Will the AFC West Live Up to the Hype in 2023?
Josh Frey
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As training camp continues to get closer, many folks have begun previewing the 2023 season and what we should expect to see from each NFL team in 2023. Over the course of the next couple weeks, we will be breaking down all 32 NFL teams, going over some of the biggest moves of the offseason, best-case and worst-case scenarios for 2023, and addressing some of the questions facing each team.
Today, we’re talking about a division that was hyped up in 2022 as one of the best in football before largely being a flop. This year, can the AFC West live up to the hype, though?
Denver Broncos
- 2022 Record: 5-12 (4th in AFC West)
- Best Addition: HC Sean Payton
- Biggest Loss: DE Dre’Mont Jones
- Underrated Move: Drafting LB Drew Sanders
- 2023 Floor: 5-12
- 2023 Ceiling: 12-5
- Biggest Question: Will the Sean Payton/Russell Wilson relationship work?
2022 quickly went off the rails under Nathaniel Hackett as head coach. As a result, the Broncos ensured that they got a strong voice in their locker room for 2023 by hiring Sean Payton. The hope is that he can keep Russell Wilson on the straight and narrow this season while the defense remains as strong as it has been in recent years.
Denver made big additions on the offensive line in order to ensure that they keep Wilson’s jersey clean as well. Signing Mike McGlinchey at right tackle along with Ben Powers at guard were two of the biggest free agent contracts handed out this spring. Then, the draft selection of Marvin Mims added some extra speed at receiver.
At the end of the day, though, everything in Denver revolves around the relationship of Sean Payton and Russell Wilson working. If the duo butts heads, it could be a long season, but if they gel, Payton can turn the Broncos offense into a well-oiled machine, much like the Drew Brees offenses back with the Saints.
Kansas City Chiefs
- 2022 Record: 14-3 (1st in AFC West, Super Bowl champs)
- Best Addition: EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
- Biggest Loss: DT Khalen Sanders
- Underrated Move: Signing LT Donovan Smith for just $3 million
- 2023 Floor: 12-5
- 2023 Ceiling: 15-2
- Biggest Question: Does the loss of OC Eric Bieniemy slow down the offense?
It’s hard to have too many questions about a Super Bowl champion that returns its head coach, quarterback, and some of the main pieces around that quarterback. However, we cannot entirely dismiss the fact that offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is now in Washington, and Matt Nagy is taking his place.
At the end of the day, though, Kansas City is going to go as far as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid can take them. Mahomes is still the best quarterback, and Reid is still the best head coach in the game.
They made some more intriguing additions via the draft as well to make up for any losses in free agency. Felix Anudike-Uzomah is the latest uber-athletic pass-rusher to be selected by the team with a high pick, and he should immediately find a role on the defense. Meanwhile, Rashee Rice was a prolific wide receiver at SMU, so targets should be coming his way very quickly too.
Las Vegas Raiders
- 2022 Record: 6-11 (3rd in AFC West)
- Best Addition: EDGE Tyree Wilson
- Biggest Loss: QB Derek Carr
- Underrated Move: Losing QB Jarrett Stidham
- 2023 Floor: 4-13
- 2023 Ceiling: 9-8
- Biggest Question: Will they have their skill position players on offense?
2022 was a roller coaster ride for the Las Vegas Raiders, and unfortunately, 2023 is shaping up to be much of the same. The team let Derek Carr leave, and at least initially, the plan to replace him seems to be Jimmy Garoppolo. However, his foot injury continues to be a concern, and reading between the lines, it seems like there is some uncertainty that the Raiders will have him around at least to start the season.
That makes it even more impactful that they lost Jarrett Stidham to the Broncos in free agency. Now, behind Carr stands a group of QBs that includes UDFA Chase Garbers, fourth-round pick Aidan O’Connell, and a 38-year-old Brian Hoyer who has started three games since 2018.
On top of that, RB Josh Jacobs was unable to secure a long-term extension this offseason after leading the league in rushing during 2022. Now, he will be forced to play on the franchise tag, or he could potentially be another RB that will hold out of training camp and potentially the start of the season. If the Raiders don’t have their key players around on offense, this could be another very long year in Las Vegas.
Los Angeles Chargers
- 2022 Record: 10-7 (2nd in AFC West)
- Best Addition: WR Quentin Johnston
- Biggest Loss: LG Matt Feiler
- Underrated Move: Re-signing TE Donald Parham
- 2023 Floor: 8-9
- 2023 Ceiling: 12-5
- Biggest Question: Can the receivers stay healthy?
Every season for the Chargers in recent years seems to be decided by kicking woes or poor health for their star wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Last year, the duo missed a combined 11 games, and with the inconsistent presence of their star players, the Chargers were held to 20 or fewer points on seven occasions.
They may not be able to guarantee the health of Allen and Williams, but LA made efforts to ensure that Herbert has players to throw to at all times this season. They drafted WR Quentin Johnston in the first round, and they managed to keep RB Austin Ekeler around for at least one more hurrah by restructuring his contract.
If Donald Parham can return to full strength after his hamstring injury, he should bring some added artillery to the offense as well, particularly in the red zone. This offense can be a top-10 unit if they stay healthy, but that simply hasn’t been the case.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.