Fall is in the air, Starbucks has started selling their Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Which means the NFL is back. It’s time to take a look across the league and give expert opinions and predictions, none of which will be wrong.
Check out the AFC North preview and predictions here.
Check out the AFC East preview and predictions here.
Sometimes football isn’t very complicated. Jim Harbaugh is busy rebuilding the Chargers roster and culture, and there’s uncertainty with how the QBs in Denver and Vegas will perform. Which means the AFC West is once again the Chiefs division to lose. Is a three-peat in the air at Arrowhead?
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Last season: 11-6
Prediction: 13-4
As stated, this is the Chiefs division to lose. They do have some concerns, however. Newly acquired Hollywood Brown is out for the first few weeks of the season, and they moved on from L’Jarius Sneed, Mike Edwards, and Willie Gay on defense in the offseason. But the Chiefs are built for the postseason. They have a pretty tough schedule, but far be it from me to assume they struggle against good teams.
Xavier Worthy could prove to be the dynamic WR the Chiefs thought (the now cut) Kadarius Toney would be when they traded for him. Travis Kelce is also older, and he definitely slowed down in the second half of last year. But when the lights are brightest, he shows up big time. I’m not worried about the Chiefs, they’ll cruise to another AFC West title, and will probably be in the AFC Championship in January.
Los Angeles Chargers
Last season: 5-12
Prediction: 9-8
Jim Harbaugh’s presence alone is worth at least a couple wins in the NFL. Despite the massive turnover in the organization, Harbaugh will get this roster to overachieve. A healthy Justin Herbert will also go a long way, and it stands to reason Harbaugh is going to be running the ball more than Brandon Staley ever thought was possible.
The Chargers defense couldn’t stop anybody last season, and that’s probably the biggest concern heading into this year, too. I’m very interested in seeing how Harbaugh turns it all around.
Las Vegas Raiders
Last season: 8-9
Prediction: 7-10
I love the fit of Antonio Pierce and the Las Vegas Raiders, I think most people do. However, the QB situation is not something that is sustainable for the length of an NFL season. Gardner Minshew beat out Aidan O’Connell for the starting job this season; and while Minshew can certainly win some games, there is a clear ceiling for this team. I’m sure we will see some platooning between the two this year.
Additionally, I’m not sold on Zamir White being the RB1 after the departure of Josh Jacobs, due to his lack of versatility. The running back room overall feels weak, which isn’t going to mesh well with mediocre QB play.
Denver Broncos
Last season: 8-9
Prediction: 5-12
Despite being crippled by the $53 million dead cap left by Russell Wilsons’ release, the Broncos made Patrick Surtain II the highest paid cornerback in NFL history. Unfortunately, that won’t be enough this season. Justin Simmons and Jerry Judy are gone, and I just don’t see nearly enough weapons on either side of the ball. Courtland Sutton has been good when healthy, but the rest of the WR room is weak.
Despite my critical thoughts on his college career, Bo Nix looked great in the preseason, which is why he was named the starter. I just hope the thin roster and lack of weapons don’t hinder his development too much this season.
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