AFC West: Can the Chiefs and Broncos Stay Aloft?

The AFC West remains one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos as perennial contenders. But this year, the division’s depth—and unpredictability—has never been greater. Here’s how the over/under win totals stack up:

The Chiefs enter the season as the clear favorites, but questions remain about Patrick Mahomes’ durability after a grueling 2025 campaign. With the addition of OT Jalen Reynolds (No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft), Andy Reid’s offensive line could finally stabilize, allowing Mahomes to extend plays and reduce turnover risk. However, the defense—led by Chris Jones and Justin Hill—must improve its pass rush to stay ahead of AFC rivals.

Denver’s over/under sits at 11.5 wins, reflecting optimism about the Broncos’ young core. Quarterback Russell Wilson (now in his 18th season) showed flashes of brilliance in 2025, but his age and the team’s lack of a clear No. 2 option remain concerns. The defense, anchored by Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, is a bright spot, but the offensive line must protect Wilson long enough to sustain drives. A healthy WR Courtland Sutton will be critical.

The Chargers and Raiders both sit at the division’s bottom, but their trajectories could diverge wildly. The Chargers, with Justin Herbert at the helm, have a talented roster but lack a consistent offensive line. If Herbert can stay healthy and the defense improves under Coordinator Joe Barry, 10 wins are plausible. The Raiders, meanwhile, are in full rebuild mode, with QB Drake Maye taking over for a rookie season. Their over/under of 8.5 reflects cautious optimism.

NFC West: Eagles and 49ers Locked in Battle

The NFC West is a tale of two teams—the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers—who have dominated the division for years, while the Seahawks and Rams scramble to keep up. Here’s how the over/under win totals break down:

The Eagles enter 2026 as the NFC’s most dangerous team, with Jalen Hurts at his peak and a defense led by Haason Reddick and Darius Slay. Their over/under of 13.5 reflects confidence in Hurts’ ability to carry the offense, but the team must address its offensive line vulnerabilities. If OT Lane Johnson stays healthy, Philadelphia could challenge for a first-round bye.

The 49ers, meanwhile, are in transition. Brock Purdy showed flashes of brilliance in 2025, but the team’s lack of a clear No. 2 QB remains a concern. With Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system still evolving, San Francisco’s over/under of 12.5 assumes Purdy maintains his accuracy and the defense—led by Nick Bosa and Fred Warner—stays elite. However, injuries to key players like WR Deebo Samuel could derail expectations.

The Seahawks and Cardinals both sit at the division’s bottom, but Seattle has the most upside. With Geno Smith returning to form and a defense led by Quenton Nelson, the Seahawks could challenge for the NFC’s wild-card spots. Their over/under of 9.5 reflects cautious optimism, while Arizona’s 8.5 underlines the Cardinals’ need for a quarterback upgrade. Kyler Murray’s trade request and the team’s lack of a clear successor remain major hurdles.

Key Takeaways: What’s Next for the West?

Standings Implications: In both divisions, the top two teams are locked in a battle for the No. 1 seed. A 14-win season in either conference could secure a first-round bye, making every game a must-win for the Chiefs, Eagles, and 49ers.

Injury Watch: Keep an eye on NFL injury reports for updates on key players like Sutton, Samuel, and Johnson. A healthy season for these stars could push their teams over the win-total threshold.

How to Follow the 2026 NFL Season

Training camps open on July 25, 2026, with preseason games kicking off on August 8. The regular season begins on September 10, and the AFC/NFC West openers are as follows:

For real-time updates, follow NFL.com or subscribe to team newsletters. The next major checkpoint is the 2026 NFL Draft (April 26–28, 2026), where teams will address their biggest needs.