AFC West: NFL Season Preview Team-by-Team
Adam Martin 
It's time for week two of our look at the new NFL season, and today, it's time for our AFC West Season Preview, home of the Kansas City Chiefs.
On-site, our NFL betting expert is Adam Martin, and he's going to guide you through every division this month, so you're all set before the season starts.
AFC West Season Preview
The AFC West has been an easy ride for the Kansas City Chiefs over the last few years. However, things are changing in the West and there is excitement for all the teams now.
Here we go through all the off-season moves for each team and preview the big season ahead including odds available with UK betting sites for all teams in this division.
Las Vegas Raiders
It was a tough season for the Raiders last year as they fell to a lowly 4-13 record. Led by head coach Antonio Pierce it felt like they never really got going. At the end of week four they were sitting at 2-2, only to go on a ten-week losing run to kill off their season.
Pierce eventually paid with his job along with General Manager Tom Telesco at the end of the season. In came veteran head coach Pete Carroll. He has been around the NFL for longer than anyone can remember and he will bring a new culture and enthusiasm to the organisation.
Carroll has been joined by Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator and Patrick Graham remains as the defensive coordinator. Kelly was the offensive coordinator at Ohio State last season when they won the College Championship. He brings college creativity but with an NFL philosophy which should help this team’s defence.
Graham has been in position for the last three seasons, but the defence has been the one good thing about the Raiders. Last year they had a lot of injuries to that side of the ball, and he deserves to continue his reign.
In free agency there was a lot of roster movement for the Raiders with some big names coming in and out. Cornerbacks Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs have moved on along with both Linebackers Divine Diablo and Robert Spilane. Also, Trevon Moehrig and John Jenkins have moved on.
They did manage to re-sign star edge rusher Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce, keeping some continuity.
The big incoming signing this season was quarterback Geno Smith. The veteran quarterback played under Carroll when in Seattle and he should work well under the system.
The also went out and got some solid veterans who should really help push this team along. Alex Cappa will be a good right guard for them, and Jeremy Chinn has come over from the Commanders to play Safety. Also, Raheem Moestert and Eric Stokes have joined to increase competition.
Given the Raiders poor season in 2024 it meant that they had a high draft pick, and they went out and got star running back Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State runner had an amazing college career and there is no doubt he will be a focal point of the offence.
They didn’t stop there as they bought in two decent wide receivers in Jack Bech and Donte Thornton. Darien Porter should add competition to the cornerback room, and they bought in two decent offensive linemen in Caleb Rodgers and Charles Grant.
Verdict
The Raiders should improve considerably with Pete Carroll in charge. They now have a decent quarterback in Geno Smith, and he has good offensive weapons. The defence was always alright anyway but should improve and they will be a tough physical team. The playoffs might be a step to far, but eight wins should be achievable.
Odds
Denver Broncos
A new era is well and truly underway in Denver under Sean Peyton and last season just showed the start of it. The Broncos went 10-7 with rookie quarterback Bo Nix. The former Oregan Duck showed what he could do and its likely he will improve again.
Statistically the Broncos offence was middle of the league in the pass and run game. However, the defence was what truly shined as they were ranked as a top five defence against the run and pass. Star cornerback Patrick Surtain was a particular standout ending up as the defensive player of the year.
Peyton has bought back Joe Lombardi as offensive coordinator and Vance Joseph as defensive coordinator. The continuity should help to keep this team developing and there is a ton of experience between the three main coaches.
Free agency was a quiet one for the Broncos with few outgoings or incoming but important moves were made. Javonte Williams left to go to the Cowboys and Lil Jordan Humphrey left, along with Cody Barton as well.
They retained DJ Jones and then bought in four top quality additions. Both Dre Greenlaw and Talonga Hufanga moved over from the 49ers. The Linebacker and Safety have tons of experience and will make an even stronger defence.
They also signed Evan Engram and JK Dobbins. Engram has been a good tight end in the league for many years now and will help the Broncos in an area of need. Dobbins was decent for division rivals the Chargers last year. If he can be kept fit, then he will be a good addition.
In the draft the Broncos continued to get better hitting on all their first four picks. Jahdae Barron looks to be an exceptional cornerback and Savion Williams a solid edge rusher. They also bought in running back RJ Harvey and wide receiver Pat Bryant. Both guys have tons of potential and will be starting for this team.
