Another NFL season is in the books. But don’t worry, there is still the combine, the draft, free agency, and the trade season to keep you entertained. Many of these teams won’t even take a second to evaluate what went right and wrong and how they need to improve the upcoming season. Here are the 2026 AFC West team needs.
Denver Broncos
Biggest Needs: RB, WR, LB
The Broncos were perhaps a healthy quarterback away from playing for a Lombardi Trophy. Bo Nix got hurt at the most inconvenient time of the season and his injury contributed to the Broncos loss in the AFC Championship game. Denver boasts one of the very best defenses in the National Football League and that won’t change anytime soon. Their focus should be on offense this season. Giving Bo Nix another legit number one receiver to pair with Courtland Sutton would be ideal in the draft. After drafting RJ Harvey, they also need another running back who can handle early downs. I’d expect Denver to be in on Kenneth Walker.
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest Needs: RB, CB, WR, TE
Well, the Chiefs have an interesting offseason ahead of them. Patrick Mahomes is going to miss a lot of time in 2026. He was hurt in the regular season finale and while it would be nice for him to rush back, this is a massive investment and the best QB in the league, you don’t want to make anything worse. The Chiefs have needed a number one receiver for years and they won’t find one in free agency. Their best bet is the draft. Travis Kelce seems to be coming back but there is no official word. I’m sure they’ll invest in tight end in this draft. After trading Trent McDuffie, there is a big hole in their secondary.
Los Angeles Chargers
Biggest Needs: OL, WR, EDGE
The Chargers got crushed by injuries to their offensive line a season ago. While it will be nice to bring their healthy starters back, they need more help at the position if they plan on building around Justin Herbert. Mekhi Becton was just released before free agency begins so they should be heavily involved in other free agents there. Khalil Mack is a free agent but would like to return but they’ll need another, younger EDGE rusher to pair with him. Finding a wide receiver seems to be this team’s Achilles heel. Ladd McConkey is a great option, but they need more.
Las Vegas Raiders
Biggest Needs: QB, EDGE, WR, OL
Fernando Mendoza. You can pencil in his name but then draw a thousand question marks elsewhere. The Raiders had one of the worst offensive lines in football last year. Building a strong group up front for their new face of the franchise is critical for this team. On top of that, they have no true number one receiver. Getting value there in the draft while potentially stockpiling picks from a Maxx Crosby trade is the quickest way for the Raiders to right the ship.