What Are the Odds?

Here’s a fun fact: the AFC West is the only division in the NFL whose all-time division titles are evenly distributed across each of the four teams. The Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos and Raiders have each won 15, so whoever wins it this coming season will have some extra bragging rights. Kansas City was far behind the pack until recently, as their remarkable seven straight AFC West titles have evened the race 🏆

• KC is the obvious favorite (-160) heading into this season as well, as they employ the league’s best player in Patrick Mahomes

• However, every team in the division has a legitimate chance to be a playoff contender in 2023. The AFC West makes no sense geographically, but the on-field product has a chance to be pretty special 😂

Odds To Win The AFC West

• Kansas City Chiefs: -160

• Los Angeles Chargers: +260

• Denver Broncos: +700

• Las Vegas Raiders: +1400

Mahomes vs The Field

The KC case is pretty obvious: Patrick Mahomes is at the peak of his powers, coming off of an instantly legendary Super Bowl run on a hobbled ankle. While Tom Brady’s record seven Super Bowls might seem untouchable, the fact that Mahomes appears to even have a chance to ultimately challenge his GOAT status is incredible. KC’s crop of WRs may be underwhelming, but Mahomes and Kelce remain the league’s preeminent duo 🔥

• The Chiefs’ top AFC West competitor also relies heavily upon a supernaturally gifted QB in Justin Herbert. The Chargers underachieved in 2022 behind OC Joe Lombardi’s overly conservative approach, but are hoping Kellen Moore’s insertion will unlock Herbert’s full potential

• While the young QB has yet to score a playoff win, the respect that the league’s elite holds for him is clear 💪

The division’s biggest wildcard is the squad who won the Sean Payton sweepstakes — the Broncos surprised many by landing the most sought after HC after an incredibly disappointing 2022 campaign. Fresh off of a $245M extension, Russell Wilson submitted a truly disastrous Year 1 in Denver. The Broncos are hoping that this debacle was an off year and not the new norm, and that Payton can bring Wilson back to his productive self 🤔

• The AFC West’s biggest long shot is the Raiders, who essentially swapped out Derek Carr for Jimmy Garoppolo. The Raiders have big-name stars in Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby, but the overall roster management leaves a lot to be desired

• Unfortunately, the Raiders could not come to a deal in time with star RB Josh Jacobs. He now joins Saquon Barkley in a contract holdout

If all this football talk gets you excited to the season, I highly recommend checking out Peyton Manning’s new Netflix Series Quarterback. Mahomes is one of the stars, and there’s some great footage from last year’s intense game vs. the Raiders 🏈

Trivia Question: Mahomes will be looking for third MVP award this coming season. Which player has won the most MVPs of all-time?

For My Parlay Gurus

The smartest money here is obviously on Mahomes and the Chiefs, but where’s the fun in that? All good things must come to an end, and if the Chiefs’ seven-year run atop the AFC West is to finally collapse, I like Denver to shock the world and take the division. The Broncos boasted an elite defense last year, and if Payton can get Wilson to perform like even a solid QB again, this will be a highly competitive squad. Give one of these a shot 🤞

• Broncos to win the AFC West: +700

• Broncos to win over 8.5 games: +106

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Trivia Answer: Peyton Manning won five MVP awards, the most ever (full list here)