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  1. 7 CIN 21 CAR
  2. 27 NE 35 LV
  3. 0 SF 0 ARI
  4. 0 CHI 0 GB
  5. 0 BUF 0 JAX
  6. 0 TB 0 DEN
  7. 0 IND 0 NYJ
  8. 0 MIA 0 MIN
  9. 0 ATL 0 WAS
  10. 0 DET 0 PHI
  11. 0 LAR 0 LAC
  12. 0 NO 0 KC
  13. 0 PIT 0 BAL
  14. 0 HOU 0 TEN

Redzone Redlines Season Preview - The AFC West

by JAMoney14 | 7 months ago | 0 Comments

AFC WEST

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DENVER BRONCOS

Team Strengths:

Defensive Line: The Broncos boast a formidable front, led by veteran Cameron Heyward (86 OVR, 36 y/o, Star). His experience and sheer power, paired with John Franklin-Myers (77 OVR, 28 y/o), create a fearsome duo that can control the trenches, disrupt the run, and force offenses to think twice before passing.

Wide Receiver Corps: Courtland Sutton (82 OVR, 29 y/o, Star) continues to be a big-bodied deep threat, while Marvin Mims Jr. (84 OVR, 23 y/o, Star) provides explosive playmaking ability. This combo offers a versatile mix of reliable hands and big-play potential, forcing defenses to stay on their toes.

Linebacker Duo: Baron Browning (81 OVR, 26 y/o, Superstar) and Troy Andersen (77 OVR, 26 y/o, Superstar) are a dynamic pairing. Browning's sideline-to-sideline speed complements Andersen's instincts, creating a unit that thrives in both coverage and run-stopping. Expect these two to be the backbone of the Broncos’ defense.

Quarterback Stability: Bo Nix (82 OVR, 25 y/o) demonstrated his talent last season with 4,014 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. His mobility and knack for extending plays add an extra dimension to the offense, giving the Broncos a much-needed spark at QB.

Team Weaknesses:

Offensive Line: Despite Garett Bolles (83 OVR, 33 y/o, Star) anchoring the line, the rest of the unit is a patchwork of average talent. Opposing defenses exploited this weakness last season, leading to Nix being sacked a whopping 47 times. A turnaround in protection is crucial if the offense is to thrive.

Running Back Depth: Javonte Williams is a solid workhorse, but the backfield lacks game-breaking talent behind him. A.J. Dillon (81 OVR, 27 y/o, Star) is a bruiser, but his lack of speed limits his explosiveness. If Williams falters or faces injury, the ground game could struggle to make an impact.

Cornerback Depth: While Patrick Surtain II (97 OVR, 25 y/o, X-Factor) is a shutdown corner who can erase the opponent's top receiver, the drop-off in talent beyond him is concerning. If injuries strike, the secondary could find itself exposed against teams with a deep receiving corps.

Turnover Issues: Bo Nix's 20 interceptions last season highlight a pressing need for smarter decision-making. While his aggressive play style creates big plays, it also comes with costly turnovers. For the Broncos to take the next step, Nix must find a balance between risk and reward.

Factors to Watch:

Bo Nix's Development: With a year of experience under his belt, Nix’s progression is pivotal. His tendency to play hero ball needs refinement; if he can limit turnovers while still utilizing his arm talent and athleticism, the Broncos' offense could be much more potent.

O-Line Adjustments: The coaching staff faces a significant challenge in shoring up protection for Nix. Improvements on the interior line, particularly at the guard positions, will dictate the offense's ceiling. Can they adapt and give Nix the time he needs to thrive?

Defensive Scheme: The Broncos’ defense is stacked with versatile players like Baron Browning and Cameron Heyward. How they leverage this versatility, especially in creating pressure packages and varying coverage looks, will determine if they can dominate opposing offenses.

The Money Situation:

  • Veteran Contracts: Cameron Heyward's hefty $22 million contract and Garett Bolles’ $14.3 million deal present a challenge. With several young stars on the roster, these veteran salaries may limit Denver's ability to extend key players in the future.
  • Young Talent on Cheap Deals: Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin (79 OVR, 22 y/o, Star) offer top-tier production while still on their rookie contracts, providing excellent value for the team.
  • Upcoming Renewals: Bo Nix and Drew Dalman (82 OVR, 26 y/o) are both due for extensions soon. Their next contracts could heavily impact the team’s cap flexibility moving forward.

