In less than a month, teams in the league will begin reporting for Training Camp and the new NFL season will be upon us. It was a great 2025 season filled with tons of memorable games, new teams vying for spots at the top, and the emergence of new superstars. We are previewing every division and what you need to know. Here is our 2026 AFC West preview.
Last Year
Not the Chiefs! That’s the best way to sum up what happened in 2025 with the AFC West. After winning the division every season since 2016, the Chiefs were finally knocked off their throne. Kansas City’s season was already a mess heading into mid-December and were practically a lock to miss the postseason but then Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL and all but cemented their end. In the Chiefs place, the Broncos took the AFC West crown, their first since 2015 in the Peyton Manning years. The Broncos were impressive under year two with Bo Nix under center, and they marched all the way to the AFC Championship game. However, they were knocked out by the Patriots as Nix helplessly stood watching with a broken ankle suffered the week before in the Divisional Round. The Chargers took second and were embarrassed in the Wild Card Round. And the Raiders…well, they were the Raiders.
Favorite to win in 2026
The betting odds favor the Kansas City Chiefs once again. But the obvious question is when Patrick Mahomes will be back on the field and healthy. He injured himself in December and is hoping to be ready by Week 1, but that’s an ambitious timeline and one that will be hard to hold him to. Nix is expected to fully participate in training camp and should be the starter in Week 1. The Chargers, with Mike McDaniel now handling the offense, should also be considered a contender. They won 11 games a year ago, their defense was excellent, and 2026 seems to be a major year for Justin Herbert and his development.
Offensive Player to Watch: Fernando Mendoza
Going into Week 1, you can probably pencil Kirk Cousins as QB1 in Las Vegas, but how long is that going to last? Mendoza wowed us in college and took home the Heisman Trophy and National Championship during his time at Indiana. He was the clear consensus top pick and has publicly been enamored by Tom Brady who is now his boss in Vegas. When he hits the field, I can’t wait to see what he looks like in the pros.
Defensive Player to Watch: Maxx Crosby
Sorry for picking two players from the Raiders, but the Crosby saga was as good as it gets this offseason. He was traded to the Ravens, “failed his physical” which seemed like code for they wanted someone else, and now he is back with Vegas. Hard feelings? We’ll have to see. They’ve ruined a couple prime years of his career. Will it work out or will he be disgruntled?
Prediction
I am looking forward to a new winner in 2026. With a fresh offense under Mike McDaniel, I really like what the Chargers could do this season. Herbert should have an MVP-type season, and they will win the West. Record (12-5)