It is a new week in the NFL, which means it is time to update our AFC West Power Rankings. We actually have some movement this week, so let’s get right into it!
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Trending: Steady
After Week 1, the Raiders looked like they could be moving out of the AFC West basement soon. After Week 2, it looks like the basement is where they belong. They looked very outmatched against the Chargers on Monday Night Football. The defense is average. The offense lacks depth and fluctuates depending on Geno Smith’s performance. It could get better if they can create more balance on offense. Las Vegas gets a chance to turn things around next week against the Washington Commanders.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Trending: Down
It is officially time to stop giving the Chiefs the benefit of the doubt. This team is just not that good. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes can elevate things enough to make the scores look close, but they never really looked like they had much of a shot at winning either of their first two games.
Speaking of Mahomes, he looks off. Part of it is surely due to the random people he is throwing the ball to. That being said, some of his misses have been way off and his mechanics just do not look quite right. The lack of receiver talent has led him to run more and take more hits, so maybe he is getting a little beat up? Whatever it is, the Chiefs need to fix it immediately.
2. Denver Broncos
Trending: Steady
The Broncos move up a spot despite losing to the Colts in Week 2. Obviously, the Chiefs’ struggles have a lot to do with that. It’s important to remember, though, that Denver gave away that game in the end. Additionally, the Colts may actually be quite competitive this year. The Broncos still look pretty solid and have the potential to contend in the AFC West this year. They can prove it this week, as they take on the division-leading Chargers.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
Trending: Up
We may soon need to start having a serious conversation about the Chargers being contenders not just in the AFC West, but in the AFC as a whole. The offense is solid enough, aided by the fact that they have a high-end quarterback capable of bailing them out at times.
What is really impressive, though, is the defense. This secondary is looking scary. It is not just the Derwin James show either. Tarheeb Still and Alohi Gilman are becoming household names in their own right. The Chargers are quickly pulling away in the division. A win over Denver this week would give them a stranglehold over the AFC West.
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*Top Photo: Rick Scuteri/Associated Press