The Kansas City Chiefs are back-to-back AFC West champions but with changes to their team and division, who is their biggest competitor in 2018?
The AFC West race looked to be an open one. In 2017, each team seemed poised for their own success. Until the season starts, that is and the Kansas City Chiefs started off undefeated. Eventually, the team would lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers but made their way back to the top.
The Chiefs made it to the playoffs, only to lose to the Titans. A heartbreaking end to the season, but one fans are used to. Each year, the Chiefs get incredibly close to the Super Bowl but never quite make it there.
In 2018, the team and their division as a whole also look a lot different. From changes at QB to their staff and even their location, which AFC West team poses the biggest threat to the Chiefs?
Between the three teams, the weakest has to be the Denver Broncos. Despite stellar defensive play, the team doesn’t have much else. In 2017, the team only managed a 5-11 record and had trouble finding a starting quarterback. 2018 doesn’t look much better as the team lost a few of their defensive stand-outs including Aqib Talib and Corey Nelson.
Additionally, the team brought in Case Keenum off a great year, but still has questions at quarterback. They did try to draft more defensive help, but that only goes so far. Between all of the teams in the AFC West, the Broncos are easily the weakest. Maybe Vance Joseph will work a miracle, but it seems unlikely. With the Chiefs beating the Broncos twice last season, it’s fair to say they could repeat that in 2018. Between the three teams, I see the Broncos being the least of their problems.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Moving onto the other two teams, this is where it’s tough because the Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers have all the making of a good team. Their execution ends up being a bit flawed, though. Between the two, one does stand out more.
Many predicted the Oakland Raiders would do great things in 2017. Unfortunately for fans, they didn’t and began a move to Las Vegas. The team finished with a 6-10 record and struggled offensively despite the addition of Marshawn Lynch and Jared Cook.
Overall, the team was a shell of their former selves. Moving into 2018, there’s a little bit of hope under former/new coach Jon Gruden. It all depends on if the team can recapture any of their former glory from 2016, though. The Raiders beat the Chiefs once last season so there’s still a chance.
Meaning the Chiefs’ biggest competitor is the Los Angeles Chargers. Once again, they’re another team with all the makings of greatness. Something always gets lost in translation, though. This time, the Chargers had multiple players suffer injuries including Hunter Henry, Jason Verrett and Denzel Perryman.
In 2018, the team looks to be healthy and adjusted to their new home. The team is arguably the biggest competitor for the Chiefs with a veteran quarterback, a stacked division and one of the best running backs in the game.
With a question mark at quarterback, the Chiefs could end up coming in second to the Chargers. Overall, the Chiefs and the Chargers have the best chance at winning the AFC West.