Every fanbase in the NFL has at least one question on its collective mind. Whether it’s about a shiny new quarterback or a league-shaking acquisition, there is no shortage of mystery in the league.
In this NFL Preview series, we’re asking one burning question for every team. Next up, the AFC West.
The Broncos’ defense was among the best in the NFL last season. They ranked second in total yards allowed per game (278.2), second in rush yards allowed per game (91.1), and third in points allowed per game (18.3). The offense left a little to be desired.
Denver’s offense ranked 11th in pass yards per game (223.9) and 14th in points per game (23.6) in 2025. Bo Nix didn’t seem to drastically elevate in his second year, though. In 2024, he threw for 3,375 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Nix followed that up with 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He suffered a fractured right ankle in a divisional round victory over the Buffalo Bills. He is expected to be cleared in time for Week 1.
Denver traded for star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle this offseason, pairing him with Courtland Sutton. Nix has two high-caliber weapons, along with running backs J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey and tight end Evan Engram.
After a 14-3 season, the Broncos seem primed for another deep playoff run. Nix’s health and ability to elevate will be paramount in that journey.
Justin Herbert has been heavily meme’d as the “if-man” in recent years. The Chargers’ QB is widely recognized as supremely talented with not much to work with. Injuries tore LA’s roster apart last season.
The Chargers dealt with injuries to offensive linemen Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, running backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton, and offensive guard Mekhi Becton. Even Herbert dealt with a left-hand injury for several weeks but played through it.
LA signed center Tyler Biadasz, tight end David Njoku, and brought in Mike McDaniel as its offensive coordinator. The overhaul is expected to elevate Herbert to the next level, but roster health will be the most important factor.
Herbert is 0-3 in the playoffs and desperately needs to get over the hump. In his seventh NFL season, it’s time for him to break away from the hypotheticals.
The Chiefs’ dynasty seems to be dead going into 2026. They were dominated in Super Bowl LIX, then went 6-11 in 2025, and missed the playoffs. What’s even worse is Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn ACL in Week 15.
Mahomes’ return is highly anticipated, and he’s optimistic for a Week 1 return. What happens, though, if he’s not ready? The Chiefs will start Justin Fields at QB and may struggle to start the year.
Kansas City signed Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker in free agency, and re-signed Travis Kelce for what may be his last season. They’re hoping for a turnaround, but it all depends on Mahomes.
The Chiefs are coming off a Super Bowl hangover, and their superstar QB is still in question. Things aren’t looking exciting for Andy Reid and co., especially with the rising Chargers and Broncos. Is the dynasty truly over?
The Raiders selected Heisman winner and CFB National Champion Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. They loaded up the roster in free agency, seemingly setting the table for the Indiana alum. Then they signed Kirk Cousins.
Cousins is a 14-year NFL veteran who is capable of playing at a high level. He’s reunited with Klint Kubiak, the Minnesota Vikings’ former OC, and Vegas’ new head coach. The question now: when will Mendoza take over?
Cousins will be the Week 1 starter, and he’ll stay under center until the wheels fall off. If he plays well, starting Mendoza would be ill-advised. If he looks similar to his 2024 stats, fans will be demanding the rookie get the nod.
Mendoza might be the hottest story of the season. He’s the exciting new franchise player, but Vegas is playing it smart. There’s no need to rush him along with a proven vet on the roster.
The AFC West has been cut and dry for nearly a decade. The Chiefs’ dynasty ruled all, and they seemed unstoppable. The Broncos and Chargers are not only on their heels, but they surpassed them last year. The crown is up for grabs in the West; who will take it?
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