AFC West Division Preview
AFC West Team Previews
It’s AFC Week! More specifically, it’s AFC West Day. We’re going team-by-team through the AFC West, previewing the 2023 season for the Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, and Raiders. We’ve got everything from personnel and coaching changes, depth charts, draft picks, schedules, fantasy football advice, and more.
Kansas City Chiefs Team Preview
Team Info
Division: AFC West
2022 Finish (Record): 1st (14-3-0)
Head Coach: Andy Reid
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Nagy *NEW*
Play Caller: Andy Reid
Matt Nagy Last 3 Roles
- Kansas City Chiefs (2022) Quarterbacks Coach
- Chicago Bears (2018-2021) Head Coach
- Kansas City Chiefs (2017) Offensive Coordinator
2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies
(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)
Key Changes & Need to Know
- New Offensive Coordinator – Matt Nagy, Andy Reid disciple and has been in Big Red’s systems for many years outside of his stint in Chicago. Reid is still calling plays
- Revamped O-Line – Some key pieces have left including Orlando Brown, with Jawaan Taylor and Donovan Smith both coming in as replacements
2023 Draft Picks
- 1.31 – Felix Anudike-Uzomah EDGE
- 2.24 – Rashee Rice WR
- 3.29 – Wanya Morris OT
- 4.17 – Chamarri Conner CB
- 5.31 – BJ Thompson EDGE
- 6.17 – Keondre Coburn DT
- 7.33 – Nic Jones CB
Free Agency
Notable New Players
- Donovan Smith – Offensive Tackle
- Richie James – Wide Receiver
- Jawaan Taylor – Offensive Tackle
Notable Players who have left
- Mecole Hardman – Wide Receiver
- Ronald Jones – Running Back
- JuJu Smith-Schuster – Wide Receiver
- Orlando Brown – Offensive Tackle
- Andrew Wylie – Guard
Top Ranked Players – 2023
- Patrick Mahomes QB1
- Travis Kelce TE1
- Skyy Moore WR42
- Isiah Pacheco RB21
See The Complete Rankings Here
Positional Depth Charts
Quarterback
- Patrick Mahomes II
- Blaine Gabbert
Position Rank: 1st
Running Back
- Isiah Pacheco
- Jerick McKinnon
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire
- Deneric Prince
Position Rank: 7th
Wide Receiver
- Skyy Moore
- Kadarius Toney
- Rashee Rice
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- Richie James Jr.
- Justyn Ross
- Justin Watson
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Position Rank: 18th
Tight End
- Travis Kelce
- Noah Gray
- Jody Fortson
- Kendall Blanton
Position Rank: 1st
Offensive Line
- LT – Donovan Smith
- LG – Joe Thuney
- C – Creed Humphrey
- RG – Trey Smith
- RT – Jawaan Taylor
Position Rank (PFF): 3rd
2023 Projections
Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template
Fantasy Football Studs
- Travis Kelce
- Patrick Mahomes
Fantasy Football Values
- Isiah Pacheco
- Skyy Moore
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Fantasy Football Avoids
- Kadarius Toney
Our Targets
- Travis Kelce
- Isiah Pacheco
- Skyy Moore
2023 Schedule
| Week 1 | v | Detroit Lions |
| Week 2 | @ | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Week 3 | v | Chicago Bears |
| Week 4 | @ | New York Jets |
| Week 5 | @ | Minnesota Vikings |
| Week 6 | v | Denver Broncos |
| Week 7 | v | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Week 8 | @ | Denver Broncos |
| Week 9 | GERMANY | Miami Dolphins |
| Week 10 | BYE | |
| Week 11 | v | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Week 12 | @ | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Week 13 | @ | Green Bay Packers |
| Week 14 | v | Buffalo Bills |
| Week 15 | @ | New England Patriots |
| Week 16 | v | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Week 17 | v | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Week 18 | @ | Los Angeles Chargers |
Summary
The Chiefs are the defending super bowl champions and are one of the favorites to get back to the dance again in 2023. The offense is again built around the passing game—specifically quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. The Chiefs are hoping one of the young wide receivers—Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, Kadarius Toney—will step up and have a breakout season. The backfield is set with Isiah Pacheco in the between-the-tackles role and Jerick McKinnon getting the passing downs work. As long as they have Mahomes, the Chiefs will be a fun offense for fantasy football and a super bowl contender.
