Our 2020 NFL division previews continue today as we take a look at the AFC West division! The winners of last year’s AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs, went on to win the Super Bowl last season and are strong favourites to go back to back in 2020.
Can the Chargers, Broncos or the recently relocated Las Vegas Raiders cause an upset in the AFC West?
Remember, you can check out our other NFL season previews by clicking any of the links below.
– NFL Outright Betting Picks
– AFC East Preview
– AFC North Preview
– AFC West Preview
– AFC South Preview
– NFC East Preview
– NFC South Preview
– NFC West Preview
2020 AFC West Division Preview
The Chiefs have now won four AFC West divisions in a row and the latest resulted in their first Super Bowl since 1969. The division itself has expericed different runs over the past 20 years, with San Diego (now Los Angeles) having won four in a row from 2006-2009 before the Denver Broncos took out five straight AFC West titles from 2011-2015 with Peyton Manning at the helm.
Since then, however, it’s been all Chiefs and they’ll be extremely tough to topple again in 2016. They enter the season as almost un-backable -400 favourites to win the division.
Denver Broncos
Win Total Over/Under via DraftKings Sportsbook
Over 7.5 (-110)
Under 7.5 (-110)
The Denver Broncos finished the 2019 season in a flurry, winning four of their last five games under rookie QB Drew Lock. Lock will get the start to begin the 2020 season and has a pretty solid core of skill position players to call upon.
The defence and home field advantage is still key for Denver’s success. They were 5-3 at home last season and held their opponents to 19.8 points per game, one of just 10 teams to average under 20 points against for the season.
Notable Arrivals: G Graham Glasgow, RB Melvin Gordon, DT Jurrell Casey, CB A.J. Bouye
Notable Departures: G Connor McGovern, CB Chris Harris
Broncos General Manager John Elway was busy in the off-season, picking up Jurrell Casey and A.J. Bouye via trade, both of whom should bolster what is an already strong defence. Running back Melvin Gordon also joins from Los Angeles Chargers and should form a dynamic 1-2 punch with Phillip Lindsay in the backfield.
2020 Denver Broncos Schedule | |||||
| Date | Opponent | Time/TV | |||
| Monday Sep. 14 |  | Tennessee TitansBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | 10:10pm ETESPN | ||
| Sunday Sep. 20 |  | at Pittsburgh SteelersHeinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Sep. 27 |  | Tampa Bay BuccaneersBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:25pm ETFOX | ||
| Thursday Oct. 1 |  | at New York JetsMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ | 8:20pm ETNFLN | ||
| Sunday Oct. 11 |  | at New England PatriotsGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Oct. 18 |  | Miami DolphinsBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:05pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Oct. 25 |  | Kansas City ChiefsBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Nov. 1 | BYE | ||||
| Sunday Nov. 8 |  | at Atlanta FalconsMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Nov. 15 |  | at Las Vegas RaidersAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 4:05pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Nov. 22 |  | Los Angeles ChargersBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:05pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Nov. 29 |  | New Orleans SaintsBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:05pm ETFOX | ||
| Sunday Dec. 6 | | at Kansas City ChiefsArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 8:20pm ETNBC | ||
| Sunday Dec. 13 |  | at Carolina PanthersBank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Dec. 20 |  | Buffalo BillsBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | Time TBA ETor Sat. Dec. 19 | ||
| Sunday Dec. 27 | | at Los Angeles ChargersSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | Time TBA ETor Sat. Dec. 26 | ||
| Sunday Jan. 3 | | Las Vegas RaidersBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
The Broncos inter-conference games come against the NFC South division this year. Luckily for them, the two harder games in that division in the Saints and Buccaneers, both come at home while they’ll travel to Atlanta and Carolina for the easier games.They should go at least 2-2 across those four games, and the rest of their schedule is relatively easy with games against the Jets, Dolphins, and Raiders x2.
Prediction
Record: 9-7
We actually really like the look of the Denver Broncos this season. They seem to have bought into the run game and defensive model that has made them successful in the past and that should really take some pressure off the young QB Lock. Home field advantage in the Mile High City is always massive, you can expect at least five wins at home, and we like them to go at least .500 in their away games.
Kansas City Chiefs
Win Total Over/Under via DraftKings Sportsbook
Over 11 (-143)
Under 11 (+118)
The Chiefs are fresh off their first Super Bowl victory since 1969 and will be looking to become the first team o win back to back titles since the Patriots 16 years ago. Patrick Mahomes missed some of last year through injury but finished the regular season in dominant fashion, carrying that form into the playoffs where he helped the Chiefs put up 39 points per game.
