It’s the Super Bowl champ Chiefs and everyone else. However, how much have the Chargers, Broncos, and Raiders improved in the offseason to try and decipher a way to defeat Pat Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the Chiefs?

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

There’s an old saying that the “rich get richer”. That’s exactly what the Chiefs did to maintain their roster. They lose Orlando Brown (Bengals) and Andrew Wylie (Commanders) but gain Jawann Taylor, Richie James, Donovan Smith, and Blaine Gabbert. However, there’s a matter of the Chris Jones contract. Allegedly, he’s holding out until “Week 8” for a new contract. If that’s the case, their defense could run into some turbulence. They face six of their first seven opponents with electric offenses, and the Bears are included because of a couple of needed upgrades. If Kansas City’s defense fails to improve especially up front, they could be in a series of offensive battles without resistance until Week 8. The Chiefs’ high playoff positioning may hinge on the first half of their schedule.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Los Angeles must find ways to get over the hump. They’re too talented to let gametime situations get the best of them (Brandon Staley…). The Chargers’ roster is largely intact for another playoff push, but the offense must execute properly while the defense must find ways to stay off the injury list. Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson, and Derwin James are the best at each level and can take the top off anyone when they’re all on the field together. The first three games are daunting, and the ones after the bye are a bit glaring to look at. It’s possible they can overcome them and win to make the playoffs, but a lot will be on Brandon Staley to make the right calls and we all will watch it very closely…and cautiously.

DENVER BRONCOS

Ok so, the Broncos hired Sean Payton to either fix Russell Wilson, fix the offense, lead the team to the playoffs, and/or win the Super Bowl. I’m not exactly sure, but apparently, it’s a good hire. There’s no explanation or issue with the defense because they will be Top 5 caliber again, and adding Frank Clark from Kansas City only makes them stronger. Additions to the offensive line like Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey should improve the front that was inconsistent. Special teams could be fine after trading for Will Lutz from New Orleans to reunite with Payton. However, the offense has a lot of questions. Everyone hopes Javonte Williams stays healthy because he’s the hope for this offense. Denver has a good receiving unit, but they took a hit again after Tim Patrick went back on IR and Jerry Jeudy suffered an injury. They’re left with Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims but look out for tight ends Adam Trautman and Greg Dulcich. And then there’s Russell Wilson. How he performed last year left the NFL nation questioning him. Where’s his improvising skills? Where’s his play extensions? Where was his scrambling? Nobody but Pete Carroll probably knows. Wilson wanted Payton and now Payton’s here, but it’s unclear what’s true about his opinion on Wilson. Allegedly or not, they’re in Denver together and must make it work. If Wilson can return to his form that came from Seattle, Denver will compete with anyone. They could be on the same level as the 49ers, Jets, Chiefs, Bengals, and Eagles. If Wilson can’t, Denver’s back in the lab for a new quarterback.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The Derek Carr era is over, and there’s mixed feelings about the move. But we move on to Jimmy G. as the outright starter, and there could be mixed feelings about it too. He can win games when he’s healthy. He can put his team in position with touch throws and everything else, but he’s older and there’s no idea how the rest of the roster will translate in Year 2 under Josh McDaniels. McDaniels has a Patriot-like roster and a Patriot-like front office and staff. Do we expect something…Patriot-like? At least Josh Jacobs returns alongside Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow with the addition of Austin Hooper and rookie Michael Mayer. Can we expect the offensive line to improve too? That’s a scary question with Jimmy G.’s health history. Defense should hopefully improve, and Chandler Jones must put in more effort to back up Maxx Crosby. What about the rest of the defense? Who stands out besides Marcus Peters? Their schedule is…actually fair. Look closely, they defeated the Broncos for three straight seasons now. They face the Steelers’ young offense. Who knows what the Chargers will do? And then there’s the Packers, Patriots, Bears, Giants, Vikings, and Colts. If you add it up, their ceiling could be 10 wins, which would be a major turnaround. I don’t want to put too much optimism on Raider nation, but it could happen if their roster gets it together.