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| Photo: Ed Zurga/ AP |
This week, we're going to be looking into the Chiefs' division...I mean the AFC West. I guess when a team's won it seven straight times, confusion can set in.
Sarcasm aside, this is a talent-filled division, featuring some of the top players and coaches in the league. And Josh McDaniels.
Again, apologies for the crudeness, I just can't help myself sometimes. Lots of variables in play for who'll hang the West's banner this year though, should be an exciting group. One team hoping to turn things around and get back into the mix are the...
Denver Broncos
This team can't be as disappointing as they were last year, right? Not if new head coach Sean Payton has anything to say about it anyway. The former Saints' mainstay will be looking to reignite his coaching career in the Mile High city with former Pro-Bowler Russell Wilson under center.
Wilson severely underwhelmed during his first go round in Denver, throwing for his worst TD:INT ratio as a pro. Does Payton hold the key to unlocking his former greatness? Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick provide him a viable group of receivers to make it happen, and Greg Dulcich seems poised for a solid sophomore campaign too. Just a matter of getting them the ball.
News surrounding Javonte Williams' return from ACL surgery has been optimistic thus far, his presence would surely be welcomed. Samaje Perine and Tyler Badie would make up a plodding RBBC in the event that the former Tar Heel does miss some time. Offseason addition Mike McGlinchey will help open up some holes for whoever's toting the rock.
This February, Vance Joseph was named as the new defensive coordinator for the Broncos, manning the reins of the seventh ranked unit from '22-23. Outside of Patrick Surtain II though, it's a relatively unknown bunch. Randy Gregory is a bigger name, but statistically didn't deliver in year one of his five year, $70 million dollar deal. Frank Clark, signed from in-division rival Kansas City, will help in rushing the passer on the opposite side. Justin Simmons is a beast at safety and DJ Jones eats a ton of space at nose tackle. Not a lot of star power, but should be a really competitive group.
Synopsis/Predictions
Russell Wilson won't fully return to the form he was known for in Seattle, but Sean Payton will get more out of him than Nathaniel Hackett was able to. The defense will benefit from a little less time on the field, maintaining their top ten status in yards allowed.
-Wilson throws double digit interceptions again, but throws for at least 24 TDs
-Greg Dulcich has 5+ touchdown receptions
-Frank Clark leads the Broncos in sacks, while Randy Gregory fails to eclipse eight once again
Kansas City Chiefs
Your reigning Super Bowl Champs, seven time defenders of the AFC West belt, featuring the league's top head coach-QB combo: the Kansas City Chiefs.
At some point, you'd think something has to stop working for this team. They've lost just ten games over the last three seasons. Great receivers like Tyreek Hill leave, only to have their production accounted for by rookies and cast offs. First year and journeyman third-down backs are put in positions to not only succeed, but excel. At times, it feels like Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are playing with their food, hence why they're not nearly as adept at covering spreads as they are at winning.
Good thing they're the ones playing the game though. Travis Kelce is set for another 1,000 yards and double digit TDs. Isiah Pacheco really established himself as the lead dog in the backfield during the final stretch of last season and should have no issue continuing that momentum into year two. Kadarius Toney is a fascinating WR1 gamble too, assuming he returns at 100% from his recent meniscus surgery. As long as #15 is under center though, you could trot me out there at X and they'd have a chance.
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| Photo: Ed Zurga/ AP |
On the flip side of things, Chris Jones has been discontent with his contract situation and is currently set to miss training camp. With Frank Clark's departure, Jones' unavailability would be a critical blow to the defensive line. Excited to see what Trent McDuffie can do in his encore campaign-- the former Washington Huskie was as a rookie but came on strong toward the end. He and L'Jarius Sneed have potential to be a pretty solid duo at cornerback.
Synopsis/Predictions
As long as Mahomes and Reid are still working together, it's very hard to pick against the Chiefs out West. They should have no problem making it eight straight divisional titles this year.