Offence is the name of the game for the Chiefs, and at Mahomes side is a myriad of dominant skill position players in Travis Kelce, Tyreke Hill, Sammy Watkins and Damien Williams.
Notable Arrivals: OL Mike Remmers
Notable Departures: CB Kendall Fuller, DE Emmanuel Ogbah
Not much to note on the Chiefs in the off-season and you can’t really blame them. After winning a Super Bowl, they will look to run the same team back again, which is an achievement in itself given that an inevitable pay-day is coming for Patrick Mahomes at the end of the season.
2020 Kansas City Chiefs Schedule | |||||
| Date | Opponent | Time/TV | |||
| Thursday Sep. 10 |  | Houston TexansArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 8:20pm ETNBC | ||
| Sunday Sep. 20 | | at Los Angeles ChargersSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Monday Sep. 28 |  | at Baltimore RavensM&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD | 8:15pm ETESPN | ||
| Sunday Oct. 4 | | New England PatriotsArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Oct. 11 | | Las Vegas RaidersArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Thursday Oct. 15 | | at Buffalo BillsNew Era Field, Orchard Park, NY | 8:20pm ETFOX/NFLN/Amazon | ||
| Sunday Oct. 25 |  | at Denver BroncosBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Nov. 1 | | New York JetsArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Nov. 8 | | Carolina PanthersArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 1:00pm ETFOX | ||
| Sunday Nov. 15 | BYE | ||||
| Sunday Nov. 22 | | at Las Vegas RaidersAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 8:20pm ETNBC | ||
| Sunday Nov. 29 | | at Tampa Bay BuccaneersRaymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Dec. 6 | | Denver BroncosArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 8:20pm ETNBC | ||
| Sunday Dec. 13 | | at Miami DolphinsHard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Dec. 20 | | at New Orleans SaintsMercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Dec. 27 | | Atlanta FalconsArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 1:00pm ETFOX | ||
| Sunday Jan. 3 | | Los Angeles ChargersArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
Lock in an afternoon on the couch on the 20th of December as the Chiefs travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints in what could be a Super Bowl preview. This game could total 80+ points and is one of the regular seasons matchups we are really looking forward to this year.
Prediction
Record: 12-4
Baltimore, New Orleans, Buffalo and Tampa Bay are the danger games on this schedule. There is no way the Chiefs will lose all four, but there will likely be a surprosing loss along the way, potentially to a vengeful Texans in Week 1. 12-4 for the Chiefs is somehow conservative yet ambitious at the same.
We think the Chiefs win 11 games with their eyes closed this season, so a bet on the over is basically a free-roll.
Las Vegas Raiders
Win Total Over/Under via DraftKings Sportsbook
Over 7 (-121)
Under 7 (+100)
There will be keen interest surround the Las Vegas Raiders season this year, not because anyone thinks they will be particularly good, but because they will be hoping to capture the hearts of a Las Vegas fan base that has thirsted for NFL for decades.
The first year in the new city is always a super important one, and while anyone jumping on the Vegas bandwagon would be silly to think they can make any impact in the playoffs, they HAVE to show something to get some fan engagement.
Notable Arrivals: LB Cory Littleton, QB Marcus Mariota, DE Carl Nassib, LB Nick Kwiatkoski
Notable Departures: S Karl Joseph, LB Tahir Whitehead
The defense got a much needed boost in the off-season, adding six players at various positions, most of whom should start straight away. The big get for the Raiders, however, was the signing of Marcus Mariota to a largely incentive based contract. At the minimum, Mariota should challenge Carr for the starting job.
