NFL 2023: AFC West Breakdown

The 2023 NFL season is around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to take a look at how each team will potentially shape up this season. 

Finally, we finish the summer predictions and breakdown with the AFC West.

BetMGM AFC West Best Bets: Chiefs Div Winner (-165), Chargers Top 2 (-185), Chiefs #1 Seed (+300), Most Regular Season Passing TDs – Patrick Mahomes (+200)

Las Vegas Raiders

Season Recap: This was the first season under head coach Josh McDaniels. The Raiders started 2-7 on their way to a 6-11 record to finish the season and miss the playoffs. The team failed to improve on its 10-7 record from the season prior. One of the biggest problems from this past season was the Raiders blown leads and inability to close out games in the fourth quarter.

Offseason: Looking to improve on its 6-11 record, the Raiders brought in three notable free agents: quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and tight end Austin Hooper. They also released quarterback Derek Carr.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Miss

Los Angeles Chargers

Season Recap: This was the Chargers second season under head coach Brandon Staley. The team improved on their 9-8 record from the previous year and clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2018. Despite a 27-0 lead into the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the Jacksonville Jaguars rallied back to win and knocked the Chargers out of contention.

Offseason: In the offseason, the Chargers haven’t made a lot of splashy moves except extending quarterback Justin Herbert and accepting his fifth-year option. Otherwise, the team drafted offensively-heavy.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Make

Denver Broncos

Season Recap: This was the first and only season for the Broncos under head coach Nathaniel Hackett. The team were looking to improve on their 7-10 record from 2021 and make the playoffs as they traded for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. The team crumbled early and were not able to come back due to a plethora of issues and struggles on the team. The Broncos finished worse, with a 5-12 record and 22 players on Injured Reserve.

Offseason: In February, Seaon Payton was named the head coach of the Broncos. The team also had a quiet offseason with very little major moves The team will look to improve on its 5-12 record from last season.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Miss

Kansas City Chiefs

Season Recap: The Chiefs finished the season 14-3, improving their win total from the previous season. After marking their ninth victory in Week 12 over the Los Angeles Rams, the Chiefs clinched a franchise record 10 consecutive winning season. After winning over the Houston Texans in Week 15, they won the AFC West title and later the first seed with a Week 18 victory over the Raiders.

In the playoffs, the Chiefs went all the way to the Super Bowl, beating the Jaguars and Bengals along the way before beating the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35. The team had seven Pro Bowlers, six AP All-Pros and had Team MVP and Team ROY, Patrick Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco, respectively.

Offseason: The Chiefs enter the season looking to be defending Super Bowl champions and the first team to repeat since 2003-04 with the New England Patriots. The team made a lot of smaller moves this offseason, including those on the coaching staff where Matt Nagy will come in as offensive coordinator.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Make

Division Winner Prediction: Chiefs

This feels like a surefire pick for this division. As long as Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid are around, the Chiefs are more than likely able to come out of this division again. Super Bowl repeat champions? Less likely, but not totally out of the question.