2019 NFL season: Final win-loss predictions before Week 1
AFC West
- Kansas City Chiefs: 12-4
- Los Angeles Chargers: 9-7
- Denver Broncos: 8-8
- Oakland Raiders: 5-11
We should get used to seeing the Kansas City Chiefs competing for a division title every year with Patrick Mahomes under center. He’s an aggressive passer who fits head coach Andy Reid‘s offensive schemes like a glove.
The team replaced defensive coordinator Bob Sutton with Steve Spagnuolo who takes over a defense with two solid pass-rushers, Chris Jones and Frank Clark, along with a proven playmaker in defensive back Tyrann Mathieu on the back end. We could see improvements in the Chiefs defense in 2019.
If not for Okung’s absence, the Chargers would finish as a 10-11-win squad. Without him, quarterback Philip Rivers will depend on tackles Trenton Scott and right tackle Sam Tevi to keep him upright. The former started one game as a rookie, and the latter gave up six sacks last year, per Washington Post‘s STATs. Defensive coordinators will likely attempt to exploit the offensive line’s edges to thwart the passing attack. Still, the Chargers hang on for a 9-7 record.
The Denver Broncos opted not to hire a young offensive-minded head coach. However, lead skipper Vic Fangio will help this defense return to top-five status similar to the Wade Phillips’ years in 2015 and 2016.
The front office acquired quarterback Joe Flacco who’s accustomed to playing alongside a top-notch defensive unit and a physical ground attack — the Broncos should check both boxes this year. Denver won’t provide a lot of flashes, but running backs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman will lead the offensive charge with Flacco picking his spots downfield.
The Oakland Raiders could field a high-octane offense with quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Antonio Brown together on the field. That quarterback-wide receiver connection will pull off some wins. However, it’s fair to question the offensive line.
Left guard Richie Incognito will serve a two-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Right guard Gabe Jackson is recovering from an MCL injury. Left tackle Kolton Miller has a lot to prove after allowing 12 sacks last year, per Washington Post‘s STATs.
He dealt with knee injuries in the previous season, which contributed to his rough rookie term. The UCLA product will face a lot of pressure with Clark, Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram in the division.
Oakland doesn’t have a single Pro Bowl or All-Pro player on defense and rookie starters like defensive end Clelin Ferrell and safety Johnathan Abram are playing key positions. The defense will allow a lot of points — forcing the Silver and Black to win shootouts with an offensive line that won’t take the field in its entirety until midway through the year.