Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Breaking down each division heading into 2018

By Peter Panacy

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: Korey Toomer #56 of the Los Angeles Chargers attempts to tackle Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the NFL game at the StubHub Center on September 24, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: Korey Toomer #56 of the Los Angeles Chargers attempts to tackle Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the NFL game at the StubHub Center on September 24, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Last year, many of us would have thought the AFC West would have sent at least two teams to the postseason.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Instead, the Broncos and Raiders both disappointed, leading to major changes in the roster and the coaching staff. For Oakland, Jon Gruden now takes over as head coach. Some of his influenced roster moves have been odd, to say the least. But the Raiders still have a franchise quarterback, Derek Carr, and a top-tier EDGE in Khalil Mack. That’s good. But is it enough?

The Broncos didn’t change head coaches, but they elected to move All-Pro cornerback Aqib Talib and grab quarterback Case Keenum in free agency.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs also made a change under center, sending off veteran Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins, opening up the door for 2017 rookie Patrick Mahomes to assume starting duties.

Mahomes is an X-factor for the team loaded with offensive weapons. But can the defense keep up?

If you’re looking for your AFC West winner, though, keep an eye on the Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterback Philip Rivers continues to play well, and his defense has two of the best pass-rushers in the league, Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.

They’ll take advantage of a weakened AFC West this year and reach the postseason.