AFC West 2026-27 Preview: Simulations Split Denver, Kansas City, and the Chargers
Posted: 9/10/2026 12:30:00 PM
The AFC West spent a decade as Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City’s personal property. That ended in 2025. Denver went 14-3, won the division at 5-1, earned the AFC’s top seed, and reached the conference championship game. Los Angeles went 11-6 and also went 5-1 inside the division. Kansas City went 6-11, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and went 1-5 in the West. Las Vegas went 3-14 and scored 14.2 points per game. ESPN’s AFC West roundtable calls 2026-27 a three-team scramble at the top, with Kansas City listed as the betting favorite at +160 even after Denver ended the dynasty run.