The Kansas City Chiefs are still the clear-cut favorites to dominate not just the AFC West, but the whole league. However, among all the teams competing in their division, the Denver Broncos may pose the biggest threat to the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Here's why:
With the recent signing of Patrick Mahomes' lucrative contract extension, the Chiefs have already locked in the league's top gunslinger for the years to come. Defensive tackle Chris Jones also inked a four-year, $85 million agreement to remain with the team. Both Mahomes and Jones are still in the early stages of their young careers and have yet to even reach their prime.
The champion team from last season's Super Bowl is still intact with no key players walking away from the team this offseason. This is a good indication that the team is committed to bringing yet another Lombardi Trophy to the Chiefs Kingdom.
The Broncos, however, are in a different situation. The team has already moved on from their starter quarterback a year ago in Joe Flacco. They have now entrusted the keys to the team's offense with incoming sophomore Drew Lock.
With luck on their side, the team was able to snag former Crimson Tide standout Jerry Jeudy with the 15th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The speedy wideout is already expected to be a major contributor to the offensive line right away.
The Broncos have also come to terms with two-time Pro Bowler Melvin Gordon III to a two-year contract this offseason. They are now also entering a full season with former New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur as the team's new offensive coordinator who was signed last January 14.
How about the Las Vegas Raiders? Their recent relocation and the unveiling of a new stadium may mean that they are opening a new chapter in the franchise's rich history. However, they still don't have sufficient pieces to successfully dethrone the Super Bowl LIV champions.
They have also acquired lightning-quick wide receiver Henry Ruggs III with the 12th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Raiders also gave former Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota a chance to compete for the starting playmaker duties. They still need to fill in some gaps in their roster to fully compete with the league's best.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers have yet to finish their rebuilding mode and are figuring their way in a post-Philip Rivers era. They have acquired young players in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft to boost their lineup for the years to come. The Chargers selected former Oregon Duck Justin Herbert and Oklahoma Sooner Kenneth Murray Jr. with the 6th pick and 23rd pick, respectively.
Not only did the Chargers add young prospects but also welcomed much-needed veteran presence. Five-time Pro Bowler Guard Trai Turner will also be providing big help along the interior. Super Bowl XLV champion Bryan Bulaga will also beef up the team's defensive line. The nose tackle position also got an upgrade in two-time Pro Bowler Linval Joseph.
For now, the Raiders and the Chargers still have long ways to go in their rebuilding process. The Broncos, on the other hand, still need to equip its young roster with more experience in order to bring the franchise back to relevance.
Only time can tell if these teams will be able to step up to the plate and challenge the Kansas City Chiefs reign in the upcoming season.
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