The NFL’s division system in effect creates a collection of small economic markets. In the soft NFC East, for example, the level of competition means that it takes relatively little to become a division champion. The AFC West has become the polar opposite. Lately the Chiefs have had their way with this division, capturing the last six titles. But now every other opponent has assembled its own version of a superteam. Perhaps they were spurred on by the realization that Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is tied to the franchise through 2031, isn’t going anywhere, and they can’t simply wait until he’s gone.
Last year the Chargers showed they were ready to engage. Behind 24-year-old wunderkind quarterback Justin Herbert and 39-year-old rookie head coach Brandon Staley, they made a legitimate run at the playoffs, falling short in a 35–32 overtime loss to Las Vegas in the season finale. In the offseason Los Angeles addressed a defense that ranked 23rd in the league, signing two difference-makers in cornerback J.C. Jackson from the Patriots and edge rusher Khalil Mack from the Bears. Expect Mack and fellow edge rusher Joey Bosa to have plenty of meetings with the opposing quarterback.
The Raiders, after making the playoffs for the first time in five seasons, come back this year with new leadership after coach Jon Gruden was fired midway through the season in the wake of the release of old emails with incriminating comments. Las Vegas raided the Patriots, hiring longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as coach and personnel executive Dave Ziegler as general manager. On the field the monster addition is Davante Adams, brought in from Green Bay in exchange for first- and second-round picks. It was a steep price, but Adams is arguably the best receiver in football—and a former Fresno State teammate of still-improving 31-year-old quarterback Derek Carr. On defense Las Vegas added veteran pass rusher Chandler Jones from the Cardinals to pair with Maxx Crosby, who signed a four-year, $94 million extension this offseason following his second-team All-Pro nod in 2021.