-Patrick Mahomes breaks 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns again
-Kadarius Toney leads the team in receiving yards, clearing 1,000 for the first time in his career. Health pending of course*
-Trent McDuffie records five interceptions this season, including one house call
Las Vegas Raiders
Biggest question mark surrounding the Raiders all summer was the health of incoming quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who was reported to have an ailing foot from his time in San Francisco. It came out this week that he has cleared his physical and should be good to go coming into training camp. Great news.
Josh Jacobs' anger regarding his contract situation, plus a potential holdout...not such good news. Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden are limited backs, more adept as pass catchers/blockers on third down, not really ones to take on the role of bell cow. Keep an eye on that backfield.
The Davante Adams/Jakobi Meyers/Hunter Renfrow trio has a ton of upside, in reality and for fantasy purposes. Jimmy G definitely benefits from a balanced offense though, so these receivers' production feels a bit dependent on that. Newcomers Austin Hooper and Michael Mayer, added respectively via free agency and the draft, look like a nice pair at tight end too. Talented stable of pass catchers in Las Vegas.
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| Photo: Kyle Terada/ USA Today |
Tempered expectations for the offensive line though, as well as the defense. If Tyree Wilson lives up to the hype, and Chandler Jones can return even somewhat to his previous form, then they could have an elite pass rush. Maxx Crosby's the real deal. Don't love their linebackers, Trevon Moehrig is a pretty good player, Nate Hobbs can ball too. The Marcus Peters signing this Monday helps the secondary a lot, we'll see how he acclimates to the system. The rest of the secondary though, not so good.
Synopsis/Predictions
Higher on the Raiders than I was a week ago, thanks to the Garoppolo news and Marcus Peters pickup. Still some holes on both sides of the ball, but they'll probably surprise a few teams. Josh Jacobs playing is absolutely critical if they want to compete for the playoffs, but if he's back, maybe a fun team here in Sin City.
-Hunter Renfrow bounces back from a tough '22-23 with over 50 receptions and 800+ yards
-Michael Mayer out catches and gains Austin Hooper at tight end
-Tyree Wilson and Maxx Crosby combine for over twenty sacks
Los Angeles Chargers
So much offensive firepower down in Los Angeles...a good, young QB in Justin Herbert, possibly the most dynamic back in the game with Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen/Mike Williams/Quentin Johnston out at wideout, a competent tight end in Gerald Everett. Where could it fail?
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| Photo: Harry How/ Getty Images |
Just take a look at the last couple of seasons for examples... I know there aren't really Chargers fans out there, but it'd be such a frustrating life to lead. Inconsistent play calling, injuries constantly arising, blowing 27 point playoff leads... Just some plain, bad luck for this sorry franchise.
Like the offense, there's a ton of talent on the defensive side of the ball as well. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are going to terrorize their share of opposing quarterbacks, JC Jackson and Asante Samuel Jr. are a great duo at corner and Derwin James is a stud safety. This group should provide defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley with endless versatility and scheme potential.
Synopsis/Predictions
This team not only has the most talent in the division, but quite possibly in the whole NFL. But that was the story last year too. I'm not super confident in Brandon Staley as a coach and think he'll be on his way out if LA has another embarrassing end to their season. They should be competitive every week, but narrowly miss the postseason.
-Justin Herbert bounces back from his worst statistical season to surpass 35 touchdowns
-Rookie Quentin Johnston has at least three scores that go for 50+ yards
-Asante Samuel Jr. more than doubles his career total for interceptions (4)
Wrap Up
Every year, I peruse the Chargers roster and have a hard time seeing how they don't win the division. Good quarterback play, an offense loaded with weapons, some real game breakers on D. Such a tease-- always have been, even since the Philip Rivers days. Like getting eye fucked by the dime piece at the bar you're pretty sure gave your boy the clap: more than enough assets to keep ones' attention but absolutely rampant with poor history and disappointment. As we know though, plenty of people out there willing to take that jump. Not me, not this year. Not again.
I can't see Denver being worse than last season, but if Russ is unable to bounce back, even partially, then they're in big trouble as a franchise. Vegas could be sneaky some weeks, but too many questions on their roster right now.
I'll confidently take Kansas City to run it back for the eighth straight time. Patrick Mahomes the King.
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@Choppinglines
*I own no rights to any images found in this blog
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