The AFC West ended up being a better division last year than what the preseason expectations were. Although the Kansas City Chiefs won the West for an eighth straight season, the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers both showed that they made big strides in closing the gap with the Chiefs. In fact, both teams also made the Playoffs last year.

With that said, the Chiefs remain the NFL betting favorites to win the AFC West this season. The race for second is shaping up to be another intense battle between the Broncos and Chiefs. The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to finish in the basement of the West.  

It should also come as no surprise that Kansas City is a favorite to win the AFC Championship for the fourth straight season and head to the Super Bowl for a record setting fourth in a row. Can any of these teams upset the Chiefs in the West?

Let’s take a look at the latest AFC West odds, courtesy of the top sports betting sites, and make our 2025-26 AFC West division predictions.

What Teams Are In The AFC West?

The following four NFL teams are in the AFC West

• Denver Broncos: 15 division titles, last won in 2015
• Kansas City Chiefs: 17 division titles, last won in 2024
• Las Vegas Raiders: 15 division titles, last won in 2002
• Los Angeles Chargers: 15 division titles, last won in 2009

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AFC West Division

Kansas City Chiefs Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 23.1 ppg (12), 322.0 ypg (19), 54.55% RZ TDs (21)
• 2024-25 Defense: 20.5 ppg (6), 328.2 ypg (10), 1.1 TO (19)

The Kansas City Chiefs come into this season as the Super Bowl runner up and motivated to get revenge on the entire league for that embarrassing performance in the biggest game of the year.

So, they re-signed a plethora of players on both sides of the ball to keep their continuity and depth. Additionally, they filled one of their biggest needs in the draft by taking OT Josh Simmons in the first round. They also got a sneaky-good wide receiver in Jalen Royals from Utah State.

Other than the loss of safety Justin Reid, everyone else was replaceable. However, one of the biggest factors this season will be getting wide receiver Rashee Rice back from injury. Well, maybe not for the entire season as he will most likely receive a suspension for his off-field troubles last year.

With that said, Patrick Mahomes is looking to take this offense back to the top of the league. And, I wouldn’t put it past him to be in the running for the MVP as well. Last year, the Chiefs offense was average at best. This year, I expect them to be in the Top 10 for most major categories.

Despite their SB loss, KC is still the king of the mountain in the AFC, which includes their division, as well.

Kansas City Chiefs Win Total

• Over 11.5 (+100)
• Under 11.5 (-130)

I think you can pencil the Chiefs in for at least 12 wins and another AFC West title. They improved their team with added talent on both sides of the ball. Additionally, with Mahomes at the helm, this team can win at least 11 games in their sleep.

I wouldn’t be surprised if KC goes 5-1 in the division once again. Wins over the Colts, Giants, Jaguars, Dallas and Titans should put them at 10 wins easily.

Their toughest matchups are against Philly, Baltimore, Detroit, Washington, Buffalo, and Houston. Surprisingly, the schedule makers gave KC all of those games at home except for the Bills matchup.

I can see the Chiefs going at least 3-3 in those six games. I doubt KC goes 15-2 this year, but a 13-4 record looks very comfortable. A 14-4 record isn’t out of the question either. Take the Over and laugh at the sportsbooks that are offering this value.

Bet: Over 11.5 (+100)

Will The Kansas City Chiefs Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-400)
• No (+300)

The Chiefs are only behind the Bills and Ravens for odds to make the Playoffs in the AFC. They’re tied with the Eagles, as well. Until someone beats the Chiefs to win the AFC West, which hasn’t happened since Peyton Manning and the Broncos in 2015, you have to take KC to win the division and make the Playoffs.

The only question is whether or not KC can get the no.1 seed again. It’s going to be a close battle with Buffalo and Baltimore. Fortunately, all three teams play against each other, so we should see some tie breakers come into play.

Bet: Yes (-400)

Denver Broncos Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 24.0 ppg (10), 319.0 ypg (22), 61.4% RZ TDs (9)
• 2024-25 Defense: 19.0 ppg (3), 325.7 ypg (9), 1.4 TO (26)

The future is bright in Denver as the Broncos put together a shocking season where they made the Playoffs and exceeded all expectations. A lot of praise was heaped on Denver’s defense, and rightfully so, but the offense was almost as impressive.

Denver had a Top 10 scoring offense, one of the best rookies in the NFL with QB Bo Nix, and did this with some glaring weaknesses like in the backfield and passing game.

