2016 NFL predictions: Super Bowl XLXI and more
JJ: Chiefs. What this team did in 2015 was nothing short of amazing and there’s no reason to think they can’t replicate that performance in 2016 with the young roster that they have. They have some amazing talent on both sides of the ball, and people need to remember that they basically made this run without Jamaal Charles. When you think about him back in the offensive fold next season, then an AFC West title should be an easy grab.
MV: Chiefs. Kansas City has the most talented roster in the division, if not the AFC. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos are about to trot out Brock Osweiler for the next couple of seasons while losing some key veterans in free agency. Provided the Chiefs can use their ample cap space to keep their defense together, there is no reason to pick against them. The Oakland Raiders might be their biggest threat, but the defense is still so weak.
MD: Chiefs. Kansas City has to be the favorites to win the division going into 2016 based on what it was able to do in 2015, and the expected further decline of the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs got off to a rocky start but righted the ship and went on an incredible string of wins to get into the playoffs, without superstar running back Jamaal Charles. Couple that with the wheels falling off Peyton Manning and this division falls to Kansas City.
JH: Chiefs. The Broncos had their fun with the AFC West, but Kansas City is going to be about as complete a team as possible in 2016 with top stars returning and room to add new talent. There’s just something to love about the way Andy Reid has coached the team up, the pieces are in place unlike ever before and 2016 might be the Chiefs best shot since the heyday of the franchise to win a Super Bowl.
JB: Chiefs. Denver is between an HGH scandal and a question mark. San Diego is homeless and hapless. And the Raiders are probably a year away. The Chiefs run to the playoffs this year seems improbable just because they sucked so badly for the first two months of the season. The team was actually supposed to be this good. If they can hold on to a few key free agents – Eric Berry and Tamba Hali, most notably – then they’ll be golden.
PA: Chiefs. The Chiefs got off to a 1-5 start this season before rattling off ten straight wins, all without Jamaal Charles and without Justin Houston for a stretch. KC is very young and talented on defense and along the offensive line. With Manning likely done, the Chiefs will have the most talented, experienced quarterback in the division next season. The Broncos have loads of talent and the Raiders are improving quickly but the door appears to be open for the Chiefs to finally regain control of the AFC West.
Next: NFC East