card round, making the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
Despite being bulldozed by the Buffalo Bills in that game, there were certainly some positives to come from 2024. Rookie Bo Nix, despite a slow start, proved that he could be the guy to lead this franchise to bigger and better things. On defense, cornerback Patrick Surtain II solidified himself as the clear best player in his position and is a big piece in a good Broncos defense.
Despite this, their offense lacked depth and although Nix played well in his debut season, it was clear that he lacked the weapons and protection to propel them up the AFC.
One word: Defense.
Spearheaded by cornerback Patrick Surtain, the league’s best CB, the Broncos’ defense is certainly what kept them in tight games in 2024. Surtain ended 2024 with a team-leading four interceptions, as well as 11 passes deflected and a tackle for loss.
Keeping up these types of performances will be key for the Broncos’ success in 2025, as they look to progress.
Weaknesses
One of the problems with the Broncos in 2024 was their offensive line, which proved to be inconsistent and at times disappointing. With a young quarterback, giving him as much time in the pocket as possible is key, and despite the offensive acquisitions they have made – without adequate protection, they could be rendered almost useless.
Breakout Player
With upgrades to the offense in the offseason, quarterback Bo Nix looks set to have an even better second season in the league. After an eye-catching 2024, the additions of RJ Harvey at running back and Evan Engram at tight end, plus the already great Courtland Sutton, the Broncos are building an exciting offense which will certainly cause teams problems in 2025.
Rookie to Watch
The Broncos used their round one pick to bolster their secondary – taking Texas DB Jahdae Barron, but a rookie to keep an eye on in 2025 is running back RJ Harvey out of Central Florida.
Whilst he may not boast the blocking or receiving ability of those drafted around him, he does have exceptional balance and break tackle ability, making him the prototype Sean Payton running back. Questions about whether he’ll start on opening day, but one thing is for certain – Harvey could quickly become the Broncos’ franchise running back for years to come.
[Las **Vegas Raiders](https://www.vavel.com/en-us/nfl/2025/01/12/1209896-los-angeles-rams-playoff-preview-2024-has-matthew-staffordgot-one-more-run-left-in-him.html)**
LENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Qadir Ismail #84, Brock Bowers #89, Michael Mayer #87 and Justin Shorter #88 of the Las Vegas Raiders run onto the field before the NFL preseason 2025 game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Last Season
For the first time since 2006, the Raiders went winless against teams in the division, add to that a 10-game losing streak and staff changes, and you have a turbulent season ending with just four wins and last place in the AFC West. Inconsistent, and often poor, quarterback play and defensive performances disappointed fans after a promising 2023.
However, despite the obvious low points, there were absolutely some bright stars, including premier defensive end Maxx Crosby and rookie tight end Brock Bowers – who already looks to be one of the best in the league. With some new coaching and backroom staff, plus some drafted and signed free-agent talent; could 2025 be the year of the Raiders?
To tell you the truth, the Raiders are lacking in true positive points, however coach [**Pete Carroll](https://www.vavel.com/en-us/nfl/2025/07/19/1228182-who-will-the-new-playoff-teams-be-in-the-2025-nfl-season.html)**is certainly one of them. The Super Bowl winner worked wonders with the Seattle Seahawks for 14 seasons – in which ten of those they finished over .500.
New quarterback addition Geno Smith is reunited with his former coach, after some stellar performances in Seattle under Carroll, Raiders fans can pray for more of the same.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 23: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Las Vegas Raiders prepares for the NFL preseason 2025 game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Alongside bright sparks in Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers; **Pete Carroll**’s guidance and expertise could very well mean that the Raiders leapfrog the other teams in the division.
Weaknesses
Offensively last season, the Raiders were extremely weak, with a QB-carousel and skill position players not performing, it proved to be a difficult watch in 2024.
Whilst they have added rookie sensation running back Ashton Jeanty and quarterback Geno Smith to the lineup, they still lack the weapons and depth to truly make waves in the AFC. And with receiver Jakobi Meyers requesting a trade, their offensive will be heavily relying on the shoulder of Jeanty, Smith and TE Brock Bowers.
Breakout Player
Whilst bright sparks are few and far between in the Raiders’ depth chart, one man who could prove key in defense in newly acquired safety Jeremy Chinn. Chinn started 17 games last season for the Commanders, the first time in his career he was able to do so. He also racked up the most solo tackles since 2021, whilst earning two sacks and an interception.
In an unimpressive Raiders team, and defense in particular, Chinn could shine and being the type to raise the games of those around him, prove an important signing for Las Vegas in 2025.
Rookie to Watch
Who else but the number six pick in the 2025 NFL Draft Ashton Jeanty? What else is there to say that hasn’t already been said about this man? The Heisman Trophy nominee runs hard and fast, gets past tacklers as if they are not even there and scores for fun.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 23: Running back Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Las Vegas Raiders on the sidelines during the NFL preseason 2025 game at State Farm Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 20-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Jeanty feels like the exciting addition needed to re-invigorate this Raiders offense, adding much needed talent to a position of need and one that’ll strike fear into the hearts of division rivals.
So, there we have it, a rundown of each of the teams in the AFC West. But who will come out on top in 2025? Will the Chiefs be favorites once again? Or will they be dethroned?