Divisional Outlook for AFC West in 2025, Forecasts, and Prognostications: Can Chiefs Ultimately Falter?
Broncos Favored to Win AFC West in 2025 NFL Season
The NFL landscape in the AFC West is set for an exciting change, with the Denver Broncos emerging as the leading contenders to dethrone the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Broncos, who had a more challenging schedule compared to their rivals, are buoyed by their strong defensive unit, headed by CB Pat Surtain II, the Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. To further bolster their defense, they've signed LB Dre Greenlaw and SS Talanoa Hufanga from the San Francisco 49ers.
The Chiefs, who have dominated the division since 2015, have slightly longer odds but remain contenders, given their recent history and championship pedigree. They've bolstered their offensive line by signing Mike Caliendo to the LG position, Jaylon Moore, and first-round draft pick Josh Simmons to protect QB Patrick Mahomes' blind side.
The Chargers, despite boasting QB Justin Herbert and skill players like RB Najee Harris, TE Will Dissly, and a WR corps of Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre Harris, find themselves less favored for the division title. They've already lost a home game against the Chiefs, hosting them in Brazil in Week 1. Derwin James Jr. continues to patrol the secondary in the strong safety position for the Chargers.
The Raiders, despite Maxx Crosby's stellar defensive performance, struggled offensively last season, ranking dead last in rushing yards. Their top tight end, Brock Bowers, is supported by wide receivers Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr.
In the Broncos' squad, Bo Nix led the team to a 10-7 record in his rookie season as a starter, posting over 3,700 passing yards, a 29-12 TD-INT ratio, and 430 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The Broncos' defense was one of the best in the league last season, ranking No. 3 in points allowed.
The Chargers will need Justin Herbert to find some "easy" road wins against the Dolphins, Giants, Titans, Jaguars, and Cowboys to make a serious run for the division title. The Broncos' schedule includes games against Philadelphia, Washington, and Houston, but they host the Bengals, Cowboys, and Packers.
In summary, the consensus among experts predicts the Broncos as the team most likely to unseat the Chiefs and win the AFC West in 2025.
| Team | Predicted AFC West Status | Notable Points | |-------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Denver Broncos | Leading predicted division winner | Strong 2024 season, rising QB Bo Nix, top defense | | Kansas City Chiefs| Likely contender but less favored | Historically dominant, slight dip in odds | | Los Angeles Chargers | Contender but less favored | Odds for wins and playoffs, but not division favorites | | Las Vegas Raiders | Not generally predicted to win | No recent strong mention as favorites |
In the exciting AFC West landscape of the 2025 NFL season, the Denver Broncos' American-football team, led by their star quarterback Bo Nix and a formidable defense, is favored to end the reign of the Kansas City Chiefs, following their impressive defensive signings and 2024 performance.,
Meanwhile, despite the excellence of their quarterback Justin Herbert and skilled players, the Los Angeles Chargers' American-football team faces a challenging schedule, making their path to the division title less straightforward, as they eye "easy" road wins against specific opponents to bolster their chances.
