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The NFL’s AFC West Division was one of the closest battles last season and it appears to stay that way this year.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers finished with identical 12-4 records last season although it was Kansas City who went deeper in the postseason by reaching the AFC title game where they lost to the eventual winners in the New England Patriots.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have a new coach while the Oakland Raiders lost Antonio Brown in a bizarre incident. With their rivals still grappling for form, the Chiefs and Chargers are the top two NFL betting favorites to win the AFC West Division this season.
Here are the current odds to win the NFL’s AFC West Division for the 2019 season. These odds were taken from TitanBet as of 9/13/19:
- Kansas City Chiefs -167
- Los Angeles Chargers +180
- Denver Broncos +1400
- Oakland Raiders +1800
Who are the Favorites?
The Kansas City Chiefs had a magical season last year with Patrick Mahomes having a breakout year. Mahomes was named as NFL 2018 MVP and the Chiefs went all the way to the AFC Championship game where they lost to the eventual champions New England Patriots. Kansas City has added players like Tyrann Mathieu, Frank Clark, and Emmanuel Ogbah but the team lost the likes of Eric Berry, Steve Nelson, Dee Ford, and Justin Houston. Top wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been cleared of domestic violence charges and
Steve Spagnuolo is the new defensive coordinator tasked at improving what was their major weakness last season. If their defense gets better, look out for the Chiefs.
The Los Angeles Chargers lost wide receiver Tyrell Williams but Mike Williams, who came to his last season should be able to do the job for the Chargers. Notre Dame’s Jerry Tillery joins Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram is one of the league’s top defensive units. Delaware’s Nasir Adderley joins Derwin Jones to form an impressive safety duo. The Chargers also added veteran linebacker Anthony Davis in a very quiet summer for Los Angeles. Melvin Gordon has been holding out after the running back refused a deal last summer. Safety Derwin Jones is expected to miss the first half of the season due to a foot injury while tight end Henry Hunter returns from a knee injury which caused him to sit out the entire of last season. The Chargers are essentially the same team which won 12 games last season. They don’t look flashy but have no glaring weaknesses, even without Melvin Gordon. I think they are going to have a nice season.
The Denver Broncos added Joey Flacco but I don’t think he is that much better than Case Keenum. They have Emmanuel Sanders but outside him, the wide receiver position could become a weakness. The Broncos haven’t gotten better at the inside linebacker position. But the Broncos had a good first two days in the 2019 NFL draft where they bagged Noah Fant, Dalton Risner, and Drew Lock. They also added Ja’Wuan James and Kareem Jackson in free agency. Jackson and fellow newcomer Bryce Callahan should shore up their secondary. Then Denver also signed Joey Fangio to solidify what was already a solid defense last season. Fangio, the ex-Chicago Bears defensive coordinator, will be looking to prove himself after a couple of rough seasons in Baltimore. The Broncos have added pieces but I don’t think these additions are enough. John Elway could be in trouble next season.
The Oakland Raiders were one of three teams to have three picks in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. But it cost them, Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, to get picks #24 and 27. Drafting Clelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Abraham gave this team three likely starters for the coming season but these players don’t play at the “premium” positions and may not be able to replace what the Raiders lost to get them. Antonio Brown had a weird offseason. He missed preseason because of frostbite then got in trouble with the Raiders GM. The next thing we knew, he voided his deal and asked to be released. Brown signed with the New England Patriots. The Raiders added Tyrell Williams. Jon Gruden knows that he must improve after last year’s 4-12 season. Letting go of AB was a good start as this team needs no drama. Let’s see if they can take it from there.
Who Wins?
The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are the top two teams in this division. Both had 12-4 seasons last year and both have retained the core of their 2018 teams. But I like the Chiefs better because while the Chargers have as much talent, I think Patrick Mahomes has more potential to develop. The Chargers may have no clear weakness but if the Chiefs’ defense can improve this season, the sky could be their limit. Sure, this may be one of the toughest divisions to pick but I think the Kansas City Chiefs are the best team in the AFC West. Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs
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