Team Previews
Denver Broncos (2021/7-10/4th) – The Broncos arrive at training camp with very high expectations despite a fourth-place finish last season. The reason for such optimism is the acquisition of franchise QB Russell Wilson, who comes over from Seattle in exchange for a pair of first and second round draft picks as well as three players. Wilson should be aided by veteran WR Courtland Sutton and rising second year receiver Jerry Jeudy. If they can quickly learn the scheme of new coach Nathaniel Hackett, this offense can become very dangerous. The defense carried the team last season, ranking third in YPG and paced by a veteran secondary. Denver should be improved with Wilson helming the offense, but this is the deepest division in football and a playoff berth will be a tough ask.
Kansas City Chiefs (2021/12-7/1st) – The Chiefs took home another division crown in 2021 but fell short of a third straight Super Bowl appearance with a surprising loss to Cincinnati in the AFC Championship game. Andy Reid’s explosive offense took a major blow with the loss of the league’s fastest receiver in Tyreek Hill. Patrick Mahomes is still around and looking to prove the offense can thrive minus Hill but with veteran TE Travis Kelce and a younger group of receivers led by former Steeler JuJu Smith-Schuster. The defense hopes to generate more pressure on the edge with Frank Clark and first round pick George Karlaftis, as well as the late addition of veteran edge rusher Carlos Dunlap. This roster is in a bit of flux, but as long as Reid calls the plays and Mahomes performs at an elite level, the Chiefs will remain a potent threat in this division.
Las Vegas Raiders (2021/10-7/2nd) – This team snuck into the playoffs last season and are aiming to advance farther than the wild card round. The Raiders made a huge addition to their offense by trading for one of the league best receivers in Davante Adams. The addition of Adams to a pass catching group that includes TE Darren Waller and WR Hunter Renfrow give the underrated Derek Carr an elite set of weapons in the passing game. If Josh Jacobs can stay healthy, this offense figures to be one of the most potent in the NFL. Lining up Chandler Jones opposite of Maxx Crosby should give the Raiders the division’s most productive pass rushing duo. Don’t sleep on Daniel Carlson – maybe the league’s most accurate kickers not named Justin Tucker. There are high expectations in Las Vegas, and this team has the talent to fulfill them.
Los Angeles Chargers (2021/9-8/3rd) – The Chargers just missed the playoffs last season, losing to a close game in Las Vegas to close the regular season. Brandon Staley has continued to build this team and point them toward the postseason, and this season could well be the next step in that process. Justin Herbert has become a franchise passer and the front office continues to upgrade the talent around him. RB Austin Ekeler is a threat both as a runner and a receiver. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are elite WRs, combining for 182 receptions in 2021. The biggest key for Los Angeles is turning around a defense which ranked 30th last season in YPG. The rushing defense was especially porous allowing 4.6 yards per rush. If this defense can rise to the middle of the pack, the Chargers’ elite offense can carry them to the playoffs even in a brutally tough division.
Standings Projections
Kansas City Chiefs (12-5) | Season Win Total – 10.5 | Bet the Over
Las Vegas Raiders (11-6) | Season Win Total – 8.5 | Bet the Over
Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) | Season Win Total – 10.5 | Bet the Under
Denver Broncos (8-9) | Season Win Total – 10 | Bet the Under
Commentaires