NFL: Preseason Report Cards For The AFC West

Each week of the NFL season, I’ll grade each AFC West team’s performance with a report card that goes beyond the box score. Offense, defense, special teams, and coaching will all be measured against expectations, execution, and situational performance. My grades aren’t about raw stats alone — they’ll reflect how well a team maximizes its talent, adapts to challenges, and delivers when it matters most. Consider this a weekly audit of each team, with some quick hits and observations sprinkled in.

Kansas City Chiefs – Grade: B+

Rookie Josh Simmons looks like a future star, and Kingsley Suamataia’s move inside could be a hidden gem. If this unit protects Mahomes, February is in play.

Mahomes looked MVP-ready, shredding Chicago in limited action.

Elijah Mitchell and Brashard Smith add solid depth to a backfield that doesn’t need to be elite, just functional in this offense.

Run defense struggled in August, and the pass rush was invisible. I’ll actually worry if it carries over to the regular season.

Denver Broncos – Grade: A

Bo Nix’s chemistry with Courtland Sutton popped against the Saints; Denver may finally have stability under center.

RJ Harvey (RB) and Jahdae Barron (CB) are poised to start by midseason, big wins for the front office.

Returns all five OL starters from a top-five 2024 unit. Could be the NFL’s best.

Fast, aggressive defense, anchored by Patrick Surtain II. This group will be a problem once again in 2025.

Maybe the most complete roster in the NFL.

Los Angeles Chargers – Grade: B

Herbert is set up for success with upgraded offense; Keenan Allen returning as the reliable chain-mover will be key for improving Herbert’s 3rd down efficiency.

Rookies Omarion Hampton, Tre Harris, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith all looked the part in camp.

The loss of Rashawn Slater looms large. Joe Alt becomes the anchor of a decent line, but Mekhi Becton must prove he didn’t leave it all in Philly.

Defense returns a number of studs from 2024.

Rookies Marlowe Wax and RJ Mickens add depth on defense and should contribute early.

Las Vegas Raiders – Grade: D

Geno Smith brings stability, and acquiring Kenny Pickett was a smart hedge.

Ashton Jeanty is the real deal, but he’ll take lumps behind an inconsistent line.

The receiver group has talent but lacks difference-makers; Amari Cooper’s return isn’t a seismic shift.

Brock Bowers is TE2 in the NFL. Only my love for Trey McBride edges him.

Defense is thin, undermanned (outside of Crosby and Koonce), and not built to keep pace in this division.

Final Thoughts

The Broncos look like the division’s biggest riser (and one of the most complete rosters in football), but the Chiefs are still my bet for not only the division, but the Super Bowl as well. The Chargers remain a mix of upside and fragility, while the Raiders are still, well, the Raiders. From MVP-caliber playmakers on both sides of the ball to elite coaching staffs, this division will captivate us all season long. The calendar has shifted to September, and the preseason is in the rearview. Giddy up.