2. AFC West (Bo Nix, Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins)
The AFC West maybe didn't go as many thought it would go in the 2025 season, but QB talent is undeniable. The west division comes in at No. 2 in our QB-division power rankings. Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix broke out even more in 2025, becoming the most clutch QB in the NFL and helping the Broncos win 14 games.
While his passing production did not takeoff like some thought it would, Nix also dealt with a whopping 43 drops, according to Pro Football Reference, which was the second-highest of any QB. His late-game heroics, though, were evident, and had he not broken his ankle, the Broncos may very well have played in the Super Bowl.
Justin Herbert has been an above-average QB in terms of efficiency his entire career. He is what he is at this point - Herbert is a franchise QB, but the stark lack of playoff success and horrific performances in the postseason are major and also valid criticisms of the QB. Yes, the Los Angeles Chargers haven't always had the best supporting cast around Herbert, but he's also not done himself any favors in the playoffs.
Patrick Mahomes, as we know, is an all-time great, and while the ACL injury is major, that can't take away from the Hall of Fame career he's had up to this point, and even if Mahomes has to live in the pocket more, that's something he's done and could do more as he enters his 30s.
Kirk Cousins is nothing spectacular at this point, but he's a competent player and could still be one of the 32 best starters in the NFL. Cousins' QB profile of being a true pocket passer is something that can sustain itself as a QB ages, so I'd not totally discount the savvy veteran from playing bette than some think in the 2026 season.
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