AFC West: The Best NFL Playoff Race in 2021

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KANSAS CITY- The Chiefs were the obvious AFC West frontrunner before the season began. A victory over the Cleveland Browns during opening week seemed to confirm the obvious. However, after four weeks of football, the Chargers are in a first-place tie with the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos. It’s starting out as the season of weird things happening in the AFC West but this is just the start. The Chiefs are one game behind their three division foes. This playoff race is just getting started. This is little more than a warmup to a wild finish.

The Chargers are in first place after a major win over Las Vegas on Monday Night Football. The nationally televised stage and playoff atmosphere really gave us a glimpse into the possible future of the Chargers winning the division. Does it sound crazy? Does it sound far-fetched? Does it seem too bold to suddenly stray away from stating Kansas City is still the favorite? Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is at the top of his game right now. Herbert passed for 1,178 yards and nine touchdowns. However, he has a tough matchup against the Cleveland defense that suddenly looking super bowl caliber after holding the Bears to six points and the Vikings elite offense to just seven points. This is the true measuring stick for Herbert.

It wouldn’t take much for Kansas City to make a run at first place given the simple fact that this is just one game deficit we’re talking about. Patrick Mahomes passed for 1,207 yards and 24 touchdowns so far. The elite Chiefs offense of Mahomes, receiver Tyreek Hill, Tight End Travis Kelce, and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will keep the Chiefs in the division race. Edwards-Helaire is eighth in the league in rushing yards with 291. The defense really needs to step it up.

The AFC West talk isn’t complete until we talk about the Raiders. This team is showing that competitive fire right now. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr threw for 1,399 yards and eight touchdowns. He has more passing yards so far than either Mahomes or Herbert. That’s an eye-catching stat for sure.

Prediction:

Kansas City Chiefs 12-5
Los Angeles Chargers 12-5
Las Vegas Raiders 10-7
Denver Broncos 7-10

The division could belong to any of these teams and this could continue until week 17. Strap in and buckle your seatbelt for a wild finish. The Denver Broncos are the team most likely to have a dropoff. None of these teams have a top overall defense yet but the Chargers pass defense is having success. If Los Angeles improves against the run, things could get interesting.