NFL 2018 predictions: Which team will win each division?
By Nile McNair
AFC West
1. Chargers
2. Broncos
3. Chiefs
4. Raiders
The AFC West is possibly the most competitive division in the entire NFL and that will show this season. However, the Los Angeles Chargers have the best quarterback in the division and possibly the best defense in the division. Veteran Philip Rivers is on the most talented team of his career and the time is now for the Chargers to make a run.
Once you place the Chargers at the top, the rest of the division is really a toss-up. Oakland has the next best quarterback, but their defense is no where as talented as the others teams. Kansas City are back-to-back AFC West champs, but they lost Alex Smith this offseason. New starter Patrick Mahomes must prove himself in the NFL before the Chiefs can have expectations to do anything this season.
The Denver Broncos will finish second in the division because they still have a star-studded defense, and Case Keenum proved to be a quality starting quarterback last season in Minnesota. A jump from 4-12, last in the division, all the way to second in the division will be difficult, but Denver has the talent to do it.
Kansas City’s offense has the potential to be very explosive this upcoming season. Mahomes has a cannon for an arm and his surrounding pieces are terrific. Kansas City signed Sammy Watkins in free agency, adding Watkins to the group of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. The Chiefs also have the reigning rushing champ in Kareem Hunt.
But the secondary is somewhat of a question this year, after getting rid of shutdown corner Marcus Peters. Every team in this division has good receiving corps, so a weak secondary is a major weakness.
Oakland has the worst defense in the division and is starting a new coaching regime. Hiring Jon Gruden is great, but I believe it will take at least a year before Gruden’s impact is felt in wins. Oakland has talent, and may finish last with a decent record, but Derek Carr can’t carry them over their division foes.