AFC West Futures Odds Preview
All four teams in the AFC West went through big changes during the offseason. Could that mean an end to the Kansas City Chiefs' run of division titles?
The Chiefs have won the AFC West for six straight seasons. At the Bovada Sportsbook they’re favored to make it seven in a row as +175 favorites on the AFC West futures. The Chiefs faced two major departures this season, as wide receiver Tyreek Hill was traded and safety Tyrann Mathieu left via free agency.
To try and fill the void left by Hill the Chiefs brought in Juju Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Tight end Travis Kelce remains as a safety net for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, while Josh Gordon is a wild card at receiver if he can ever regain his old form.
Chargers follow Chiefs on AFC West odds
Following the Chiefs on the AFC West futures are the Los Angeles Chargers at +220. Justin Herbert’s array of weapons remains the same and he’ll once again be flanked by running back Austin Ekeler and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
The Chargers defense got an upgrade in the offseason with the addition of linebacker Khalil Mack and cornerback J.C. Jackson. That should help improve a Chargers defense that was third last in the league in points allowed last season.
Next up on the futures odds are the Denver Broncos at +260. Denver took a leap up the futures this season after acquiring quarterback Russell Wilson. He’ll have plenty of help on offence in Denver including running back Javonte Williams and wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and KJ Hamler. Denver hasn’t posted a winning record since 2016 and they were 1-5 in the division last season.
Raiders round out AFC West betting futures
Finishing off the AFC West futures are the Las Vegas Raiders at +650. The Raiders are coming off a 10-7 season in which they were a Wild Card team. Las Vegas provided quarterback Derek Carr with a top target by trading for wide receiver Davante Adams. The two have a history from their time together in college with Fresno State. Adams will slot in with Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller to give Las Vegas a solid receiving corps.
The Raiders also made a notable addition on defense in linebacker Chandler Jones. He has recorded double-digit sacks in six of his last seven seasons and should improve a Raiders pass rush that was middle of the road in the league last season.