Verdict
All in all, the Broncos were a good team, and they have gone and got better. The defence is top five in the league easily. The offence does still need some improvement from last year, but they have more weapons to do that now. Playoffs is a must and pushing for a playoff win should be the aim.
Odds
*Fancy the Broncos to win the AFC West? On our grid, Betfred are leading the way with their price of 100/30 on them to win this division.
LA Chargers
It’s a similar story for the Chargers as Jim Harbaugh started a new era in 2024 in LA. Before Harbaugh started as head coach the Chargers went 5-12 in 2023, but improvement came rapidly. They went 11-6 last season and showed that they have the potential to be a Superbowl team.
Unfortunately for Chargers fans they were one and done in the playoffs as they went out to the Texans in the Wildcard round. Statistically the Chargers had a solid mid league offence but a top ten defence against the run and the pass.
With such a big change from one season to the next it makes sense that Harbaugh is back for another year with Greg Roman and Jesse Minter. Both the coordinators were a huge upgrade and will be vital again this season.
In free agency the Chargers lost some big names on the defence. Asante Samuel, Joey Bosa, Poona Ford and Kristian Fulton have all moved on. However, they did manage to re-sign some of their top defensive talent in Denzel Perryman, Elijah Molden and Khalil Mack.
Improvements were also made by adding a lot to the offence. Mekhi Becton and Andre James are good moves for the offensive line. Also, running back Najee Harris and tight end Tyler Conklin add some veteran depth.
The Chargers also picked up some young, exciting talent in the draft, with running back Omarion Hampton top of the list. Hampton would have received much more hype in the pre- draft process if Ashton Jeanty wasn’t there and he should be a great running back for many years.
They also took exciting wide receiver, Tre Harris and tight end Oronde Gadsen to improve the offence. Jamaree Caldwell, who the Chargers got in the third round, is also a good pick up to improve the defensive line.
Verdict
The Chargers have put themselves in a decent position to really kick on and be a playoff calibre team again. They have a good defence and a solid run game that will wear teams down quickly. They should be aiming to be at least a final four team in the AFC. However, winning the whole thing might just be a step to far.
Odds
*Best odds on the Chargers to win the Super Bowl come from Spreadex, a brand offering both fixed odds and spread betting, if you need more then our Spreadex review details their service in full.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs went all the way to the Superbowl again last season and will be hoping to get back there this year. Although they didn’t play as well as they had before they still managed to go 15-2 and unbeaten at home.
The stats showed a team that were middle of the pack throughout the season but were clutch when it mattered. On 1st downplays they were 25th in the league, 2nd downplays 21st in the league but on 3rd downplays they were 4th. When it mattered Patrick Mahomes got it done.
Andy Reid is back for another go in the hope of winning a fourth Lombardi trophy in seven years. He has also got veteran defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnola back and last years offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.
In free agency the Chiefs lost a couple of big-name players on the offence in Joe Thuney and Deandre Hopkins. Thuney will be more of a loss for the Chiefs, but both could have an impact.
They did manage to re-sign some of their star players in Nick Bolton, Trey Smith and Charles Omenihu. Kareem Hunt is also back with them for another season to help the running back room.
They also spent big on new left tackle, Jaylon Moore and at cornerback with Kristian Fulton coming in.
In the draft the Chiefs decided that improving the offensive and defensive lines were the most important things to do. Josh Simmons has come in from Ohio State. He missed a lot of time last season but once fit he will be a vital piece to protect Patrick Mahomes.
The defensive line also has Omar Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte come in. Both guys should make an impact this season, but Norman-Lott looked good in college and could be a regular soon.
Verdict
The fundamental goal for the Chiefs is obviously to win the Superbowl again. However, Travis Kelce is another year older and although Rashee Rice is participating in training camp we don’t know if he will face a suspension during the season. Despite them issues there is one thing that remains the same.
Are you going to bet against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs? Normally when you do you end up losing.
Odds
*bet365 currently offer the best odds on the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl on our grid. You can find out more about the brand in our bet365 review which takes a look at one of the biggest names on the market.
AFC West Betting Odds
To go with our AFC West season preview, below we've got the latest betting odds for the AFC West from betting sites in the UK.
At the moment, there's no betting promotions around the start of the season, but we'll keep checking and highlight what's available for you with the leading brands.
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Adam Martin will bring you his NFL betting tips every week of the season, giving you his picks across the biggest games, including those live on TV in the UK.
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