The Harder They Fall, The Funnier It Is (2026 AFC West Preview)

There's something different about the AFC West now. It feels... lighter somehow. More room to breathe, to be comfortable. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the aura. Maybe it's the hope increasing in the division. Or maybe, just maybe, it's the fact that the stranglehold's dead and burned with no chance of revival anytime soon. Just a few thoughts, but in any event, a lot of attention will be directed towards the AFC West this year.

So let's preview this division right now:

Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)

This upcoming January 9 will mark the five year anniversary of the most chaotic moment in Raiders recent history. It was the Raiders hosting the Los Angeles Chargers in the 272nd and final game of the 2021 regular season. It was a do-or-die situation, for the most part. The two teams were 9-7, and by that time, two AFC playoff spots were up for grabs. The winner gets one of them, while the Pittsburgh Steelers would get the other. The losing team is finished. Steelers fans needed a winner either way, because if the game ended tied, both tied teams got in, and Pittsburgh was done. LV led 29-14 late, but the Bolts came back and tied it in the final seconds. OT saw the two teams trade field goals, and with ever tick that went by with the game tied at 32, Yinzers were panicking. We know how it ended: Staley called that timeout, Raiders changed their plan and got to FG range, FG was made in the final seconds, putting the Raiders (and Steelers) in.

That wild game marked the last time the Raiders made the playoffs. It's been hell for them since then, and last year saw them finish at 3-14. However, via tiebreakers, the Raiders won the #1 pick, and used it to draft Fernando Mendoza, the QB who led the Hoosiers to the National Championship. Despite that great attribute, the Raiders are still wondering if they should start him over Kirk Cousins. Seriously?! Start Mendoza! He's the #1 pick! He should not be on the pine to start the season. What do you have to lose?

Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)

Welcome to the dregs, Chiefs! How does it feel? Not too good? Well, that's too bad, because the rest of us are elated! You know, I always think about how I thought that the Chiefs dynasty would be less toxic than the old Patriots dynasty. How it was a welcome breath of fresh air. Boy, was I off. Their QB's full of it, their TE is a washed hothead, one of their receivers is a lawbreaker, and their kicker is a White supremacist. Literally, the only likable human on that team is Andy Reid, though Mahomes is trying to ruin him as well.

It's one of the many reasons why, when the writing was on the wall and the Chiefs would be eliminated from playoff contention in due time, we all celebrated. And guess what, folks? They'll miss out again. Don't be swayed by the fact that KC nabbed Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III. Mahomes and Kelce are washed, Butker's planning his next hate speech, and they still have no receivers. I repeat: welcome to the dregs, Chiefs. It's going to be a long stay.

Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)

Hard to believe that this year marks the Chargers' 10th year back in Los Angeles. I remember back in 2016, when the Rams returned to LA, that there was talk of a second team moving to LA. Everyone expected the Raiders. They got the Chargers. A lot of Angelenos weren't happy, but here it is, about to enter Year 10, and they're accustomed to the Chargers.

Speaking of that word, the Chargers are starting to become accustomed to playoffs lately. Last season saw them in the playoffs for the second straight year, both under head coach Jim Harbaugh. This has also been done under the leadership of QB Justin Herbert, who deserves a lot more respect that he's getting. Herbert has to do a hell of a lot to make sure the Chargers stay afloat, but nobody seems to acknowledge it. Herbert gets none of the praise when the Bolts win, but in losses, he sure gets all of the blame, and that's just not right.

Denver Broncos (14-3)

If only Bo Nix didn't get injured. That's the only downer in what was supposed to be the ultimate dream season for the Broncos. 14-3 season, an AFC West title, #1 in the conference, beat out Josh Allen in the Divisional Playoff... and it cost them Bo Nix. Even worse, the result of the AFC Championship added even more legitimacy to that opening statement. Jarrett Stidham started for the Broncos, and Denver only lost 10-7. Now, I know the old saying: If "ifs and buts" were candy and nuts, it'd be Christmas every day. But come on. You can't tell me Bo Nix wouldn't have won that game.

Even so, the optimism is alive and well in Denver. The Broncos are quite the juggernaut, and they have to be considered a favorite to take the entire conference this year. This team has staying power, especially after picking up Jaylen Waddle during this offseason. The Broncos definitely be a force in 2026.

The AFC West has a lot going on: the Broncos as the top team, the Chargers proving themselves, the Chiefs sinking, and the Raiders with their top pick QB. It's going to be an amazing thrill ride, and I'll get to enjoy it as a Southern Californian!