AFC West preview of 2025 NFL season: Can the Broncos or Chargers finally dethrone the Chiefs?

The Kansas City Chiefs have ruled the AFC West since 2016. But heading into the 2025 season, their grip on the division crown may finally be loosening — and the Denver Broncos are leading the charge.

Chiefs’ reign faces real threats

The AFC West has been one of the NFL’s most stable divisions for nearly a decade, with Kansas City winning nine straight titles. Last season, the division sent three teams to the playoffs: the Chiefs as division champs, while the Chargers and Broncos both secured Wild Card spots.

This fall, though, the balance could shift. Kansas City no longer looks invincible, and both Los Angeles and Denver have steadily built defenses capable of making life difficult for Patrick Mahomes in division showdowns.

Adding to the intrigue, the season will open with a divisional clash abroad. The Chargers will host the Chiefs at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Brazil, marking only the second-ever NFL game in South America.

Chiefs’ blueprint for another run

The Philadelphia Eagles proved the Chiefs can be beaten with a relentless defense, exposing Kansas City’s biggest vulnerability. Andy Reid’s challenge is to patch that weakness with scheme adjustments, while Mahomes works his magic under center. Protecting their franchise QB was a priority, which is why Kansas City used a first-round pick on offensive tackle Josh Simmons.

Chiefs player to watch: Patrick Mahomes, QB

Mahomes, a two-time league MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP, is still the face of the franchise. He enters his ninth NFL season — eighth as Kansas City’s starter — looking to bounce back from what was statistically his worst year as QB1. Despite leading the Chiefs to a 15-1 regular-season record, he threw just 26 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

Chiefs’ must-watch games:

• Week 1: at Los Angeles Chargers (Brazil)
• Week 2: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 4: vs. Baltimore Ravens
• Week 9: at Buffalo Bills
• Week 17: vs. Denver Broncos

Broncos ready to pounce

If anyone is built to unseat the Chiefs, it’s Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos. Denver boasts one of the league’s stingiest defenses, and expectations are sky-high for QB Bo Nix in his sophomore season after an impressive rookie campaign.

Broncos player to watch: Patrick Surtain, CB

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has become a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Last season, Surtain recorded four interceptions and 11 pass breakups while allowing just 38 catches on 62 targets for 326 yards and two touchdowns.

Broncos’ must-watch games:

• Week 1: vs. Tennessee Titans
• Week 3: at Los Angeles Chargers
• Week 5: at Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
• Week 17: at Kansas City Chiefs

Harbaugh’s second act with the Chargers

Year two under Jim Harbaugh comes with higher expectations. In 2024, he led the Chargers to the playoffs behind the NFL’s No. 1 scoring defense. The front office doubled down this offseason, adding cornerback Donte Jackson to an already elite unit. On offense, rookie RB Omarion Hampton could be a dark-horse candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Chargers player to watch: Justin Herbert, QB

Herbert endured a career-high 41 sacks last season. To fix that, the Chargers signed linemen Mekhi Becton, fresh off a title with Philadelphia, and veteran Bradley Bozeman. With Keenan Allen healthy again and rookie WRs Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith joining the mix, Herbert suddenly has plenty of firepower.

Chargers’ must-watch games:

• Week 1: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Brazil)
• Week 8: vs. Minnesota Vikings
• Week 10: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
• Week 14: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 18: at Denver Broncos

Raiders begin a new era

The Las Vegas Raiders enter 2025 under a brand-new regime. Pete Carroll takes over as head coach after Antonio Pierce’s departure, and Geno Smith will be the team’s starting quarterback. While this looks like a transitional year, success will be defined by whether Carroll can lay a foundation for the future.

Raiders player to watch: Ashton Jeanty, RB

The Raiders used a first-round pick on Jeanty, the dynamic Boise State product who put up Barry Sanders-like numbers in college. After finishing dead last in rushing yards in 2024, Las Vegas hopes the rookie can provide an instant spark on the ground.

Raiders’ must-watch games:

• Week 1: at New England Patriots
• Week 2: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
• Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys
• Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 18: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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