We wrap up our AFC previews with the Chiefs' division...I mean the AFC West. Taking it home for eight straight years will have one make that mistake though! Doesn't seem to be a real challenger this season either, but you can be the judge of that.
 |
| Photo: George Walker IV/AP Photo |
Denver Broncos
Not positive you'll find a worse quarterback room in the league-- at least until we get to Vegas a little later on here. Rookie Bo Nix represents the shining hope of a group featuring veterans Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. Woof. If Sean Payton can pull of some magic, then hats off to the man, but not holding my breath.
Javonte Williams looks spent at lead back, which shouldn't be a surprise due to the injury issues he's dealt with throughout his career. Would love to see a healthy offseason spark a revival, which is definitely doable behind a revamped offensive line. They'll be seeing plenty of stacked boxes. Look for rookie Audric Estime to take over that RB2 spot from Samaje Perine before the halfway point in the year, if not sooner.
With Jerry Jeudy now over in Cleveland, Courtland Sutton is the undisputed WR1 in Denver. Journeyman Josh Reynolds joins second-year speedster Marvin Mims Jr. and the similarly scorching 4th rounder Troy Franklin in a receiver group that has some potential. Greg Dulcich is a decent tight end too. Just nobody to throw them the ball.
This defense was bottom five last season and doesn't look highly improved for this go round. John Franklin-Myers was a nice addition on the defensive line, Patrick Surtain II is great. But truly not much else to be excited for on this front. The Broncos could definitely be headed toward a systematic failure.
One Bold Prediction: Denver finishes in the bottom five on both sides of the ball. A relatively weak schedule of quarterbacks might help their defense not completely suck, but this offense isn't one to be enthused about. It's going to be a long 18 weeks in the Mile High.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kings of the West. Patrick Mahomes isn't leaving Kansas City, meaning their run at the top isn't ending anytime soon-- at least without a heavyweight fight. Isiah Pacheco's been a perfect complement behind the all-time quarterback and could really be entering his prime as he goes into his third season.
Even better is that the front office gave Mahomes some toys at wideout to play with this season. First round pick Xavier Worthy has already gone viral connecting on bombs with #15 in camp, we'll see if that translates when it matters. Marquise Brown is an upgrade on the likes of Justin Watson or Kadarius Toney, albeit with plenty of drops of his own. Nicely added depth, especially if Rashee Rice ends up missing time with a suspension. Travis Kelce should have some more room to work after a tough '23.
Not a ton of turnover on the flip side of the ball. L'Jarius Sneed's been sent to Tennessee, putting the largely untested Nazeeh Johnson and Josh Williams in line to start alongside stud Trent McDuffie at cornerback. Steve Spagnuolo could coach a high school team into a competent NFL-caliber defense, so we'll let him work with this group first, but plenty of question marks in this secondary.
Chris Jones will anchor the D-line once again, fresh off a 5-year, $158 million dollar extension. Money that could've gone to corner perhaps, but you pay your stars-- and Jones is very good. Look for George Karlaftis to be productive too, after breaking out for 10.5 sacks a year ago.
One Bold Prediction: Marquise Brown is the Chief's leading receiver. With WR1 Rashee Rice presumably in line to miss at least four games, and virtually no regular competition for looks on the perimeter outside of that, Brown should be able to harness a healthy target share as he creates chemistry with Mahomes. As mentioned above, there'll be some drops, but finding space has never been Hollywood's issue. In KC, that QB will get the ball where it needs to be.
Las Vegas Raiders
If you're a Raiders fan, please send DM's to the socials where you describe what part(s) of this offense you're excited about this upcoming campaign. Things look bleak out in Sin City.
The Gardner Minshew-Aidan O'Connell battle for quarterback was never going to produce a winner, and both have unsurprisingly struggled thus far through camp. Atlanta taking Michael Penix Jr. really screwed Vegas for the short-term under center. It did score them tight end Brock Bowers at #12 though, a slightly undersized but versatile piece with nobody to throw him the ball. Poor Davante Adams.
Lots of buzz around Zamir White as the new RB1 in town, after Josh Jacobs split for Green Bay. Nice opportunity for him, but probably not many clean boxes or positive scripts for the third-year back from Georgia to work with. Alexander Mattison escaped Minnesota and will be backing up White, with Ameer Abdullah stealing third down duties.
On the other hand, this defense could be one with some pop. Maxx Crosby is a certified monster at D-end, who should get a ton of help from free agent addition Christian Wilkins in the middle of the line. If #7 pick Tyree Wilson could put any consistently decent play together, it could be a dangerous bunch.
Nate Hobbs is one of the better under-the-radar corners in the league, a critical development for a Raiders defense that rarely boasts secondary talent. Jack Jones was a worthwhile addition after New England cast him off for "going against the Patriot way" toward the end of his tenure there. Tre'von Moehrig is a solid safety on the back end too.
They won't finish in the top five, but this Las Vegas defense will give plenty of teams trouble.
One Bold Prediction: No Raiders quarterback throws for over 3,000 passing yards. Whether it be injuries, poor performance, split time, a Davante Adams trade, or a mix of all the above, neither Minshew or O'Connell will have the proper situation to top 3k.
Los Angeles Chargers
Our final AFC team, the Los Angeles Chargers. Still feels like they should be in San Diego... but I digress. Justin Herbert is Head and Shoulders above any quarterback not named Patrick Mahomes in this division, but he's dealing with a bout of plantar fascia, on top of his supporting cast being damned rough.
After losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen in the offseason, the front office didn't do much to replace them. Ladd McConkey should have a solid rookie stint, but he projects as more of a shifty slot guy then a top wideout. Last year's first rounder Quentin Johnston has continued to struggle with drops in camp after his rookie year was full of them. Don't expect that to change. DJ Chark is a WR3 on his best day. Can Herbert elevate them, or was he a product of the talent around him?
Last year's Baltimore Ravens' backfield has been transplanted into LA, with Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins replacing Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley at running back. It's a solid tandem, fingers crossed that JK can stay healthy. Former Ravens Hayden Hurst, Bradley Bozeman and Ben Mason all also came over in free agency, as Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman do their best to recreate Baltimore-West.
Defensively, the Chargers are get-after-the-passer or bust, with Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa as the headliners of a top heavy group. Denzel Perryman is a run stuffer at MIKE but a true liability in the passing game. Having Derwin James Jr. behind him definitely helps alleviate those concerns. Asante Samuel Jr. is a high upside corner, but Kristian Fulton opposite was cast off by Tennessee for a reason.
One Bold Prediction: Justin Herbert throws for a career-low in passing yards. Between the terrible receivers and a coach that's going to want to run the ball, it's going to be a frustrating for the talented, young QB. Maybe he'll surprise with his motley crew, but don't expect it.
Divisional Shakedown
It's the Chiefs, with ease. The Chargers may be able to outperform expectations to some extent, but Kansas City is as safe a bet as any to take the division. Las Vegas and Denver will be battling it out for picks near the top of the 2025 draft.
------
@Choppinglines
*I own no rights to any images found in this blog
Comments
Post a Comment