The Las Vegas Raiders saw more change than any other franchise in the AFC West this offseason. Adding Pete Carroll, overhauling the starting quarterback situation, and locking up Maxx Crosby long-term were just some of the moves made.
However, was it enough to make a dent in a division that left the Raiders in the dust in 2024? Here’s a look at the state of the division and where the Raiders currently sit.
Where Do Raiders Land In Week 1 AFC West Power Rankings
#1 – Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have slid into the role left behind by the New England Patriots. As the Patriots started to get deep into their dynasty, fans hoped and analysts predicted the end of the league’s leading franchise.
However, time and time again, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick proved that as long as they were together, they were impossible to write off in their division.
The same is the case in the AFC West. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are set to cruise as the top dogs this season, leaving the rest of the division to chase once again.
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While Rashee Rice is out for six games, the team is expected to get a fully healthy Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy is likely to live up to his name in his second season.
When Rice returns, the years-long wide receiver drought could be over for Mahomes.
#2 – Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have been on the biggest roller coaster imaginable since late July, piling up a Najee Harris eye injury, losing right tackle Rashawn Slater, and reuniting with Keenan Allen.
While it’s hard to argue that the team got better since July, it appears that, for the most part, the storm has passed. Harris appears to be on track to not miss much time, if any. Any time he misses will be valuable reps for rookie Omarion Hampton, who is likely to lead the backfield anyway.
Justin Herbert is also seemingly in top shape, which is a quality indicator for the type of season on deck. The floor once again will be .500 with a likely playoff appearance. The question is whether Herbert can finally break through in January.
#3 – Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have seen tremendous growth this offseason, but it comes down to whether the franchise can take their four-win record from a season ago and double it. Adding Ashton Jeanty, Carroll, and Smith alone could be worth a few wins, but the franchise is still at the onset of a rebuild.
Some teams coming off a four-win season have proven to have been on the cusp of turning their division on its head. However, that isn’t exactly the case for the Raiders in the 2025 AFC West.
The Raiders were essentially starting from the bottom in January when they overhauled Carroll’s predecessor, quarterback, and general manager in one fell swoop. It’s going to take time, but the Raiders are set to take a step forward this year to avoid a last-place finish in the division, which is something to celebrate.
#4 – Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are perhaps the mainstream favorite darkhorse underdog pick for a bevy of breakthroughs this year, league-wide. However, plenty of quarterbacks coming off quality rookie seasons have met disaster in their second season.
In a tough-as-nails division with proven competitors, the Broncos, having lost their element of surprise with Bo Nix, could easily take a tumble under .500, narrowly sliding into fourth place after finishing third in the division in 2024.
They won’t be an easy defeat for most teams, but the win-loss record will show a different story.