Last week we started our divisional analysis and prediction series with the NFC West. This time we are going to review the AFC West, which is of course the home of the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs.
PAC’S AFC WEST PREVIEW
DENVER BRONCOS
Key Arrivals
QB Jeff Driskel, RB Melvin Gordon, TE Nick Vannett, G/C Graham Glasgow, DT Jurrell Casey, CB A.J. Bouye, P Sam Martin
Key Departures
QB Joe Flacco, RB Theo Riddick, G Ronald Leary, C/G Connor McGovern, DE/DT Derek Wolfe, CB Chris Harris.
Best Draft Picks
Jerry Jeudy, Alabama, WR (Rd 1)
KJ Hamler, Penn State, WR (Rd 2)
Michael Ojemudia, Iowa, CB (Rd 3)
Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU, C (Rd 3)
McTelvin Agim, Arkansas, DT(Rd 3)
Analysis
With all their new talent, there is some hope for improvement in Denver. However, they have a very difficult schedule and it might not be a good season for them.
The Broncos have surrounded their young quarterback, Drew Lock, with plenty of talent on offense. Running back Melvin Gordon arrives and each of their first two draft picks were wide receivers. Those additional weapons should help improve the offense greatly, but the defense has suffered noticeable losses and I don’t think they will be as dominant as previous years.
I believe they will finish last place in the AFC West this season.
* 2020 Projection: 6-10
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Key Arrivals
QB Jordan Ta’amu, TE Ricky Seals-Jones, OT Mike Remmers, DE Taco Charlton, CB Antonio Hamilton
Key Departures
QB Matt Moore, RB LeSean McCoy, TE Blake Bell, C/G Stefen Wisniewski, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, DE Terrell Suggs, DT Xavier Williams, LB Reggie Ragland, CB Kendall Fuller, CB Morris Claiborne.
Best Draft Picks
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU, RB (Rd 1)
Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State, ILB (Rd 2)
Lucas Niang, TCU, OT (Rd 3)
L’Jarius Sneed, Louisiana Tech, S (Rd 4)
Analysis
The Kansas City Chiefs have suffered significant losses to their championship roster, but have been smart in reinforcing in key areas. The team is solid on the defensive side and I expect only improvement in the second year for Steve Spagnuolo as Defensive Coordinator.
On offense they look stronger than ever. After being plagued with ankle and knee injuries throughout last season, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is 100% healthy. With the best player in the NFL, they are the team to beat in the AFC and the favorites to win the Super Bowl once again.
* 2020 Projection: 13-3
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Key Arrivals
QB Marcus Mariota, RB Devontae Booker, WR Nelson Agholor, TE Jason Witten, TE Nick O’Leary, G Eric Kush, DE Carl Nassib, DT Maliek Collins, LB Cory Littleton, LB Nick Kwiatkoski, CB Prince Amukamara, S Damarious Randall, S Jeff Heath.
Key Departures
QB Mike Glennon, RB DeAndre Washington, DE Benson Mayowa, LB Vontaze Burfict, LB Tahir Whitehead, CB Daryl Worley.
Best Draft Picks
Henry Ruggs III, Alabama, WR (Rd 1)
Damon Arnette, Ohio State, CB (Rd 1)
Lynn Bowden Jr., Kentucky, WR (Rd 3)
Bryan Edwards, South Carolina, WR (Rd 3)
Tanner Muse, Clemson, S (Rd 3)
Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech, CB (Rd 4)
Analysis
The Raiders are entering their first season in Las Vegas with high expectations after being one of the teams that has been reinforced the most in free agency.
Their defense finally has reliable linebackers and a strong defensive line that can pressure the opposing quarterback constantly. They also feature a totally revamped secondary.
On offense, much is expected from this year’s first round pick, wide receiver Henry Ruggs III and sophomore RB Josh Jacobs. Quarterback Dereck Carr is already in his third season playing in Jon Gruden’s system and should only improve with those elite weapons around him.
They must translate all their improvement to the field and execute in order to compete in the AFC West.
* 2020 Projection: 10-6
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Key Arrivals
OT Bryan Bulaga, G Trai Turner, DT Linval Joseph, LB Nick Vigil, CB Chris Harris.
Key Departures
QB Philip Rivers, RB Melvin Gordon, FB Derek Watt, OT Russell Okung, G Michael Schofield, DT Brandon Mebane, LB Thomas Davis, S Adrian Phillips, S Jaylen Watkins.
Best Draft Picks
Justin Herbert, Oregon, QB (Rd 1)
Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma, ILB (Rd 1)
Joshua Kelley, UCLA, RB (Rd 4)
Analysis
Life without Phillip Rivers has begun for the Chargers and it will not be easy. They have indicated that the starting QB will be Tyrod Taylor, however, it is a matter of time before their first round pick of this year, Justin Herbert takes over the starting job.
His defense looks very strong and will be the mainstay of the team this season. Still, I think the offense will suffer to get into rhythm no matter which of the two QB’s gets the most snaps. It will be a difficult season for them.
* 2020 Projection: 7-9
That is all for this week… stay tune for the next division analysis!!! Also, Follow our Twitter page for all of the best NFL news!