Overall Team Rank: 8th
Projected AFC West Finish: 1st
Los Angeles Chargers Team Preview
Team Info
Division: AFC West
2022 Finish (Record): 2nd (10-7-0)
Head Coach: Brandon Staley
Offensive Coordinator: Kellen Moore *NEW*
Play Caller: Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore Last 2 Roles
- Dallas Cowboys (2019-2022) Offensive Coordinator
- Dallas Cowboys (2018) Quarterbacks Coach
2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies
(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)
Key Changes & Need to Know
- New Offensive Coordinator – Kellen Moore, former OC of the Dallas Cowboys
- Quiet Free Agency – The Chargers haven’t signed anyone of significance during free agency, only strengthening through the draft
- Austin Ekeler Trade Request – Ekeler requested a trade but didn’t get one, will it affect his performance (positively or negatively)?
2023 Draft Picks
- 1.21 – Quentin Johnston WR
- 2.23 – Tuli Tuipulotu EDGE
- 3.22 – Daiyan Henley LB
- 4.23 – Derius Davis WR
- 5.21 – Jordan McFadden G
- 5.39 – Warran McClendon Jr. OT
- 6.23 – Scott Matlock DT
- 6.38 – Zach Evans RB
- 7.22 – Max Duggan QB
Free Agency
Notable New Players
- None
Notable Players who have left
- Matt Feiler – Offensive Tackle
- DeAndre Carter – Wide Receiver
Top Ranked Players – 2023
- Austin Ekeler RB2
- Keenan Allen WR16
- Justin Herbert QB7
- Mike Williams WR32
- Gerald Everett TE12
See The Complete Rankings Here
Positional Depth Charts
Quarterback
- Justin Herbert
- Easton Stick
Position Rank: 7th
Running Back
- Austin Ekeler
- Joshua Kelley
- Isaiah Spiller
- Larry Rountree III
- Zander Horvath
Position Rank: 7th
Wide Receiver
- Keenan Allen – Slot
- Mike Williams
- Josh Palmer
- Quentin Johnston
- Jalen Guyton
- Derius Davis
Position Rank: 2nd
Tight End
- Gerald Everett
- Donald Parham Jr.
- Tre’ McKitty
Position Rank: 14th
Offensive Line
- LT – Rashawn Slater
- LG – Jamaree Salyer
- C – Corey Linsley
- RG – Zion Johnson
- RT – Trey Pipkins
Position Rank (PFF): 9th
2023 Projections
Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template
Fantasy Football Studs
- Austin Ekeler
- Justin Herbert
Fantasy Football Values
- Keenan Allen
- Josh Kelley
Fantasy Football Avoids
- Quentin Johnston
Our Targets
- Austin Ekeler
- Keenan Allen
- Justin Herbert
- Josh Kelley
2023 Schedule
| Week 1 | v | Miami Dolphins |
| Week 2 | @ | Tennessee Titans |
| Week 3 | @ | Minnesota Vikings |
| Week 4 | v | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Week 5 | BYE | |
| Week 6 | v | Dallas Cowboys |
| Week 7 | @ | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Week 8 | v | Chicago Bears |
| Week 9 | @ | New York Jets |
| Week 10 | v | Detroit Lions |
| Week 11 | @ | Green Bay Packers |
| Week 12 | v | Baltimore Ravens |
| Week 13 | @ | New England Patriots |
| Week 14 | v | Denver Broncos |
| Week 15 | @ | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Week 16 | v | Buffalo Bills |
| Week 17 | @ | Denver Broncos |
| Week 18 | v | Kansas City Chiefs |
Summary
The Chargers appear poised to take a big step in 2023. They have one of the best quarterbacks in football, one of the best receiving corps in football, a top-10 offensive line, a great running back, and a quality defense. The addition of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore should allow Justin Herbert to better take advantage of his strengths. The offense will be fast-paced, pass-friendly, and difficult to defend. The return of tackle Rashawn Slater is under-reported but is a significant addition to the o-line. The schedule will allow for a ton of shootouts which is music to our ears as fantasy gamers. Herbert, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, and even tight end Gerald Everett should be drafted with confidence. Not only are the Chargers ripe with fantasy football options, but they have the makeup to make a run at a super bowl berth.