So, the Broncos’ front office added plenty of talent to their backfield by signing free agent running back J.K. Dobbins and TE Evan Engram. The also drafted RB RJ Harvey and WR Pat Bryant, who are two explosive players. Harvey could be a threat out of the backfield with his speed.

Defensively, the Broncos added talent to their elite unite by signing LB Dre Greenlaw, Safety Talanao Hufanga, and drafting Texas corner Jahdae Barron who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in College last year. They will pair him with the reigning defensive MVP Patrick Surtain II.

When it comes to the AFC, no other team did more to close the gap on their division champion than the Broncos did. Somehow, they added to an already elite defense with serious talent. Then, they improved their glaring weaknesses on the offensive side of the ball through free agency and the draft.

Can Denver upstage the Chiefs for the AFC West title?

Denver Broncos Win Total

• Over 11.5 (+100)
• Under 11.5 (-130)

Denver was one of the biggest surprises in the AFC last year as they made the Playoffs as the final Wild Card seed. Although they were crushed in the Wild Card Round by Buffalo, this team showed plenty of talent and hope for the future.

I believe in Denver this year, but they have a tough schedule and it’s going to be hard to get to 12 wins. That means they can’t lose more than five games, which I see at least five or six losses.

I think Denver goes 3-3 in the West and also loses to Philly. That’s four losses. The Broncos still play the Bengals, Cowboys, Texans, Commanders and Packers. I see Denver losing two of those games, possible at Washington and at Houston. Either way, I see six losses on the season.

This O/U is really tight as I peg Denver to go 11-6 on the season. I would avoid this O/U unless you can find an Under 12.5 wins or Over 10.5 wins.

Bet: Under 11.5 wins (-130)

Will The Denver Broncos Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-115)
• No (-105)

Denver has a tough schedule. But I do see the Broncos making the Playoffs again. This defense is elite and got better in the offseason. However, it’s their offense that added more weapons and should take a step up in the rankings.

Even if they finish 11-6, I expect Denver to be in the postseason. However, if they can get a higher seed and avoid KC, Buffalo or Baltimore in the first round, then I could see the Broncos winning a Playoff game as well.

Bet: Yes (-115)

Los Angeles Chargers Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 23.0 ppg (13), 320.7 ypg (22), 54.9% RZ TDs (18)
• 2024-25 Defense: 18.5 ppg (2), 330.2 ypg (11), 1.3 TO (11)

Like the Broncos, the Los Angeles Chargers also surprised fans and pundits alike by exceeded preseason expectations to win 11 games and make the Playoffs. They accomplished all of this with a new head coach and coordinators, as well.

With a full year under his belt, Jim Harbaugh has molded this team even more to his personality. He let older players walk like Dobbins, Ewards, Hurst and Bosa, while adding young talent through the draft.

Offensively, this team leaned on the run until the passing game rounded into form late in the season. They found out that Ladd McConkey is a true no.1 receiver and the main passing threat on this team. However, they added Tre Harris in the second round. The explosive wide receiver out of Mississippi has already received praise from QB Justin Herbert.

The Chargers replaced aging running backs Edwards and Dobbins with former Steelers lead-back Najee Harris in Free Agency and then drafted Omarian Hampton who was one of the best running backs in this year’s class.

Defensively, we might see some issues with the Chargers. Last year, they had the second-best scoring defense in the league. However, they let a lot of players walk including Poona Ford who played well at DT for them. Drafting Jamaree Caldwell from Oregon will definitely help in this regard.

As the team got younger and more athletic on defense, it remains to be seen if they can play at the Top 10 level that they did last season. With that said, this team could lean more on the offense and still make the Playoffs with an average (Top 20) defense.

Look for the Chargers to be one of the best running games in the league, and Herbert to pick apart opposing defenses with a deadly play action attack. I like the Chargers to challenge the Broncos for the second spot in the AFC West. But can they unseat the Chiefs for the top spot?

Los Angeles Chargers Win Total

• Over 9.5 (+100)
• Under 9.5 (-130)

The Chargers showed plenty of grit last season as they exceeded expectations and clinched the 5^th seed in the Playoffs. LA finished 11-6 and second in the AFC West. I think there’s a good chance that they repeat that same record.

