The Kansas City Chiefs showed signs of slowing down last season, raising the question: is it far-fetched to think their dominance could be coming to an end? The AFC West will once again present a tough challenge—could the Denver Broncos be the team to dethrone them?
The Broncos are gearing up for a big season—and they’re not just thinking playoffs. There’s real belief in the Mile High City that this team can snatch the AFC West crown from the Chiefs. This is a challenging task, given that the Chiefs have dominated the division for nine consecutive years. But for the first time in a while, there’s a crack—or three—in Kansas City’s armor.
Things are getting intriguing in the AFC West…
Last season, the Chiefs were still Super Bowl-level good, but not their usual juggernaut selves. At times, their offense faltered, leaving their defense to shoulder the majority of the workload. Even with Patrick Mahomes under center, the issues at receiver and along the offensive line were hard to ignore—and hard to overcome.
Denver sees an opportunity here. This offseason, the Chiefs did not take steps to enhance their offensive line. Their first-round pick, rookie lineman Josh Simmons, is promising but has limited playing experience and is recovering from an injury. Joe Thuney is no longer part of the team, and his replacement, Kingsley Suamataia, struggled last season. Additionally, Jawaan Taylor is considered another weak link. Overall, this offensive line does not seem reliable, with the exceptions of Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.
Now enter Denver’s deep, aggressive defensive front—built to wreak havoc. If they can win the battle up front, it makes life much easier for the Broncos’ revamped secondary.
The Chiefs did not rest on their laurels this offseason…
Yes, the Chiefs added a few new weapons—rookie Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Jalen Royals—but none are sure things. Brown has lost a step, Worthy’s still raw, and Travis Kelce, while still dangerous, is showing signs of wear. Denver’s made more strides in coverage than Kansas City has in firepower.
With Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga leading the charge—and rookie Jahdae Barron expected to contribute early—this defense could be the difference-maker.
The Broncos nearly stole the first meeting with the Chiefs last year—losing only due to a special-teams gaffe—and then beat Kansas City’s backups in the season finale. Now, with better personnel and momentum on their side, Denver might just be ready to flip the script.
The division crown is no longer a pipe dream—it’s in play. And if the Broncos can win the trenches, it might finally be time for a new ruler in the AFC West.
Related: X-Factors For Each AFC West Squad This Season
*Top Photo: Tyler Schank/Getty Images