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KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Team Strengths:

Quarterback Play: Patrick Mahomes (99 OVR, 30 y/o, X-Factor) is the undisputed leader of the Chiefs’ offense. His elite arm talent, playmaking ability, and improvisation make him a constant threat. With over 4,550 passing yards and 36 touchdowns last season, he remains one of the NFL’s most dangerous quarterbacks.

Offensive Weapons: The Chiefs have a versatile arsenal. Travis Kelce (97 OVR, 36 y/o, Superstar) is still the focal point, posting 1,236 receiving yards. Isiah Pacheco (92 OVR, 26 y/o) not only contributed on the ground but also led the team with 93 receptions, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Add Rashee Rice (85 OVR, 24 y/o) and Xavier Worthy (82 OVR, 24 y/o), and you have a complete offensive unit.

Offensive Line: Anchored by Creed Humphrey (93 OVR, 25 y/o, Star) and Joe Thuney (91 OVR, 33 y/o), the line excels in both pass protection and run-blocking. This stability up front allows the Chiefs to execute their high-octane offensive schemes and provides Mahomes with ample time to make plays.

Defensive Front: Chris Jones (94 OVR, 31 y/o, Superstar) is the key disruptor on the defensive line, recording 3 sacks last season despite double-team attention. He’s joined by George Karlaftis (86 OVR, 25 y/o, Star), creating a formidable pass-rush duo that can generate pressure and disrupt opposing offenses.

Team Weaknesses:

Turnover Prone: Mahomes' 20 interceptions last season highlight a critical issue. His willingness to take risks can lead to big plays, but it also leaves the team vulnerable to momentum-shifting turnovers. This aggressive approach could spell trouble in tight games if not reined in.

Inconsistent Secondary: While Trent McDuffie (91 OVR, 26 y/o, Star) is a standout corner, the rest of the secondary lacks the same level of impact. Opponents exploited this inconsistency last season, leading to critical breakdowns in coverage during key moments.

Lack of Running Back Depth: Outside of Pacheco, the Chiefs’ running back room lacks proven depth. Rico Dowdle (75 OVR, 28 y/o) provides some support, but if Pacheco goes down, the Chiefs could struggle to establish a balanced offensive attack.

Special Teams Uncertainty: Kicker Harrison Butker (85 OVR, 31 y/o) has been reliable in the past, but an increased number of missed kicks in crucial situations last season raises concerns about consistency, potentially impacting close games.

Factors to Watch:

Young Receiving Core: The development of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy is crucial. If these young receivers can continue their upward trajectory, the Chiefs’ offense will remain one of the most potent in the league.

Mahomes’ Adaptation: Will Mahomes adjust his gunslinger mentality to reduce turnovers? If he can find a balance between aggression and careful play, the offense could reach new heights while avoiding costly mistakes.

Defensive Adjustments: The pressure will be on the Chiefs’ coaching staff to tighten up the secondary. Utilizing Chris Jones and Karlaftis effectively to disrupt opposing quarterbacks could help mask coverage weaknesses.

The Money Situation:

  • Expensive Veteran Contracts: Mahomes' massive $53.38M per year contract limits flexibility. Chris Jones’ $34.85M and Joe Thuney's $26.91M deals further complicate future cap space, potentially hindering re-signing key young players.
  • Affordable Young Talent: Players like Creed Humphrey and Isiah Pacheco still offer high production at a relatively low cost, giving the Chiefs some breathing room.
  • Upcoming Renewals: With key contracts expiring soon, including Trent McDuffie and Trey Smith (91 OVR, 27 y/o, Star), the Chiefs must prioritize long-term investments, which could affect their ability to retain or sign new talent.

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LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Team Strengths:

Dynamic Receiving Corps: Even with the loss of Stefon Diggs, the Raiders boast an impressive group of receivers. Amari Cooper (88 OVR, 31 y/o, Star) leads the way, bringing a veteran presence. Young talents like Brock Bowers (88 OVR, 22 y/o, X-Factor) add explosive playmaking ability, making this a multifaceted threat in the passing game.

Defensive Line Pressure: Maxx Crosby (98 OVR, 28 y/o, X-Factor) and Christian Wilkins (89 OVR, 29 y/o, Star) form a powerful duo upfront. Crosby's 8 sacks last season underline his ability to wreck game plans, while Wilkins' presence ensures interior disruption.

