AFC West betting preview: Hail to the Chiefs

The start of the NFL season is just a few short weeks away. As we count the days, let's look at the AFC West Division.

Kansas City Chiefs

2020 record: 14-2
Key additions: G Eric Long, G Joe Thuney, T Orlando Brown, RB Jerick McKinnon
Key losses: WR Sammy Watkins, LT Eric Fisher, RT Mitchell Schwartz

There has been no team and no offense more electric over the last several years than the Kansas City Chiefs. Led by All-Pro quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs coasted to a 14-2 record and the Super Bowl as the defending AFC Conference Champions. There, they ultimately fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will now look to return to the big game again behind a revamped offensive line.

Because of the creativity of head coach Andy Reid’s offensive schemes, the playmaking and arm talent of Mahomes, and elite weapons like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs overcame injury woes and ineffectiveness on the offensive line in 2020. In the Super Bowl, that line was exposed as Mahomes spent the better part of the game scrambling for space.

On the heels of the loss, the Chiefs parted with longtime tackles, Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, both of whom battled nagging injuries while with the Chiefs. To combat the loss, arguably the biggest acquisition of the offseason is tackle Orlando Brown. Brown is 6’8” and 345 pounds, and will be called upon to protect Mahomes in a manner that gives him plenty of time to use his creativity. Since entering the NFL in 2018, Brown has been the fifth-highest graded tackle in the league.

In addition to Brown, the Chiefs acquired guard Joe Thuney, who they expect to be an upgrade along the interior. Sammy Watkins departed, so re-signed WR Demarcus Robinson will have to step up and show greater consistency. Robinson and Mecole Hardman are both incredibly athletic, and will need to become true No. 2’s in order for this Chiefs offense to maintain form.

At -335 to win the division, there is little concern the Chiefs won’t repeat as AFC West champions. The question, as has been the case for the last several years, is whether they will be Super Bowl champions as well.

Los Angeles Chargers

2020 Record: 7-9
Key Additions: LB Kyler Fackrell, OT Rashawn Slater, TE Jared Cook
Key Losses: CB Casey Hayward, G Trai Turner

The Los Angeles Chargers enjoyed a phenomenal rookie campaign from the most important position on the field, as quarterback Justin Herbert led the way with his cannon arm to seven wins. They even played an exciting shootout on the road against the eventual Super Bowl champion Bucs, and showed plenty of potential in several impressive performances throughout the year.

They did so without their most impactful defensive player, Derwin James, who tore his meniscus in the days leading up to the start of the 2020 season. When healthy, James is maybe the best safety in the league and can cover nearly every position player while also having the aggressiveness to play in the box. James is back, and should provide an immediate boost to the defense.

Back on the offensive side of the ball, the Chargers went to the draft and utilized their first-round pick to get Herbert additional time and protection. In drafting Northwestern guard Rashawn Slater, the Chargers have already guaranteed themselves an upgrade at that position.

The Chargers face a difficult schedule as their matchups include teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, and New England Patriots. Each of these teams is likely to finish second or better in their respective divisions, and it is a scheduling oddity that will likely erode any outside chance at winning the division this year.

The Chargers were 30th in the league in rushing yards per attempt in 2020, and don’t have enough weapons for Herbert to overcome their one-dimensional offense. Despite being the second favorite to win the division, it wouldn't be shocking to see L.A. finish third in the AFC West.

Denver Broncos

2020 Record: 5-9
Key Additions: LB Baron Browning, CB Kyle Fuller, CB Ronald Darby, QB Teddy Bridgewater
Key Losses: CB A.J. Bouye, DL Jurrell Casey, DL Kyle Peko

The Denver Broncos were arguably the most active team in the AFC West this offseason, making a renewed commitment to a defense that was elite for several years before falling to 26th in the league in opponent points per play in 2020. Gone are Jurrell Casey and Kyle Peko on the defensive line, but reinforcements have been brought in for the defensive backfield, with Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby offering immediate depth.

A quarterback decision will have to be made with Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater on the roster, but ultimately either choice will have several young and talented weapons to throw to. Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, and K.J. Hamler are a talented young group and they should give opposing secondaries fits.

Von Miller hopes to return fully healthy, and if he and Bradley Chubb can inspire this defensive line to previous heights, this team will be dangerous once again.

Las Vegas Raiders

2020 Record: 8-8
Key Additions: S Karl Joseph, WR John Brown, RB Kenyan Drake, DL Solomon Thomas
Key Losses: OT Trent Brown, C Rodney Hudson

The Las Vegas Raiders made some gambles this offseason. It's only fitting given their new home, but in a division with so much defensive line talent you have to wonder if parting ways with Trent Brown and Rodney Hudson were sound choices. Hudson, in particular, was an anchor at center in front of quarterback Derek Carr.

The Raiders still have all-world tight end Darren Waller, and brought in some other supplemental offensive options for Carr, but there isn’t an elite wideout talent on this roster. Henry Ruggs will become an excellent NFL receiver, but the second-year pro out of Alabama probably isn’t there yet.

The Raiders have also brought in bodies to bolster the defensive line depth, but there doesn't appear to be any big-time playmakers at that position, and it could be a weakness for a team that finished 30th in points per play in 2020. Look for the Raiders to charge the most for tickets, but to deliver the division's fewest wins in 2021.