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NFL: Predicting each division winner for 2018

By Chris Wilson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Injured quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Injured quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2018 AFC West
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 31: Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers fends off T.J. Carrie #38 of the Oakland Raiders as Allen makes the catch during the third quarter of the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

AFC West: Los Angeles Chargers

While the AFC West may be the NFL’s most competitive division — with the least separating the four teams — the Los Angeles Chargers have the best chance to come out on top. With the most complete team on both sides of the ball — even after the season-ending injury to tight end Hunter Henry —  the Chargers are in position to win the division, provided they avoid the slow start that plagued their 2017 season.

More from Niner Noise

The Kansas City Chiefs’ long-term strategy this offseason will likely cause some short-term regression, particularly offensively, due to the exit of quarterback Alex Smith. Replacing Smith, who had a career year in 2017, with second-year QB Patrick Mahomes will make it difficult for the team to rely on its offense like it did last season — even with the addition of wide receiver Sammy Watkins.

It’s difficult to predict what we’ll get from the Oakland Raiders in head coach Jon Gruden‘s first season with the team. The Raiders were better than their 6-10 record last season; a resurgence from quarterback Derek Carr and an overall improvement by the defense could easily push the team back to the top of the division, but if Gruden truly tries to “throw the game back to 1998,” it could be a long season for the Oakland fan base.

The Denver Broncos’ offensive woes — and especially their poor quarterback play — were mostly responsible for their high loss total in 2017. General manager John Elway attempted to rectify his team’s quarterback problem with the addition of Case Keenum; however, prior to last season’s career year, Keenum was considered more of a problem than a solution at the position. But if Keenum repeats his 2017 performance and Denver capitalizes on what appears to be a stellar draft class, don’t count the Broncos out of the AFC West title race.