2020 Las Vegas Raiders Schedule |
|||||
| Date | Opponent | Time/TV | |||
| Sunday Sep. 13 | |
at Carolina PanthersBank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Monday Sep. 21 | |
New Orleans SaintsAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 8:15pm ETABC/ESPN | ||
| Sunday Sep. 27 | |
at New England PatriotsGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Oct. 4 | |
Buffalo BillsAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Oct. 11 | |
at Kansas City ChiefsArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Oct. 18 | BYE | ||||
| Sunday Oct. 25 | |
Tampa Bay BuccaneersAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 8:20pm ETNBC | ||
| Sunday Nov. 1 |  |
at Cleveland BrownsFirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH | 1:00pm ETFOX | ||
| Sunday Nov. 8 | |
at Los Angeles ChargersSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 4:05pm ETFOX | ||
| Sunday Nov. 15 | |
Denver BroncosAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 4:05pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Nov. 22 | |
Kansas City ChiefsAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 8:20pm ETNBC | ||
| Sunday Nov. 29 | |
at Atlanta FalconsMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Dec. 6 | |
at New York JetsMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Dec. 13 |  |
Indianapolis ColtsAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 4:05pm ETCBS | ||
| Thursday Dec. 17 | |
Los Angeles ChargersAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 8:20pm ETFOX/NFLN/Amazon | ||
| Sunday Dec. 27 | |
Miami DolphinsAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | Time TBA ETor Sat. Dec. 26 | ||
| Sunday Jan. 3 | |
at Denver BroncosBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
Regardless of the strength of schedule, it’s all about eyes on product for the Raiders this season. They boast four night games including big games against the Saints, Bucs and Chiefs.
Prediction
Record: 6-9
We aren’t expecting much from the Raiders on the field this season, especially with what is a pretty tough schedule. Their bye week comes in Week 6 and they could easily be 1-4 heading into that bye with games against the Saints, Pats, Bills and Chiefs in the first five weeks.
Week 1 at Carolina is massive, if they lose that, it’s going to be a long season for the Raiders in their first year in Las Vegas.
Los Angeles Chargers
Win Total Over/Under via DraftKings Sportsbook
Over 7.5 (-110)
Under 7.5 (-110)
LA parted ways with stalwart quarterback Philip Rivers will result in a new starting quarterback in Chargers colors to open the season for the first time since the 2004 season.
Former Browns QB Tyrod Taylor earns the starting position for the Chargers and while there is some unknown surrounding him, the rest of the skill position places are pretty stacked.
Notable Arrivals:CB Chris Harris, DT Linval Joseph, RT Bryan Bulaga, G Trai Turner
Notable Departures: LT Russell Okung, RB Melvin Gordon, QB Philip Rivers
The offensive line needed help for the Charger and general manager Tom Telesco took care of that, signing Bryan Bulaga and Trai Turner to provide more protection for Taylor.
2020 Los Angeles Chargers Schedule | |||||
| Date | Opponent | Time/TV | |||
| Sunday Sep. 13 |  | at Cincinnati BengalsPaul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | 4:05pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Sep. 20 | | Kansas City ChiefsSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Sep. 27 | | Carolina PanthersSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 4:05pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Oct. 4 | | at Tampa Bay BuccaneersRaymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Monday Oct. 12 | | at New Orleans SaintsMercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA | 8:15pm ETESPN | ||
| Sunday Oct. 18 | | New York JetsSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 4:05pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Oct. 25 | | at Miami DolphinsHard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Nov. 1 |  | Jacksonville JaguarsSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 4:05pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Nov. 8 | | Las Vegas RaidersSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 4:05pm ETFOX | ||
| Sunday Nov. 15 | BYE | ||||
| Sunday Nov. 22 | | at Denver BroncosBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:05pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Nov. 29 | | at Buffalo BillsNew Era Field, Orchard Park, NY | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Dec. 6 | | New England PatriotsSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday Dec. 13 | | Atlanta FalconsSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 4:25pm ETFOX | ||
| Thursday Dec. 17 | | at Las Vegas RaidersAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 8:20pm ETFOX/NFLN/Amazon | ||
| Sunday Dec. 27 | | Denver BroncosSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | Time TBA ETor Sat. Dec. 26 | ||
| Sunday Jan. 3 | | at Kansas City ChiefsArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
The Chargers have a tough start to the season with games against the Chiefs, Bucs and Saints in the first five weeks. They will play just two prime-time games this season, neither of which will be at the SoFi Stadium, their new home building.
Prediction
Record: 7-9
Tough one to call here but we have the Chargers going just under this season. With a new quarterback at the helm there is just too many unknowns at this stage. Their skill position players have also proven to be pretty injury prone and that offensive line is still a big issue.
Seven wins seems about right for the Bolts, so back a very tentative under here.
AFC West Division Winner
Not a very hard one to predict here. Like our AFC North preview, the only thing stopping the Chiefs from winning another division title is a Patrick Mahomes injury. If you want to bet on that, then Denver might be some value at +800, but we certainly won’t be betting against the MVP favorite.