I like the Chargers to go at least 3-3 in the AFC West. From there, I see LA beating the Giants, Dolphins, Colts, Vikings, Titans, Jaguars, and Steelers. That’s 10 wins right there.

So, now if they can pull out a victory against Washington, Dallas, Philly or get revenge against Houston at home in Week 17, then that’s 11 wins on the season.

Either way, I feel confident in the Chargers winning double digit games and I like the value of the Over at +100 odds.

Bet: Over 9.5 (+100)

Will The Los Angeles Chargers Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-130)
• No (+100)

If you connect the dots in the paragraphs above, you will see that I believe in the Chargers making the Playoffs. This team is solid and they added more weapons on offense which will make them even better than last year even if that doesn’t translate into more wins.

I like what the Chargers have on both sides of the ball and in the coaching department. I think they will capture one of the three AFC Wild Card spots. Unfortunately, I think it will be another early exit from the postseason, as well. But that’s another story, for another day.

Bet: Yes (-130)

Las Vegas Raiders Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 18.2 ppg (29), 303.2 ypg (27), 48.89% RZ TDs (26)
• 2024-25 Defense: 25.5 ppg (25), 333.1 ypg (14), 0.8 TO (29)

Let me preface this by saying that I am a huge Ashton Jeanty fan as I’ve rooted for Boise State the last few decades now. But not even Jeanty can turn this Raiders team into a winner. At least, not in this season. Las Vegas is still a year or three away from being a winning football team.

Bringing in Pete Carroll to take over as head coach was a smart decision as it provides a reeling franchise with stability and a players’ coach. Trading for Geno Smith will give the Raiders a steady QB for the next year or two, until they draft their franchise quarterback of the future.

So, they have some foundational pieces to turn things around from their four-win campaign last season. In the draft, they added some nice talent in addition to Jeanty. Wide receivers Jack Bech (TCU) and Dont’e Thornton Jr. (Tennessee) could provide some explosiveness to a stale offense.

Make no mistake about it, this will be a run-first offense. Jeanty and free agent addition Raheem Mostert will provide this team with a nice 1-2 punch. Bowers is quite possibly the best tight end in the league already, and he will give Smith a solid weapon.

Unfortunately, the offensive line still needs some upgrading and the wide outs won’t win many one-on-one battles.

Defensively, I still have concerns for a unit that was one of the worst in the league last year. Maxx Crosby is a fantastic player, but he needs more help if Las Vegas wants to win ball games. Not only will they struggle to stop elite offenses, but they will also have a hard time creating turnovers just like last year.

The defense does have some pieces and you can definitely see the ingredients for future success. Las Vegas will need Christian Wilkins to be 100% healthy after a foot injury last year. Eric Stokes needs to find his game to be a solid corner for the Raiders. Germaine Pratt and Elandon Roberts will improve the linebacking corps but this team will still struggle to stop the Chiefs and Broncos offenses.

If ownership and the front office can ace the 2026 offseason like they did with this one, the Raiders could be a sleeper next year. As for this year, it’s best if Raiders fans enjoy the small wins on the field and not worry about the wins and losses for the team. An ugly season could still produce some bright spots for the future.

Las Vegas Raiders Win Total

• Over 6.5 (-145)
• Under 6.5 (+115)

I must admit that these Over/Under odds are surprising to me. I just don’t see how the Raiders will win seven or more games. This is not a good team. They need another season or two before they can even sniff a .500 record.

I expect the Raiders to lose all six games in the AFC West for a second straight season. That means they would have to win seven of their 11 non-divisional games. You can chalk up losses to Washington, Dallas, Philadelphia and Houston. I also think that the Patriots and Bears are better than the Raiders.

In reality, the only games that the Raiders have any chance in are against the Colts, Titans, Jaguars, Browns, and Giants. That Indy game is on the road, which I see them losing. The other four are at home. So, even if they win those four games, the Raiders will have to win three more to get the Over.

I am hammering the Under as I see the Raiders being one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. Their O/U should be around 4.5 as the sportsbooks are overvaluing Las Vegas.

Bet: Under 6.5 (+115)

Will The Las Vegas Raiders Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+320)
• No (-450)

There’s absolutely no chance that the Raiders make the Playoffs. Even if they miraculously finish with a 9-8 record, it would still not be enough to make the postseason. 11 wins are going to be needed for an AFC team to snag one of the Wild Card spots. And, I will bet my house that the Raiders don’t win 11 games.

