Josh Frey’s 2025 NFL Standings Predictions: AFC West
The NFL season is fast approaching now that teams have trimmed their rosters down to 53 players.
With that in mind, let’s take a look across the league and break down every division. Today, we continue that process with predictions for the AFC West.
AFC East predictions
NFC East predictions
AFC North predictions
NFC North predictions
AFC South predictions
NFC South predictions
NFL Standings Predictions: AFC West
1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-4)
The AFC still runs through the Kansas City Chiefs, and while they may not go 15-2 again this season, the Chiefs absolutely should still be in the mix for a Super Bowl this year. The wide receiver room should be solid with Hollywood Brown at the top of the depth chart, and they have enough bodies to work around the Rashee Rice suspension.
The offensive line could be great as well if first-round pick Josh Simmons plays well at left tackle, and Kingsley Suamataia transitions well to left guard. Isiah Pacheco should be back to full strength too, giving Mahomes extra support with a strong running game. As long as Mahomes is on the field, Kansas City’s offense should look more explosive in 2025.
2. Los Angeles Chargers (12-5)
This could be a big year for the Los Angeles Chargers after going 11-6 in Jim Harbaugh’s first year as head coach. Even without Rashawn Slater around, this offense has the making of a strong unit. Mekhi Becton should prove to be a great force in LA’s rushing attack, and rookie Omarion Hampton will be the beneficiary of that presence.
Defensively, the Chargers were outstanding in 2024, leading the NFL in points allowed (17.7 per game). That unit should sustain a top-five status in 2025 with a ridiculous secondary and a pass rush that tied for the sixth-most sacks. The key to this year’s success will be managing turnovers. Justin Herbert threw just three interceptions last season, and LA had the second-fewest turnovers.
3. Denver Broncos (10-7)
Bo Nix has had a full offseason to get completely familiar with Sean Payton’s offense, and the combination of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey in the backfield should improve a rushing attack that was, at best, middle of the pack in 2024. Evan Engram will certainly help too being a big target for Nix in the passing game as Payton loves his tight ends being very involved as pass catchers.
Defensively, Jahdae Barron might be the latest stud in Denver’s secondary joining Patrick Surtain and Riley Moss at the cornerback position. This group is very deep up front too, and the addition of Dre Greenlaw means another big time playmaker at linebacker.
4. Las Vegas Raiders (9-8)
It may be far-fetched for all four teams in this division to finish with winning records, but we did just see it happen in the AFC North during 2023. The Raiders saw upgrades at two very important spots this offseason: head coach and quarterback.
Pete Carroll has left us with no reason to doubt his ability to put together winning teams in the past, and outside of Cleveland, the Las Vegas Raiders may have had the most discombobulated quarterback room last year with Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder all making starts. Geno Smith should stabilize that position very well.
That by itself might be enough to win five more games this season, but then you also have to take into account that the rushing attack will be completely turned around with the addition of Ashton Jeanty. The Raiders will be good this year.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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