The AFC West has long been one of the most talked-about divisions in football, thanks to star quarterbacks, high-powered offenses, and some of the fiercest rivalries in the league. Heading into the 2025 season, the narrative hasn’t changed much—the Kansas City Chiefs remain the powerhouse, but the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos are closing the gap. The Las Vegas Raiders, meanwhile, continue to search for stability as they attempt to rebuild. Let’s take a closer look at each team and how the division is projected to shake out.
Kansas City Chiefs: 16–1
The road to the AFC West title still runs through Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes continues to be the best quarterback in football, capable of turning broken plays into highlight-reel touchdowns. Travis Kelce remains a trusted weapon in big moments, and young talent has begun to emerge at wide receiver, giving Mahomes more options than ever.
Defensively, the Chiefs have turned a corner in recent years. They’re not just good enough to support Mahomes—they’re good enough to win games outright. Safety Jaden Hicks is stepping into a bigger role and adds a spark to a secondary that already frustrates opposing quarterbacks. Steve Spagnuolo’s unit thrives on pressure and turnovers, making Kansas City one of the most complete teams in the league.
At 16–1, the Chiefs look primed for another division crown and another deep playoff run. frontrunners in the AFC South.
Los Angeles Chargers: 13–4
The Chargers have been called “sleeping giants” for years, but in 2025, it feels like they’re finally ready to wake up. Justin Herbert is firmly established as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, blending arm strength with poise under pressure. The team has invested in protecting him better, giving him time to find his playmakers.
On defense, losing Joey Bosa was a big shift, but Tuli Tuipulotu has stepped up in his place. His ability to create pressure alongside Khalil Mack ensures that the Chargers still have one of the most disruptive pass-rushing duos in football. If the secondary holds up, Los Angeles will have a balanced roster that can finally challenge Kansas City head-to-head.
At 13–4, the Chargers are legitimate playoff contenders and could make noise come January.
Denver Broncos: 11–6
Denver is a team on the rise. For the first time in years, they seem to have a sense of direction. Bo Nix has brought some stability to the quarterback position—he doesn’t need to be flashy, just efficient and smart with the football. That’s exactly what the Broncos need, given the playmakers around him. Marvin Mims Jr. looks poised for a breakout season, providing explosive plays downfield and on special teams.
Defensively, Denver has a good mix of veteran leadership and young talent. The energy is high, and the pass rush has been improving steadily. With better quarterback play and a defense that can keep them in games, the Broncos are ready to fight for a playoff spot.
At 11–6, they’re not quite in the Chiefs’ or Chargers’ class yet, but they’re trending in the right direction.
Las Vegas Raiders: 6–11
Then there’s the Tennessee It’s another year of growing pains for the Raiders. On the bright side, Maxx Crosby continues to play at an elite level, and Malcolm Koonce is developing into another dangerous presence on the edge. That gives Las Vegas a foundation on defense that can cause trouble for any opponent.
The problem lies on offense. The quarterback position is still unsettled, and while the Raiders have some offensive weapons, they lack the consistency to string wins together. Pete Carroll has taken over with hopes of bringing energy and discipline to the team, but it’s going to take time.
At 6–11, Las Vegas will play spoiler here and there, but they don’t yet have the roster to compete for the division crown.
Final Outlook
The AFC West remains one of the most exciting divisions in football, packed with star power and high-stakes rivalries. The Chiefs are still the team to beat, led by Mahomes and a defense that keeps getting better. The Chargers are finally showing signs of fulfilling their potential, while the Broncos are steadily building toward contention. The Raiders may not be ready yet, but they’ve got the pieces to be more competitive in the future.
Projected Standings:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 16–1
- Los Angeles Chargers: 13–4
- Denver Broncos: 11–6
- Las Vegas Raiders: 6–11
In 2025, expect the AFC West to deliver plenty of fireworks. Whether it’s Mahomes making magic, Herbert throwing bombs, or the Broncos clawing their way back into relevance, this division will be must-watch football from start to finish.
