The NFL Spread Champ Season Preview
AFC West Edition
In our previous sessions, we’ve thoroughly analyzed the AFC East, AFC North, and AFC South, where we projected the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens as the division champions in their respective divisions. Both teams are positioned for strong seasons, with the Jets benefiting from Aaron Rodgers' return and the Ravens focusing on playoff success. The AFC South, filled with intrigue, sees the Jaguars poised for a comeback and the Texans facing a daunting schedule that could impact their bid for back-to-back titles.
As we turn our attention to the AFC West, the landscape of this division is both exciting and unpredictable. The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs remain the team to beat, led by Patrick Mahomes and their relentless offense. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are generating plenty of hype with a talented roster poised to make a deep playoff run.
The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to rebound after a disappointing 2023 season, while all eyes are on Denver, where new head coach Sean Payton has taken the reins. The Broncos are attempting to right the ship after moving on from the brief and underwhelming Russell Wilson era. With so much at stake, the AFC West promises to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL this season.
Denver Broncos 2024 Preview: The Denver Broncos enter the 2024 season in a state of transition under head coach Sean Payton, following a disappointing 8-9 finish and the end of the Russell Wilson era. Payton, now in his second year, has made sweeping changes, including bringing in rookie quarterback Bo Nix as the new face of the franchise. Nix, a first-round pick, brings experience and a quick release but faces a challenging situation with an offense that still has many question marks, particularly at the skill positions.
On offense, Payton will implement a more structured system that emphasizes timing and precision, hoping to avoid the chaotic play that plagued the team last year. Nix's development will be crucial, especially as he tries to build chemistry with a receiving corps led by Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims, following the departure of Jerry Jeudy. The Broncos' running game, led by Javonte Williams, also needs to find consistency after a down year. If the offensive line can maintain its run-blocking strength, the Broncos might rely heavily on the ground game to support their young quarterback.
Defensively, the Broncos have also undergone significant changes, with Vance Joseph returning as defensive coordinator. The team will focus on improving a defense that allowed 413 points last season, ranking near the bottom of the league. The addition of players like John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach aims to shore up the defensive line, while the secondary will rely heavily on standout cornerback Pat Surtain II. The team’s ability to generate a pass rush and stop the run will be key factors in their success.
While the Broncos have made strides in restructuring their roster and culture, the road ahead remains tough. With a difficult schedule and a roster still in flux, Payton's ability to develop Nix and integrate new talent will be crucial. Vegas has set the Broncos' win total at 5.5, and with so many variables in play, it’s a cautious outlook for Denver as they navigate this period of transition. We are confident in the Under 5.5 for the Denver Broncos this season.
Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Preview:
The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2024 season with a mix of optimism and uncertainty as they transition into the Antonio Pierce era, now in his first full year as head coach. After a surprising 5-4 finish in his interim stint, Pierce is tasked with building on that momentum, but he faces a challenging road ahead, particularly with the quarterback situation. The departure of Josh Jacobs and Jimmy Garoppolo leaves the Raiders relying on third-year running back Zamir White and a quarterback competition between Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew. Neither quarterback inspires much confidence, but the team hopes to make up for it with a strong running game and the dynamic duo of Davante Adams and newly drafted tight end Brock Bowers.
Offensively, the Raiders have bolstered their line with the addition of Jackson Powers-Johnson, aiming to provide stability and open up the ground game for White. The success of this unit will be crucial, as the Raiders are likely to lean on a run-heavy approach under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. The receiving corps, led by Adams and Jakobi Meyers, offers potential, but it remains to be seen if the quarterbacks can deliver consistent production. The addition of Bowers should create mismatches in the passing game, giving the offense another dimension.
Defensively, the Raiders made significant strides last year, finishing with the ninth-fewest points allowed, a dramatic improvement from previous seasons. Maxx Crosby continues to be the heart of the defense, and the addition of Christian Wilkins on the defensive line should make this unit even more formidable. The secondary, featuring young talents like Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs, has the potential to develop into a solid group under the guidance of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. With continuity in the coaching staff and key additions, the defense could be the backbone of the team in 2024.
While the Raiders may not yet be ready to dethrone the Chiefs in the AFC West, they are taking steps in the right direction. Pierce’s leadership has reinvigorated the team, and the roster is slowly being shaped into a competitive unit. The quarterback situation remains the biggest question mark, but if the Raiders can find stability under center, they could take a significant step forward this season. With Vegas setting the win line at 6.5 we are comfortable with taking the Over 6.5 with us projecting an 8-9 finish like last year.
Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Preview:
The Los Angeles Chargers are entering 2024 with renewed optimism under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to a franchise in need of a turnaround. After a disappointing 2023 season plagued by injuries, the Chargers are poised to rebound, with Justin Herbert leading an offense that, while restructured, still holds promise. Harbaugh’s approach, combined with Greg Roman’s West Coast offense, aims to maximize Herbert’s potential, though the departure of key players like Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler means the team will need new stars to step up.
The Chargers' success will hinge on the performance of their offensive line, bolstered by first-round pick Joe Alt, and the health of key contributors like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards in the backfield. The receiving corps, featuring Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Joshua Palmer, must quickly develop chemistry with Herbert to keep the offense firing on all cylinders. Despite these challenges, the team’s talent on both sides of the ball suggests they have the tools to compete at a high level.
Defensively, the Chargers made strategic additions to shore up a unit that struggled last season. The arrival of veterans like Poona Ford and Kristian Fulton, combined with the leadership of defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, provides a solid foundation for improvement. The Chargers’ ability to generate a consistent pass rush and lock down opposing receivers will be critical as they navigate a tough AFC West.
While dethroning the Chiefs remains a tall order, the Chargers have the pieces in place to make a serious push for the playoffs. If Herbert can stay healthy and the team gels under Harbaugh’s leadership, a second-place finish in the division and a return to the postseason are well within reach. With the Win total set at 8.5 and a -155 odds we are very comfortable taking the over here.
Kansas City Chiefs 2024 Preview:
The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2024 season aiming for an unprecedented three-peat in Super Bowl victories, driven by the elite trio of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and head coach Andy Reid. Despite a dip in offensive production last year, the Chiefs remain a formidable force, bolstered by the addition of wide receivers Hollywood Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy, who bring much-needed speed and explosiveness to the lineup. Defensively, Chris Jones anchors a unit that ranked among the league's best, ensuring the Chiefs are well-rounded and ready for another championship run.
Key to their success will be maintaining offensive consistency and keeping Mahomes upright, especially with the competition in the AFC growing stronger. The Chiefs' schedule presents challenges, including matchups against the Ravens, Bengals, and 49ers, but their combination of talent and experience positions them as the team to beat once again.
With a balanced attack and a defense that continues to dominate, the Chiefs are well-poised to not only win the AFC West but also to secure another deep postseason run. We're confident in taking the over 11.5 wins, as this team looks primed to chase history and cement its legacy as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
We're off to a strong start this season with a 9-5 record and a perfect 1-0 in Preseason Week 2. But we're just getting started. If you're serious about winning this season, you won't want to miss out on our two rock-solid confidence picks lined up for tomorrow. Subscribe now and get the inside edge on the action. This is your chance to join the winning team—don’t let it slip away!