As the 2025 NFL regular season approaches, let’s take a look at how the AFC West teams stack up against each other. We will go position by position, ranking the four teams based on each team’s strength at that position as a whole. While starters may carry more weight, depth is also important.
Please remember that these rankings are based on preseason evaluations and may change as the season progresses. Today, we will begin our assessment with the quarterbacks.
4. The Denver Broncos
Starter: Bo Nix
Backups: Jarrett Stidham, Sam Ehlinger
It’s not an insult to rank the Broncos fourth on this list. They simply have the least established quarterback group at this time. Bo Nix had a respectable rookie season, but some uncertainties still surround his performance. Behind him, Denver has a fairly average backup (by backup quarterback standards) in Jarrett Stidham.
The only other quarterback on the roster, Sam Ehlinger, has not thrown a pass in an NFL regular season game since 2022. Given what is behind him, a lot is riding on Nix. If he takes a big step forward this year, we could see the Broncos move up on this list. For now, they reside at the bottom of the AFC West.
3. The Las Vegas Raiders
Starter: Geno Smith
Backups: Aidan O’Connell, Cam Miller
Depending on how you feel about Geno Smith, this ranking may be a bit low, or possibly even a bit too high. The enigmatic nature of Smith’s career is a big reason why this feels like the right spot for him. However, what really separates Las Vegas from Denver is the quality of depth behind Smith.
Backup Aidan O’Connell has shown that he can perform competently as a starting quarterback in the league, although he does have some notable limitations. He is the only other reliable option in the quarterback room, which represents a significant improvement over Stidham.
2. The Los Angeles Chargers
Starter: Justin Herbert
Backups: Taylor Heinicke, Trey Lance, DJ Uiagalelei
Raider Nation may be a little butt-hurt about Herbert getting the nod over Smith. No other fanbase has as much experience with the Chargers’ quarterback’s abilities at his best as the Raiders do. While this offense may not be the best use of his talent, Herbert’s natural ability is undeniable at this point. Behind him, Los Angeles has Taylor Heinicke, a reliable backup with a wealth of starting experience. Furthermore, Trey Lance looks like he could be an intriguingly good fit for this offense after a strong showing in the Hall of Fame game.
1. The Kansas City Chiefs
Starter: Patrick Mahomes
Backups: Gardner Minshew, Chris Oladokun, Bailey Zappe
Duh. Of course the division’s boogeyman for the last decade was going to be first. The parade of quarterbacks trailing him holds no significance in this scenario. Mahomes remains the best quarterback in the league until proven otherwise. The Chiefs will remain at the top of this list (and the AFC West) for the foreseeable future.
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*Top Photo: Associated Press