Bet: No (-450)

AFC West Division Odds

• KC Chiefs -110
• Denver Broncos +300
• LA Chargers +300
• Las Vegas Raiders +1600

Like with the AFC East, I think it’s clear which team will win this division. However, unlike the East where buffalo will run away with the division, the AFC West will be a tighter race. Yet, the only smart NFL pick for this prop bet is the Kansas City Chiefs.

If I had to pick between the Broncos and Chargers for which team could beat the Chiefs, I would pick Denver. I love their offseason acquisitions especially to an already Top 5 defense.

With that said, until the Chiefs lose the AFC West crown, you must pick them to win.

Bet: KC Chiefs (-110)

AFC West Exact Order Of The Division

Really, the only challenge here is picking which team will finish second. And, the oddsmakers struggled with this, as well. You can see this with the identical odds between the Broncos and the Chargers. The best handicappers are split between these two teams, as well.

I don’t see things being that difficult. Denver has the better overall roster. Their defense added three elite players. The offense addressed their weaknesses by adding some top-notch talent.

In other words, I believe that Denver is the second-best team in the AFC West and KC’s biggest threat. The Chiefs will win the division, while the Raiders will finish in last place once again.

Bet: KC 1st (-110), Denver 2nd (+220), LA 3rd (+220), LV 4th (-145)

AFC West Division Top 2 Finishing Position

• KC Chiefs & Denver Broncos (+160)
• KC Chiefs & Los Angeles Chargers (+160)
• Los Angeles Chargers & Denver Broncos (+400)
• KC Chiefs & Las Vegas Raiders (+2000)
• Denver Broncos & Las Vegas Raiders (+3000)
• Los Angeles Chargers & Las Vegas Raiders (+3000)

I’ve said it a few times now, but I think the Chiefs will win the AFC West and the Broncos will nap the second spot ahead of the Chargers by a game or two at max. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Denver finished ahead of Los Angeles due to a tie breaker because that’s how close they will be based on their rosters and schedules.

Yet, in the end, the Broncos get my vote based on their elite defense that could possibly end up as the best unit in the league. And, the Chiefs are still the best in the west until proven otherwise.

Bet: KC Chiefs & Denver Broncos (+160)

AFC West Season Matchups

As of this writing, there’s only one AFC West series that’s available to wager on. We’ll break down the available odds and still provide analysis on all of the season series between these four divisional rivals.

Kansas City Chiefs Series Matchups

Last year, the Chiefs went 5-1 in the division. I see a similar result this year. I think the Broncos can beat the Chiefs in Denver this season and they won’t need KC to rest their starters in order to accomplish that feat. Other than that, I see the Chiefs sweeping the Raiders and Chargers just like they did last season.

Bet: 2-0 vs. LV (-250), 1-1 vs. Den (NA), 2-0 vs. LA (NA)

Denver Broncos Series Matchups

As mentioned, I see the Broncos taking one from the Chiefs. I also like for Denver to sweep the Raiders. Last year, the Chargers swept the Broncos. This year, I see these two teams splitting the games with each franchise winning at home. I like for Denver to go 4-2 in the AFC West (at least 3-3).

Bet: 2-0 vs. LV (NA), 1-1 vs. KC (NA), 1-1 vs. LA (NA)

Las Vegas Raiders Series Matchups

The games might be closer than last year, but the Raiders will finish this season having lost all six of their divisional matchups. I don’t see how Las Vegas beats these three Playoff-caliber teams unless one of them is missing their franchise QB.

Bet: 0-2 vs. KC (-250), 0-2 vs. Den (NA), 0-2 vs. LA (NA)

Los Angles Chargers Series Matchups

I see the Chargers sweeping the Raiders once again. I also see LA losing both games to the Chiefs, once again. However, instead of sweeping the Broncos like last year, I see those two rivals splitting the series. I’m predicting the Chargers go 3-3 in the AFC West as they go 1-1-1 in the three divisional series matchups.

Bet: 2-0 vs. LV (NA), 1-1 vs. Den (NA), 0-2 vs. KC (NA)

AFC West Champions

The Kansas City Chiefs have won eight consecutive AFC West titles and are in the lead with 17 all-time divisional crowns. The Broncos, Chargers and Raiders are all tied with 15 wins apiece.

The following is a list of the most recent AFC West winners: