The AFC West entered the 2026 offseason bruised after every team missed its goals in 2025. Kansas City missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, while the Raiders and Chargers fell short, and Denver lost the AFC Championship after Bo Nix’s ankle injury. An active market of coaches and free agents now reshapes each roster. Betting markets now heavily favor Kansas City.

Denver’s biggest storyline centers on quarterback Bo Nix, who returned from two ankle surgeries and promises full‑go training camp. Coach Sean Payton handed play‑calling to offensive coordinator Davis Webb, while the addition of wideout Jaylen Waddle offers a high‑volume target to improve a sub‑par passing efficiency. Rookie running back Jonah Coleman also earned early rotation minutes. Coleman’s pass‑protection could boost the run game.

The Chargers bank on offensive guru Mike McDaniel to revamp Justin Herbert’s mechanics, shifting his shotgun stance to accelerate release speed. Defensive line upgrades aim to solve the lingering left‑guard woes, though rookie Jake Slaughter faces a battle for the spot. Meanwhile DraftKings lists the Chiefs +160 as AFC West favorites, with Denver, Los Angeles and Las Vegas trailing. If Mike McDaniel succeeds, the Chargers could challenge for the division.