Football season is upon us again. It’s no secret that the Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the AFC West for these past few seasons. The Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders have been trying to find the perfect fit at quarterback, and the Los Angeles Chargers (while last season wasn’t their best) have been working on catching up after an upgrade at the coaching position. There are always questions surrounding teams, but today, we look at the burning question on everyone’s mind for each AFC West team.
Make sure to check out all of our other Burning Questions articles.
Denver Broncos
Do they have their quarterback?
Bo Nix has been named the starter for game one. Will Sean Payton change his mind? Only if Nix is unable to perform well. Apparently, Payton liked Nix’s performance in the preseason over the performances of Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham. He has made an impression on staff and his fellow teammates. However, like all rookies, how well is he really doing with the transition between the NCAA and the NFL styles of football?
Nix has much to prove, but with Payton’s faith in him to be QB1, it should be a start.
Kansas City Chiefs
Will they make it through and get their three-peat?
The Chiefs’ schedule is demanding, but they still have the potential to hoist the trophy one more time. They just have to make it to the playoffs. While anything can happen in the NFL, Kansas City making it to the playoffs seems inevitable. The Chiefs need their players to show up for each game, and if key players do not suffer significant injuries, this will be one more thing in their favor. While a three-peat has yet to be achieved, the feat seems like a goal the Chiefs are ready and willing to go for.
More importantly, this year’s receiving corps must not lead in the league with dropped passes (like last season).
Las Vegas Raiders
What happens if neither Gardner Minshew nor Aidan O’Connell are good?
Having Antonio Pierce come in last season was what the franchise needed. The team visibly improved, but this upcoming season will depend on how well the quarterback plays. Since entering the league six years ago, Minshew has played for four NFL teams. The Raiders will rely on his experience to get them through the season, but will it last? Despite his veteran presence, he does not offer the stability that someone like Patrick Mahomes or Justin Herbert brings to their respective teams.
If both quarterbacks are mediocre or worse, look for the Raiders to go for a free Agent in the offseason or draft a young quarterback Pierce and the coaches can mold.
Los Angeles Chargers
Can a coaching change push them into the playoffs?
They were last in the AFC West this past season. They have surrounded Herber with new targets, and it is expected that the offense will be better simply by having Jim Harbaugh. Herber is not a run-first type of quarterback, but Harbaugh seems to like that style, and OC Greg Roman has had success with quarterbacks suited to that style of play.
No matter how the offense shapes up, the coaching staff has much to improve upon when dealing with the defense. If Harbaugh does not get the defense going, look for another miserable 5-12 season. However, if the defense improves and Herbert can stay injury-free, they can be the best turnaround team this season.
