AFC West remains Kansas City Chiefs’ domain, but better competition has taken root
Season-ending games against a division rival — common in the NFL for about two decades now — provide an opportunity to take stock and see how things may shape up the following year.
The AFC West is looking formidable.
Moves by the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs’ opponent Sunday, and Los Angeles Chargers in recent years are paying off. The Chargers have clinched their second playoff season in six years, and the Broncos are a betting favorite to be in the postseason for the first time since 2015.
Defeating a Chiefs team that will be giving playing time to several reserves, starting with quarterback Carson Wentz, would punch the Broncos’ ticket to the playoffs.
If that happens, the division will have three of its four teams in the postseason for the first time since 2013.
What’s happened in Denver and L.A.? Start with getting the coach and quarterback right. Sean Payton, in his second year with the Broncos, won a Super Bowl in New Orleans and enters the weekend as the NFL’s fifth winningest current coach (170), one victory behind Baltimore’s John Harbaugh.
Denver quarterback Bo Nix has improved by the week, even climbing into the race for offensive rookie of the year alongside Washington’s Jayden Daniels.
In Los Angeles, Justin Herbert has surpassed 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns for the fifth straight year, tying Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson for the most to start a career.
Jim Harbaugh has won everywhere on the NFL and college level and he has the Chargers in the playoffs in his first year.
As for the Las Vegas Raiders, who will finish with a non-winning record for the 20th time in the past 22 years, the seemingly perpetual rebuild continues.
The Chiefs have won the AFC West nine straight years, and with Patrick Mahomes completing his age 29 year, Kansas City has the main ingredient to maintain its success. But it’s been a while since the division has been this good, and there is reason to believe that will continue.
Here’s what to watch when the Chiefs meet the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday. Kickoff is 3:25 p.m. (Central Time) and will be broadcast on CBS.
Chiefs player to watch: Running back Carson Steele
It’s been a bit of dry spell for Steele, who started two games earlier this season. Over the past five, he’s taken just 18 offensive snaps — none in the Christmas Day game at Pittsburgh. That’s about to change. Steele figures to play a prominent role in the backfield with players like Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco resting with other front-liners.
“Obviously, we know the circumstances,” Steele said. “We know kind of where we’re at and the reason I’m playing and not Pat (Patrick Mahomes) and all the things, but I still go out there and expect to win. I’m going to prepare to go out there and win and have a good performance with this offense and yeah, we’re preparing for that.”
Broncos player to watch: linebacker Nick Bonitto
One of three Broncos named Pro Bowl starters (along with Marvin Mims, Pat Surtain II), outside linebacker Bonitto leads the Broncos in sacks with 11 1/2, including one against the Chiefs in Week 10. Bonitto also has two defensive touchdowns this season.
It’s uncertain who will line up at left tackle for the Chiefs. They haven’t allowed a sack in the three weeks since Joe Thuney moved from guard to left tackle.
Special teams: Broncos return specialist Marvin Mims
The Chiefs’ Matt Araiza needs to punt away from this guy. Mims leads the NFL with a 15.7-yard punt return average, and he’s a dangerous wide receiver coming off a two-touchdown game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The former Oklahoma standout also averages 27.7 yards on kickoff returns.
This story was originally published January 2, 2025 at 12:14 PM.