AFC WEST PREVIEW
DENVER BRONCOS (5-11)
Strengths: GM George Paton rebuilt Denver’s secondary but also augmented the front seven. For the first time since the Broncs won Super Bowl 50 five years ago they have a legitimate twodeep roster at every spot. Their offense also could be set for a breakout season with Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, K.J. Hamler, Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam providing QB Teddy Bridgewater with plenty of tantalizing targets.
Weaknesses: Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon is on the hot seat every bit as much as head coach Vic Fangio if the Broncos stumble again at the start. With such a deep roster, it’s no longer an excuse that the team simply lacks the personnel. Paton traded for 49ers special teams stud Jonas Griffith, a second-year LB from Indiana State, to help the coverage units that were awful in the preseason.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 30-1. Over/under wins: 8.5.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (7-9)
Strengths: AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert quickly became the franchise quarterback last season after setting rookie records with 31 touchdown passes and eight 300-yard games. Receiver Keenan Allen has at least 97 receptions each of the past four seasons and Mike Williams has proved he can stretch the field. The defense is switching to a 4-3 scheme and should be bolstered by the return of safety Derwin James, who was an All-Pro as a rookie in 2018. Weaknesses: The offensive line has four new starters, but lacks depth. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga continues to be plagued by injuries and the two swing tackles slated to back him up struggled throughout the preseason. New coach Brandon Staley has brought plenty of energy to the team, but it remains an inexperienced coaching staff.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 30-1. Over/under wins: 9.5.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (16-3)
Strengths: The offense remains the biggest strength of the Chiefs, and arguably the most dynamic unit on either side of the ball in the NFL. QB Patrick Mahomes threw for 4,740 yards with 38 touchdowns and just six interceptions last season, and his three biggest weapons are back: TE Travis Kelce, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire and WR Tyreek Hill. But the offense should be even better thanks to a completely reworked line.
Weaknesses: The Chiefs are relying on young CBs L’Jarius Sneed and Charvarius Ward to continue their development, though it helps their cause to have veteran safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill on the field with them. The Chiefs also need to pressure the quarterback better. They have moved DT Chris Jones to defensive end opposite Frank Clark, and he looked good coming off the edge during the Chiefs’ three preseason wins. Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 4.5-1. Over/under wins: 12.5.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (8-8)
Strengths: With QB Derek Carr coming off his most productive season in three years under coach Jon Gruden, the passing game should once again be the strength for the Raiders. Star tight end Darren Waller remains the top target but the Raiders are counting on second-year receivers Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards to take a big step this year to help make up for the loss of Agholor. Weaknesses: The Raiders have had one of of the NFL’s worst defenses since Gruden returned in 2018. They tried to address the pass rush by signing DE Yannick Ngakoue to team with Maxx Crosby on the edge. The secondary still has plenty of questions. Last year’s first-round pick Damon Arnette has struggled and will likely play off the bench behind CB Casey Hayward coming off his worst season as a pro. Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 60-1. Over/under wins: 6.5.