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Each NFL division’s non-favorite with the best chance to win

By Lucas Schuh

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 22: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns watches from the sidelines during the first quarter against the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 22: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns watches from the sidelines during the first quarter against the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 22: Josh Palmer #5 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his touchdown to take a 7-2 lead during the first half of a preseason game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 22: Josh Palmer #5 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates his touchdown to take a 7-2 lead during the first half of a preseason game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

AFC West odds for 2021 NFL season

  • Kansas City Chiefs: -348
  • Los Angeles Chargers: +475
  • Denver Broncos: +600
  • Las Vegas Raiders: +1700

Best non-favorite pick to win: Los Angeles Chargers +475

Not only are the Chiefs the obvious favorite to win their division but they sit at +500 to win the Super Bowl, the best odds of all 32 teams in the league. But even if they are favorites to be champions at the end of the year, the AFC West is far from a cakewalk.

The Raiders have a solid offense led by Derek Carr and, even after changes on the line, should retain that. But the defense has held Las Vegas back for quite some time and, with a shaky secondary, that seems unlikey to change. Meanwhile, the Broncos have a great roster on both sides of the ball but Teddy Bridgewater leaves a lukewarm feeling as the team’s starting quarterback.

That leaves the Los Angeles Chargers as the biggest challengers to Kansas City in the division and they have their quarterback to build around in Justin Herbert. He showed he can be a superstar in his rookie season and they spent the offseason ensuring that the best is still ahead, strengthening the offensive line with Rashawn Slater and Corey Linsley.

Now, the Chargers defense isn’t on the level of the Broncos but they do have some stars in Joey Bosa and Derwin James. More importantly, new head coach Brandon Staley is a proven defensive mind that can make the most of this unit.

An argument could be made that the Chargers and Broncos have relatively even rosters. Herbert, however, gives the Bolts a clear advantage, which is why they’re the non-favorite pick in the AFC West.

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