Young Running Back Talent: Jaylen Warren (85 OVR, 26 y/o, Star) provides a reliable and dynamic rushing option, while Zamir White (79 OVR, 25 y/o) adds depth. Warren's balanced skill set will be crucial for sustaining offensive drives.

Versatile Defensive Secondary: With Jack Jones (78 OVR, 27 y/o, Star) and Justin Simmons (88 OVR, 31 y/o, Superstar) anchoring the secondary, the Raiders have the flexibility to match up against various offensive schemes. Simmons' playmaking ability (4 INTs last season) adds an extra layer to their defensive backfield.

Team Weaknesses:

Quarterback Uncertainty: Starting 4th-round rookie Peter Young (67 OVR, 23 y/o) comes with a lot of uncertainty. The lack of experience at the most critical position could hinder the offense's rhythm and consistency, especially in high-pressure situations.

Offensive Line Depth: The line features some solid pieces, like Andre James (81 OVR, 28 y/o, Star), but overall depth and talent at tackle and guard positions are concerning. Inconsistent protection could limit both the passing and rushing attacks.

Run Defense Vulnerabilities: Despite having playmakers like Wilkins upfront, the Raiders’ defense struggled against the run last season. Improving the linebacking corps' run-stopping ability will be essential to address this weakness.

Turnover-Prone Offense: Last season’s 30 interceptions from Deshaun Watson highlights the offense's carelessness with the football. Although Peter Young takes over, ball security and decision-making will remain critical issues for the Raiders' offensive success.

Factors to Watch:

Rookie QB Development: Peter Young’s growth will define the Raiders' offensive identity this year. How quickly he adapts to the pro game and minimizes mistakes will directly influence the team's win-loss record.

Defensive Adjustments: Coach Glenn's confidence in his schemes remains, but the pressure is on to adjust defensively, particularly against the run. Look for potential mid-season tweaks if their run defense doesn't improve.

Return of the Run Game: With Jaylen Warren as the new feature back, can the Raiders establish a more consistent and dominant rushing attack? His success on the ground could ease the pressure off Young and open up the play-action passing game.

The Money Situation:

  • Expensive Veteran Contracts: Davante Adams' hefty $44.10M per year deal, along with Christian Wilkins' $33.80M contract, places a significant burden on the Raiders' cap space, potentially limiting future flexibility.
  • Young Talent on the Rise: Brock Bowers, on a rookie contract, provides immense value and production, allowing the Raiders to allocate resources elsewhere.
  • Upcoming Decisions: With players like Amari Cooper and Kolton Miller (88 OVR, 29 y/o, Star) nearing contract expirations, the Raiders face tough choices on whether to extend or move on from these key contributors.

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LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Team Strengths:

Offensive Line Talent: Anchored by Rashawn Slater (93 OVR, 26 y/o, Star) at left tackle and Joe Alt (87 OVR, 22 y/o, Superstar) at right tackle, the Chargers have one of the most dominant tackle pairings in the league. This elite edge protection should give quarterback Justin Herbert plenty of time to make plays downfield and create lanes for the run game.

Star Quarterback: Justin Herbert (91 OVR, 27 y/o, Superstar) is the clear leader of the offense. Despite a dip in completion percentage last season (56.6%), his ability to stretch the field and make plays with his legs (523 rushing yards, 5 TDs) adds an unpredictable element to the Chargers' attack. He’ll look to improve efficiency with a more cohesive receiving unit this year.

Versatile Receiving Options: Ladd McConkey (84 OVR, 23 y/o, Star) leads the receiving group, bringing dynamic playmaking ability (1,067 yards, 7 TDs). Alongside him, Joshua Palmer (82 OVR, 25 y/o, Star) offers a deep threat, while the additions of Collin Anthony (72 OVR, rookie) at tight end bolster their red zone targets.

Pass-Rush Firepower: With Joey Bosa (87 OVR, 30 y/o, X-Factor) and Tuli Tuipulotu (83 OVR, 22 y/o, Superstar) coming off the edges, the Chargers' pass rush is relentless. Tuipulotu’s breakout 8-sack season last year was impressive for such a young player, while Bosa continues to be a game-changing force.

