Who Wins the AFC West?

Surprisingly the AFC West Division has been one of the most competitive in the NFL this season. Which team will ultimately end up on top and clinch the division title?

Oct 1, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs were massive betting favorites to win the AFC West in the preseason, and it appeared that the other three teams were battling it out for second. That hasn’t been the case this season as the Chiefs have spent much of the year in last place. 

Entering Week 10, here are the division standings:

  • Los Angeles Chargers 5-3
  • Las Vegas Raiders 5-3
  • Kansas City Chiefs 5-4
  • Denver Broncos 5-4

All four teams in the AFC West still have a legitimate chance to win the division, something that is a major surprise to fans of the NFL. Even though all four teams appear to still have a shot, one team still feels like the team to beat. 

Raiders Dealing With Adversity

The Las Vegas Raiders have been the best team in the AFC West this season, but they are now dealing with some serious adversity. Jon Gruden is no longer the head coach in Las Vegas, and it appears they will be without one of their best playmakers moving forward. 

Wide receiver Henry Ruggs was recently cut from the team after being charged with several crimes, one of which was a automobile collision that took the life of another driver.

Cornerback Damon Arnette, another former 1st rd pick, was cut after a video leaked allegedly showing him holding a gun and making violent threats. This franchise always seems to have things pop up to derail a season, and it’s happening again in 2021.

Chargers/Broncos Have Issues

This was supposed to be the year that either the Denver Broncos or Los Angeles Chargers made a serious run at the AFC West. Both teams still have a legitimate shot at winning the division, but each team has some issues that need to be worked out.

Denver continues to get very little production at the quarterback position, and they just can’t score enough points. The Broncos also just traded Von Miller away, and that franchise could be waving the white flag on the season. Even with their surprising victory at home to the Cowboys.

The Chargers went into Kansas City and beat the Chiefs already this season, but they still make too many mistakes in close games. Quarterback Justin Herbert is a future star, but this isn’t a roster good enough to win the AFC West this season.

Chiefs Reign Supreme

There is no denying that the Kansas City Chiefs have gotten off to a rough start to the year, and they have their own faults to deal with. At the end of the day though, Kansas City still has Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the teams in the division don’t.

Kansas City is set to face a grueling schedule over the next eight weeks, but this team has proven that it can beat anyone and on any field. The defense will eventually start to figure things out, and that offense will get back to being unstoppable. 

The Chiefs have had to work much harder this season to pick up wins, but they will eventually win the AFC West Championship again.

Odds To Win AFC West

TeamLine
LA Chargers+140
KC Chiefs+160
LV Raiders+450
DEN Broncos+750
These lines are brought to you by BetMGM.

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