The AFC West has been one of the busiest divisions so far this offseason with all the moves and trades that have transpired. Will there finally be a team in the AFC West that will win the division that is not named the Chiefs or are the Chiefs still the team to beat? Here are my off-season grades for every AFC West team so far.
Kansas City Chiefs: C
I’m not going to lie, the defending Super Bowl champs in my eye have not had a great off-season so far. They said goodbye to wideouts Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster, and let one of the best o-linemen in the NFL, Orlando Brown leave. Even though the Chiefs have seen key players leave, don’t count out any Patrick Mahomes lead team. The Chiefs are still one of the best teams in the AFC but with the lack of moves they have made to try and improve their squad, for now, they deserve a “C.”
Los Angeles Chargers: C
Just like the Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers have been relatively quiet this offseason. There are rumors they might trade away pro-bowl running back Austin Ekeler and cut ties with wideout Keenan Allen but as of right now, they are still on the roster. This seems like a make-or-break year for the Chargers and in particular for head coach Brandon Staley after the meltdown in the AFC Wild Card game against the Jaguars blowing a 27-point lead. I am hoping the Chargers make more moves this offseason and draft well but just like Kansas City, they deserve a “C.”
Las Vegas Raiders: B
I am not too high on the Raiders for the 2023 season, but they have improved slightly. Las Vegas has a new quarterback as they brought in Jimmy Garoppolo on a three-year deal. They added receivers Philip Dorsett and Jakobi Meyers and overall, their offense and defense remain the same. I would like to see them do more as I don’t see them as a threat to the Chiefs but I think a “B” is a fair grade.
Denver Broncos: B+
I have to say, the Denver Broncos have had a nice offseason so far with Sean Payton taking over as head coach. They added in star defensive end, Zac Allen, and boosted their o-line by adding a few veteran pieces. I still the Broncos are a long way from being a contender in this division, but this offseason has been a good one for Denver.
