As the 2025 season approaches, let’s examine how the AFC West teams compare with one another. We will evaluate each position, ranking the four teams based on their overall strength in that area. While the performance of starters is significant, depth also plays a crucial role. Keep in mind, these are just preseason rankings and are subject to change throughout the year.
In case you missed it, we covered each of the team’s secondary. Specifically, we addressed the issues related to the Las Vegas Raiders. Today, we will wrap up our preseason rankings with special teams.
4. The Denver Broncos
Kicker: Will Lutz
Punter: Jeremy Crawshaw
Returners: Marvin Mims Jr., Jaleel McLaughlin, Michael Bandy, Courtney Jackson, Tyler Badie
Will Lutz is an above-average kicker that happens to play half his games in the league’s most kicker-friendly stadium. Pairing him with a rookie punter does not make for an exciting duo. In the return game, Marvin Mims figures to take on most of the responsibility. While he may not be flashy, he is certainly dependable. It could be worthwhile to give the agile McLaughlin or the quick rookie Courtney Jackson an opportunity.
3. The Kansas City Chiefs
Kicker: Harrison Butker
Punter: Matt Araiza
Returners: Nikko Remigio, Brashard Smith
Butker is another steady veteran kicker, much like Lutz. Punter Matt Araiza found his way back into the NFL and immediately became one of the league’s better punters. The Chiefs have a replacement-level returner in Nikko Remigio, but that could change after they drafted Brashard Smith out of SMU.
2. The Los Angeles Chargers
Kicker: Cameron Dicker
Punter: JK Scott
Returners: Derius Davis, Hassan Haskins, Ladd McConkey, KeAndre Lambert-Smith
‘Dicker the Kicker’ is quickly emerging as one of the league’s best. He is consistent but also effective from long range. The Chargers also have one of the more effective returners in the NFL in Derius Davis. However, the punter position keeps Los Angeles out of the top spot. JK Scott has solid placement, but his distance just is not cutting it.
1. The Las Vegas Raiders
Kicker: Daniel Carlson
Punter: AJ Cole
Returners: Tre Tucker, Sincere McCormick, Ashton Jeanty, Dylan Laube, Alex Bachman, Tommy Mellott
Speaking of punters, the Raiders have yet another generational talent at the position in AJ Cole. At kicker, Daniel Carlson remains one of the league’s best. This duo of punter and kicker is arguably the best in the league, let alone the AFC West.
However, there are uncertainties regarding the return game. Tre Tucker is still relatively new to that position, and the Raiders lack significant experience elsewhere on the roster. If Tucker isn’t the answer, Laube might be a potential candidate for the role. Regardless, the league is actively trying to diminish the importance of returns, making this position the least significant of the three.
Related: Do The Raiders Need Help In Their Secondary?
*Top Photo: Getty Images