Predicting the entire 2020 NFL season before training camp

AFC West predictions for the 2020 NFL season

Kansas City Chiefs* – 14-2
Denver Broncos – 7-9
Las Vegas Raiders – 6-10
Los Angeles Chargers – 6-10

So even though we still have the NFC West to get into, let me go ahead and spoil for you that the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, are going to finish the 2020 regular season with the best record in the league. That likely would’ve been the case last year if not for bad injury luck, frankly, and now their offense is healthy and ready to cruise by the competition.

Getting the No. 1 seed in the AFC should be hugely important for the Chiefs too. In the new playoff format, only one team in each conference gets the bye. Subsequently, Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City should have a little extra motivation in addition to the fact that the team benefits from their continuity in the truncated offseason.

Below the Chiefs, though, things are kind of ugly. When you look at the Broncos, Raiders and Chargers, there are undoubtedly going to be things that you find to like about each of the clubs. For Denver, it’s the upside of the offense and a veteran defense; the Raiders have some young talent that could pop up and play big roles; LA has a stout defense and solid offense outside of the quarterback.

My issue is that the path to mediocrity and these records here is just as clear. Drew Lock could have some growing pains in year two, Vegas might still be a year away from completing the Jon Gruden-led rebuild and the Chargers’ limitations at quarterback with Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert cap their ceiling.