NFL · 1 year ago

NFL 2024 Season Preview: AFC West Bold Predictions

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

Chiefs Don’t Make Super Bowl
We’re at this point with the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty where it’s more controversial to expect them not to make the Super Bowl, but we’re not buying into all the three-peat hype. On paper, on both sides of the ball, the talent is undeniable. It’s impossible to argue that they’re not good enough to three-peat; there is a reason that three-peats don’t happen. Having things break your way perfectly three years in a row defies logic, and while Patrick Mahomes himself defies logic, something is due to happen to this team to keep them from the big game.
Travis Kelce Finishes Out of the Top 5 Tight Ends
Despite all the success Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs offense have had, this might be the most talent Mahomes has had at the skill positions in his career. With Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Hollywood Brown lining up at the three receiver spots, Travis Kelce suddenly doesn’t become a necessity. It’s fair to say that Kelce wasn’t as elite in 2023 as he was in years past, setting himself up for potentially another drop-off in 2024. He’s been drafted as the second-best tight end in fantasy drafts, but we anticipate him finishing the season outside the top five for the first time in years.
Quentin Johnston Finishes Season as Chargers’ WR1
Jim Harbaugh has revamped the Los Angeles Chargers offense heading into the season, but his changes have been largely on the offensive line and running back position as he looks to establish a run-heavy approach. Still, with Justin Herbert under center, you have to air the ball out a little bit. With Keenan Allen now in Chicago and Mike Williams in New York, the wide receiver room is thin, as Joshua Palmer is projected to be the WR1. Palmer is a nice player, but the Chargers need Quentin Johnston to develop into a WR1 caliber player after drafting him in the first round just a year ago and a disappointing rookie campaign. He’ll be given plenty of chances to succeed, and we’re projecting that he’ll cash in after numerous reports have said that he’s had a very strong training camp.
Raiders Defense Becomes Sneaky Elite
Much of the storylines surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders have been surrounding the uncertain quarterback position, but head coach Antonio Pierce is laying the foundation for the Raiders to have a potentially elite defense, and we’re buying in. Up front, the Raiders have the chance to be great, with Maxx Crosby and newly-acquired Christian Wilkins leading the charge, and in the backend, they have a very stable secondary with a ton of upside. The Raiders might not be able to score many points, but their defense will win them more games than people realize in 2024.
Bo Nix Impresses, Broncos Flirt with Wild Card
Sean Payton’s first year in Denver started as a disaster but finished with a ton of promise, leading into an offseason when they drafted their next franchise quarterback for Bo Nix. Through preseason and training camp, many reporters have stated that Nix has stood out big time, already commanding the offense and being a vocal leader, earning himself the captain’s C as a rookie. All around, the Broncos' roster is better than most people give them credit for, and as they’ve been a quarterback away from contention for a few years now, we believe they’ll be a thorn in the side of the AFC wild-card hopefuls. Maybe Bo Nix is too young to lead them to the playoffs in his first year, but it wouldn’t shock me.
Raiders Pave the Way for Shedeur Sanders
The Las Vegas Raiders need to be relevant again. The NFL is better for it, and as their roster is improving on both sides of the ball, we will be convincing ourselves that they are a quarterback away from competing in the AFC by season’s end, as Gardner Minshew is not the answer. It would be wise for the Raiders to cash in on the veteran quarterback market if Dak Prescott hits the market or someone unexpectedly asks out, but you know they will want to land Shedeur Sanders to revitalize the Raiders brand. It couldn’t be more obvious. The Raiders likely won’t be bad enough to have a top-ten pick, thanks to their defense, but expect the front office to move mountains to get them within reach of landing Sanders.
Chiefs Don’t Make Super Bowl
We’re at this point with the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty where it’s more controversial to expect them not to make the Super Bowl, but we’re not buying into all the three-peat hype. On paper, on both sides of the ball, the talent is undeniable. It’s impossible to argue that they’re not good enough to three-peat; there is a reason that three-peats don’t happen. Having things break your way perfectly three years in a row defies logic, and while Patrick Mahomes himself defies logic, something is due to happen to this team to keep them from the big game.
Travis Kelce Finishes Out of the Top 5 Tight Ends
Despite all the success Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs offense have had, this might be the most talent Mahomes has had at the skill positions in his career. With Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Hollywood Brown lining up at the three receiver spots, Travis Kelce suddenly doesn’t become a necessity. It’s fair to say that Kelce wasn’t as elite in 2023 as he was in years past, setting himself up for potentially another drop-off in 2024. He’s been drafted as the second-best tight end in fantasy drafts, but we anticipate him finishing the season outside the top five for the first time in years.

NFL 2024 Season Preview: AFC West Bold Predictions

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