Team Weaknesses:

Run Game Consistency: Despite Gus Edwards' solid 1,179-yard season, the rushing attack remains inconsistent. The Chargers lack a true bell-cow running back, and with Edwards aging (30 y/o, 75 OVR) and Isaiah Spiller (75 OVR, 24 y/o) not yet proving he can carry the load, the run game could struggle against stronger defensive fronts.

Turnover Issues: Herbert threw 19 interceptions last season, which greatly impacted their offensive efficiency. The offensive line, while strong at the tackles, needs to solidify interior protection to give Herbert a cleaner pocket, reducing forced throws.

Linebacker Depth: Outside of Junior Colson (85 OVR, 22 y/o, X-Factor), the linebacker group lacks standout talent. The defense relies heavily on Colson's athleticism, but the lack of proven playmakers around him could create gaps in coverage and run support, particularly in mid-field zones.

Special Teams Reliability: With a recent signing of Tress Way (72 OVR, 35 y/o), punting might not be as consistent as needed. Furthermore, the Chargers have struggled with field position battles, putting pressure on both the offense and defense.

Factors to Watch:

Herbert’s Resurgence: Herbert’s performance will be key to the Chargers’ success this season. Look for him to refocus on accuracy, possibly utilizing shorter, high-percentage throws to his versatile receiver group, including Collin Anthony at tight end.

Defensive Adaptability: Derwin James Jr. (91 OVR, 29 y/o, X-Factor) leads a secondary featuring young stars like Asante Samuel Jr. (88 OVR, 25 y/o, Star). The defense will look to create turnovers and use its flexibility to match up against varied offenses. James' role could expand to include more in-the-box duties, showcasing his hybrid safety-linebacker skills.

Potential Trade Moves: With zero trades in the past two seasons, mid-season roster changes could be on the horizon. The Chargers might pursue upgrades at linebacker or additional receiving depth if things start slowly.

The Money Situation:

  • Big Contracts: Justin Herbert’s $37.35M yearly deal and Joey Bosa's $36.47M contract take up significant cap space. These investments in star power make winning now a priority for the Chargers' front office.

  • Rookie Value: The emergence of talents like Junior Colson and Joe Alt on rookie contracts allows for financial flexibility elsewhere, especially when considering upcoming negotiations with players like Rashawn Slater.

  • Contract Decisions: Expiring contracts for key players such as Alohi Gilman (83 OVR, 27 y/o, Star) will force the Chargers into some difficult choices soon. Prioritizing which players to retain will be essential in maintaining their competitive window.

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AFC West Outlook:

1. Los Angeles Chargers (Projected: 11-6):

The Chargers are set to build on last season’s division win, with Coach Spittah bringing a high-flying offense led by Justin Herbert. The key for them will be improving Herbert's consistency, reducing turnovers, and leveraging their young defensive stars. However, watch for a potential mid-season trade to add depth, particularly on defense. A strong start could put them in pole position for another AFC West title.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (Projected: 10-7):

The Chiefs under Coach Gerry are primed for a comeback. Despite an 8-9 finish last year, Patrick Mahomes' presence and a talented offense spearheaded by Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice mean they can never be counted out. The defense has added key pieces, and Mahomes' improved decision-making could flip those narrow losses. A battle-tested team with the potential to reclaim the division.

3. Denver Broncos (Projected: 8-9):

Coach Blueprint aims to improve the Broncos’ 7-10 record from last year. Bo Nix's performance at QB will be crucial as he seeks to show growth behind a reinforced offensive line. The defensive front remains a strength, but questions linger over the secondary depth. The Broncos have a path to the playoffs but need a few bounces to go their way in tight games to compete with the division's top dogs.

4. Las Vegas Raiders (Projected: 6-11):

The Raiders are undergoing a bit of a reset with rookie QB Peter Young at the helm. While the offense features stars like Davante Adams and Brock Bowers, inexperience at quarterback and potential issues in the secondary could lead to growing pains. If Coach Glenn's schemes click early, they might surprise, but a rebuilding year seems more likely. Expect competitive games but limited success in a tough division.

Hot Take: The Broncos will surprise everyone with a mid-season surge and actually compete for the division title. Bo Nix finds his groove by mid-season, and a breakout performance from the Denver secondary helps them snatch a few key divisional wins. Meanwhile, the Chiefs and Chargers struggle with inconsistency, opening up the division race in the final weeks. It could all come down to a crucial late showdown between Denver and Kansas City!