The NFL offseason is in full swing and with training camps right around the corner, there are a lot of unanswered questions for each team. Not all of our questions will be addressed before the season begins, but some will be in camp, which begins on July 26 for most teams.
The entire AFC West made some of the biggest moves in the NFL this offseason. Let’s break down a pressing question for each of the AFC West teams next season.
Chiefs: What Will The Offense Look Like Without Tyreek Hill?
In one of the biggest deals this offseason, the Chiefs shipped out their biggest wide receiver weapon. When it seems like the rest of the division got better, the Chiefs got worse with Hill’s departure.
They did sign Juju Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but neither of them has been a true number one option at the level of Hill. I’d expect Travis Kelce to take on an even larger role. It’s also possible that we see rookies Skyy Moore and Justyn Ross contribute, but we’ll have to wait to see how this plays out during the season.
Raiders: How Will The Defense Evolve Under Patrick Graham?
Although the Raiders landed the best wide receiver in the league on offense, the bigger question is how will the defense stack up to a loaded offensive division? They signed Chandler Jones, but for the most part, the defensive roster looks pretty much the same as last year.
However, they are switching from the ever-conservative Gus Bradley to a young, rising innovator in Patrick Graham. Schematically, the defense will look incredibly different.
Their pass rush should be good with Maxx Crosby, and Jones, but the rest of the defense isn’t exactly much of a threat. Their secondary is definitely the weak point, with most of the starters being pretty young. They were pretty average last year, and unless the defense steps up, it’s likely they don’t make the playoffs
Chargers: Will The Offseason Additions Help Propel This Team Over The Hump?
The Chargers added some major defensive firepower including former DPOY Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Kyle Van Noy, and Troy Reeder. Last year their defense was mediocre, so adding those players should help tremendously.
Joey Bosa playing opposite Mack should strike fear into any AFC quarterback, and Jackson helping Derwin James on the back end should be just as threatening.
The Chargers really went all out with their free agent signings this offseason, as they’re trying to make the most of Justin Herbert‘s rookie deal. They also continued to beef up their offensive line by drafting Zion Johnson. We’ll see if all the new additions to the team can help this team make the playoffs.
Broncos: Can Russell Wilson Carry Them Back To The Playoffs?
In another big move in the AFC West, the Broncos traded a big haul to get Wilson. They had been linked to Aaron Rodgers in each of the last two offseasons, and many analysts talked about how they were just a quarterback away. Now that they’ve got their quarterback in Wilson, the question is can he still be a quarterback capable of leading this team to the playoffs?
Despite not playing in every game last year he still posted solid QB stats with a middling Seahawks team. The Broncos may not be an upgrade in the pass-catcher department, but their offensive line is definitely better than the Seahawks. Can he finally end the Broncos’ mediocrity streak at QB and lead this team to the playoffs?
