1. Denver Broncos

Hopefully head coach Sean Payton has learned to not foolishly go for it on 4th down when you should just take the points with a reliable kicker on your roster.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

They hit the proverbial wall last season and fell back down to Earth. Now will they rise back to their perch atop the AFC or will they remain outside of their contender status?

3. Los Angeles Chargers

The talent level is there on both sides for this team, but the expectations are that they should make deep playoff runs every season. That has to change this year otherwise the fanbase will groan even louder about this current era’s lack of success.

4. Las Vegas Raiders

It seems that the front office has finally learned a hard lesson about building a competent roster. Get the quarterback and head coach combination settled and then you can put the rest of the pieces in place afterwards.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Until it actually happens and they are dethroned, they will remain atop the AFC West.

2. Los Angeles Chargers

A completely revamped backfield has the Chargers offense setup to make some noise in a crowded field in the AFC.

3. Denver Broncos

Last season wasn’t a fluke. If QB Bo Nix can duplicate his rookie season with the defense they have put together they could surprise some opponents.

4. Las Vegas Raiders

They could be poised to finally start turning things around. Hiring Pete Carroll as their head coach is a step in that direction. I’m not so sure about acquiring QB Geno Smith though.