The 2022 NFL season is almost here. The marathon battle for the Lombardi Trophy begins on September 8 with Thursday Night Football featuring the Bills and Rams. In addition to breaking down all 32 teams, we’ll be diving into each NFL division, plus our best bets.
We now move into the AFC West, which has been dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the last decade. They have won 6 consecutive AFC West titles and have Patrick Mahomes at quarterback once again. However, the AFC West is no longer a weak division; the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers all made significant acquisitions this offseason. Joining the division is Davante Adams, Russell Wilson and Khalil Mack, just to name a few. Based on the FanDuel’s odds to win the division, no team is out of the race to win the AFC West as all 4 teams have respectable odds. It’s time to buckle up because the AFC West is ready to make some noise.
But before we jump in, be sure to read all our 2022 NFL preview content from the NFL tab. This includes our picks for the Super Bowl, AFC, NFC, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year and Coach of the Year.
AFC West teams
The AFC West teams are the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos.
AFC West odds
FanDuel Sportsbook has the Chiefs as favorites at +175 odds, with the Chargers at +220, the Broncos at +260 and the Raiders at +650.
Kansas City Chiefs preview
First, let’s address the biggest issue. Tyreek Hill, the quickest receiver in football and a favorite target of Mahomes, was traded to the Miami Dolphins. Mahomes lost a crucial offensive tool in a surprising transaction that sent five draft picks back to Kansas City. It won’t be simple to replace Hill, but Kansas City has added Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster in addition to selecting speedy receiver Skyy Moore out of Western Michigan.
The Chiefs’ offseason was underwhelming when compared to the rest of the AFC West. However, Kansas City still has one of the greatest quarterbacks in the league, a receiving corps that is above average and the best tight end in the league. Despite the AFC West becoming one of the toughest divisions in football, the Chiefs are prepared.
Check out our full Kansas City Chiefs 2022 season preview
Los Angeles Chargers preview
For the first time since 2018, Herbert is anticipated to lead the Chargers back to the playoffs. With Herbert, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler leading the offense, Los Angeles boasts one of the NFL’s best offensive groups. The Chargers put improving their offensive line, which provided below-average protection to Herbert in 2021, as a top focus because it was one of their biggest weaknesses. They strengthened their offensive line by selecting Boston College’s Zion Johnson with their first-round draft pick, which should have an instant impact in 2022.
The Chargers are more than prepared to make some noise in the AFC West, but it won’t be simple given they share the division with the Chiefs, Raiders and Broncos.
Check out our full Los Angeles Chargers 2022 season preview
Las Vegas Raiders preview
Davante Adams was acquired by the Raiders in a significant trade with Green Bay, giving Derek Carr a ton of options to go with TE Darren Waller and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow — both of whom could contribute significantly to a Josh McDaniels offense. The main concern with the offense is that nothing could function well unless a shaky-looking offensive line gels. Defensive worries exist, as well, and this team’s defense is transitioning from a 4-3 base to a 3-4 at a time when it might be challenging to make that change with so many stacked offenses going up against them this year.
Despite finishing in second place last year, they are the underdogs in the division due to the strength of the Chiefs, who have been a consistent AFC contender, the Chargers, who are on the rise, and the Broncos, whose roster has been strengthened by the addition of Russell Wilson as a top-tier quarterback.
Read our full Las Vegas Raiders 2022 season preview
Denver Broncos preview
Wilson’s acquisition was not Denver’s only significant offseason move. Vic Fangio, the team’s head coach, was fired after three seasons with a 19-30 record, so there was also a change at the top. Former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Nathaniel Hackett will now take charge. The fact that Hackett will be collaborating with Wilson rather than Bridgewater or Lock is fantastic news for both him and Broncos supporters. Wilson is an excellent addition to the Broncos, but they happen to play in a division that has only been getting stronger in the last few years.
It might take some time to see positive results in Denver, as the Broncos are not expected to compete for the AFC West title this season.
Read our full Denver Broncos 2022 season preview
2022 AFC West predictions and best bet: Kansas City Chiefs win AFC West (+175)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
The Chargers and Chiefs should be locked in a tight competition for the AFC West title in 2022, but the Chiefs are capable of extending their dynasty for one more season. Both offenses are pretty comparable, but because of Travis Kelce and the creative mind of Andy Reid, the Chiefs have an advantage. On the other side of the ball, it’s difficult to conclude with certainty which defense is superior to the other because they are so similar. The biggest difference will be at quarterback since the Chargers don’t have Mahomes. Don’t get the wrong idea; Herbert is a superb quarterback and will probably throw for at least 4,600 yards once more in 2022, but he’s not on the same level as Mahomes yet.
The end of the season is when Mahomes and the Chiefs perform at their peak, and that is when the Bolts always seem to struggle. Although it may be beginning to wane, Kansas City’s AFC West dynasty is still holding strong.
We’ll have NFL picks for EVERY matchup of the 2022 season
AFC West standings 2021
Kansas City Chiefs, 12-5 (5-1 in division)
Las Vegas Raiders, 10-7 (3-3 in division)
Los Angeles Chargers, 9-8 (3-3 in division)
Denver Broncos 7-10 (1-5 in division)
AFC West champions
2021: Kansas City Chiefs, 12-5
2020: Kansas City Chiefs, 14-2
2019: Kansas City Chiefs 12-4
2018: Kansas City Chiefs, 12-4
2017: Kansas City Chiefs, 10-6
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