The AFC West has long been known as a division of fierce competition and rapid transformation. With the rise of the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years, many have wondered if any team could challenge their dominance. However, after a surprising 2024 season, it seems that the power balance in the AFC West may be shifting.
The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers both had impressive bounce-back seasons in 2024, with both teams securing double-digit wins and making it to the playoffs. This unexpected turn of events has sparked excitement and speculation among fans and analysts alike. Could this be the beginning of a new era in the AFC West?
One person who seems to think so is Nick Wright, a well-known sports analyst and co-host of the popular show “First Things First” on Fox Sports 1. In a recent segment, Wright made a bold prediction about the AFC West, stating that he believes the “worst team” in the division will surprise everyone and make a strong push for the playoffs.
While some may scoff at this prediction, there are several reasons to believe that Wright may be onto something. Let’s take a closer look at the teams in question and why they may have what it takes to challenge the Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC West.
First up, the Denver Broncos. After a disappointing 2023 season where they finished with a 5-11 record, the Broncos made some key changes in the offseason. They brought in a new head coach in Brian Daboll, who had previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. Daboll’s offensive expertise has already shown promise, as the Broncos’ offense has looked much more dynamic and explosive in the preseason.
In addition to a new coach, the Broncos also made some key acquisitions in free agency and the draft. They added veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to lead the offense, along with talented wide receiver Allen Robinson and running back Aaron Jones. On the defensive side of the ball, they drafted standout cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who has already shown flashes of his potential in the preseason.
Next, we have the Los Angeles Chargers. After a disappointing 2023 season where they finished with a 6-10 record, the Chargers made some big moves in the offseason. They hired a new head coach in Todd Bowles, who had previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bowles’ defensive expertise has already made an impact, as the Chargers’ defense has looked much improved in the preseason.
The Chargers also made some key additions to their roster, including veteran quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. They also drafted talented offensive tackle Evan Neal, who has already solidified the offensive line and provided much-needed protection for Ryan.
So, why does Nick Wright believe that one of these teams will be the “worst team” in the AFC West? It all comes down to the level of competition in the division. While the Chiefs are still the team to beat, the Broncos and Chargers have made significant improvements and are no longer the pushovers they once were. This means that every game in the AFC West will be a battle, and any team could come out on top.
Of course, there are still some question marks surrounding both the Broncos and Chargers. Can Kirk Cousins and Matt Ryan lead their respective teams to success? Will the new coaching staffs be able to make a significant impact? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the AFC West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.
In conclusion, Nick Wright’s prediction about the “worst team” in the AFC West may seem surprising, but it’s not as far-fetched as it may seem. Both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers have made significant improvements and are poised to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for the top spot in the division. With the level of competition in the AFC West, anything can happen, and fans should be prepared for an exciting and unpredictable season.
