Usually, when a sports league is healthy and thriving and has millions of spectators, the talent is spread out. The heavyweights have a few talismans here and there, but they’ve never gathered in the same place. The big dogs (I’ll think of another metaphor for Good Team, don’t worry!) are not playing each other multiple times a year. They’re waiting for January.
That is no longer the case for the AFC West, which is now rife with big cheeses. It’s a division full of high rollers that can win the Super Bowl, who all now have to play each other twice a year. (See!)
If you’re a fan of the Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, and Raiders, I’m sorry. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones. 2022 probably promises to be a roving cavalcade of heart attacks from week to week. Take care of yourself.
But …
If you’re a fan of any of the other 28 NFL teams, enjoy watching quality football, or even enjoy reveling in the schadenfreude of other fanbases tearing each other apart: Welcome! The AFC West is tailor-made for you!
The AFC West is an all-star game.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2022
An All-Star Game, you say? Hmm. Let’s take a look at the tale of the tape. I’m not entirely convinced.
Kansas City would be a good start:
- Patrick Mahomes (Super Bowl LIV MVP, 4X Pro Bowler, 2X All-Pro)
- Tyreek Hill (6X Pro Bowler, 3X First-Team All-Pro)
- Travis Kelce (7X Pro Bowler, 3X First-Team All-Pro)
- Tyrann Mathieu (3X Pro Bowler, 2X First-Team All-Pro)
- Chris Jones (3X Pro Bowler, 3X Second-Team All-Pro)
Okay, sure, that’s great, but we knew about the Chiefs. They play in the AFC title game every year now. Yawn.
What about the Chargers:
- Justin Herbert (1X Pro Bowler, 2020 Rookie of the Year)
- Khalil Mack (6X Pro Bowler, 3X First-Team All-Pro, 2016 Defensive Player of the Year)
- Keenan Allen (5X Pro Bowler, 2017 Comeback Player of the Year)
- Joey Bosa (4X Pro Bowler, 2016 Rookie of the Year)
- Derwin James (2X Pro Bowler, 1X First, and Second-Team All-Pro)
Wow, that kind of kicks butt on paper, actually.
everyone: the AFC West QBs are too good@chargers: pic.twitter.com/4p85SwLRnG
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) March 10, 2022
I’m buying this unofficial poster immediately.
Wait, there’s also the Broncos. You can’t forget Denver. John Elway’s latest scheme to trade for an over-the-hill quarterback that has something left in the tank — so he can finish a championship roster — wouldn’t allow it. Please note that is the youngest team hoping the New Guy adds to their collective resumes:
- Russell Wilson (9X Pro Bowler)
- Courtland Sutton (1X Pro Bowler)
- Patrick Surtain (2021 All-Rookie Team)
- Justin Simmons (2X Second-Team All-Pro, 1X Pro Bowler)
- Jerry Jeudy (Former top-15 pick out of Alabama)
Finally, we come to the Raiders and their new head coach Josh McDaniels. Here’s what they–ha, I’m just kidding. Good night and good luck, Las Vegas. You’ll need it.
At this moment, according to Tipico Sportsbook, the AFC West has two teams in the top-five Super Bowl 57 odds (Chiefs +750, Broncos +1200). Expect the Chargers (+2000 before acquiring Khalil Mack) to muddle up that crowd and join their divisional “friends” soon.
Every AFC West game next season has been stamped down as appointment viewing. Sit back and enjoy the show. This division is your oyster unless you live in Kansas City, Denver, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas. For you folks in those lovely western metros, prepare yourselves for the coming storm. The big shots are playing in your towns, and they’re playing for keeps.
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