As the 2025 season approaches, let’s take a look at how the AFC West teams stack up against each other. We will evaluate each position by ranking the four teams according to their overall strength in that area. While the performance of the starters will be a significant factor, the depth of each team is also crucial. Please note that these are preliminary rankings and may change as the season progresses.
Last time, we went through the quarterback rooms, but today we will focus on the linebackers that primarily line up off of the line of scrimmage.
4. The Los Angeles Chargers
Starters: Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman
Depth: Troy Dye, Junior Colson, Del’Shawn Phillips, Kana’i Mauga, Emany Johnson, Marlowe Wax
Daiyan Henley is coming off of a breakout year in 2024. If he can continue to make strides, he may be able to carry this unit. The Chargers need that to happen, as they do not have much else going on at the position. While Denzel Perryman is competent, his age and legal issues significantly hinder his effectiveness. Furthermore, the team’s depth leaves much to be desired. Colson, Dye, and Phillips are not guys you want to have to rely on for 50 snaps a game.
3. The Las Vegas Raiders
Starters: Germaine Pratt, Elandon Roberts, Devin White
Depth: Jamal Adams, Tommy Eichenberg, Jaylon Smith, Amari Gainer, Cody Lindenberg, Matt Jones, Michael Barrett
The Raiders had a really solid linebacker corps last season with Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo, and Luke Masterson, but they let all three walk in free agency. The team then tried to replace them with a group of journeymen that lacks star power. However, there are some positives. Pratt is a reliable player who is likely to accumulate a significant number of tackles. With him and Roberts in the lineup, this unit should perform well against the run. The downside, though, is that they have several weaknesses in pass coverage. Perhaps bringing in a former All-Pro safety in Jamal Adams and converting him to linebacker will help, but it is difficult to see the vision with this unit.
2. The Denver Broncos
Starters: Alex Singleton, Dre Greenlaw
Depth: Justin Strnad, Levelle Bailey, Drew Sanders, Garret Wallow, Karene Reid, Jordan Turner, J.B. Brown
If they can stay healthy, Denver should have an elite duo in Singleton and Greenlaw. Considering Singleton and Greenlaw’s recent injury histories, this poses a significant caveat. Sanders and Strnad are serviceable backups, but that is about all they should be relied upon for. When we check back in with this group later in the season, they will likely be higher on this list if their starters remain healthy. If not, who knows how far they will fall?
1. The Kansas City Chiefs
Starters: Drue Tranquil; Nick Bolton; Leo Chenal
Depth: Cam Jones; Jack Cochrane; Cole Christiansen; Jeffrey Bassa; Brandon George; Cooper McDonald
This is just a solid group all around. Bolton and Chenal are both studs, especially against the run. Meanwhile, Tranquil’s coverage is solid, providing some balance. Additionally, don’t underestimate the potential impact of the rookie Bassa. At the end of the day, the Chiefs start the year at the top of this list primarily due to this group’s proven reliability. If they regress at all or if any stars emerge from the other teams, they could easily drop.
Related: AFC West Coverage Archives
*Top Photo: Getty Images