Overall Team Rank: 2nd
Projected AFC West Finish: 2nd
Denver Broncos Team Preview
Team Info
Division: AFC West
2022 Finish (Record): 4th (5-12-0)
Head Coach: Sean Payton *NEW*
Offensive Coordinator: Joe Lombardi *NEW*
Play Caller: Sean Payton
Sean Payton Last 3 Roles
- New Orleans Saints (2006–2021) Head Coach
- Dallas Cowboys (2003-2005) Assistant Head Coach / Passing Game Coordinator
- New York Giants (2000-2002) Offensive Coordinator
Joe Lombardi Last 3 Roles
- Los Angeles Chargers (2021-2022) Offensive Coordinator
- New Orleans Saints (2016-2020) Quarterbacks Coach
- Detroit Lions (2014-2015) Offensive Coordinator
2022 Top PPR Scorers and Tendencies
(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)
Key Changes & Need to Know
- New Head Coach – Sean Payton, 16 season Head Coach of the Saints
- New Offensive Coordinator – Joe Lombardi, former OC for the Chargers and long time Quarterbacks coach of the Saints under Sean Payton
- Javonte Williams Injury – suffered a torn ACL in week 4 of the 2022 season, his timeline for return is unclear but positive
2023 Draft Picks
- 2.32 – Marvin Mims Jr. WR
- 3.04 – Drew Sanders LB
- 3.2 – Riley Moss CB
- 6.06 – JL Skinner SAF
- 7.4 – Alex Forsyth C
Free Agency
Notable New Players
- Adam Trautman – Tight End
- Samaje Perine – Running Back
- Michael Burton – Full Back
- Mike McGlinchey – Offensive Tackle
- Ben Powers – Guard
Notable Players who have left
- Chase Edmonds – Running Back
- Graham Glasgow – Centre
- Latavius Murray – Running Back
- Eric Saubert – Tight End
- Mike Boone – Running Back
- Andrew Beck – Tight End
Top Ranked Players – 2023
- Jerry Jeudy WR25
- Courtland Sutton WR48
- Marvin Mims WR56
- Samaje Perine RB43
- Javonte Williams RB27
- Greg Dulcich TE11
- Russell Wilson QB14
See The Complete Rankings Here
Positional Depth Charts
Quarterback
- Russell Wilson
- Jarrett Stidham
Position Rank: 13th
Running Back
- Javonte Williams
- Samaje Perine
- Tyler Badie
- Tony Jones Jr.
Position Rank: 18th
Wide Receiver
- Jerry Jeudy
- Courtland Sutton
- Marvin Mims Jr.
- Marquez Callaway
- Kendall Hinton
- Michael Bandy
- Montrell Washington
Position Rank: 16th
Tight End
- Greg Dulcich
- Albert Okwuegbunam
- Adam Trautman
- Chris Manhertz
Position Rank: 11th
Offensive Line
- LT – Garett Bolles
- LG – Ben Powers
- C – Lloyd Cushenberry III
- RG – Quinn Meinerz
- RT – Mike McGlinchey
Position Rank (PFF): 11th
2023 Projections
Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template
Fantasy Football Studs
- Jerry Jeudy
Fantasy Football Values
- Samaje Perine
- Marvin Mims
- Greg Dulcich
- Russell Wilson
Fantasy Football Avoids
None
Our Targets
- Jerry Jeudy
- Samaje Perine
- Marvin Mims
2023 Schedule
| Week 1 | v | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Week 2 | v | Washington Commanders |
| Week 3 | @ | Miami Dolphins |
| Week 4 | @ | Chicago Bears |
| Week 5 | v | New York Jets |
| Week 6 | @ | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Week 7 | v | Green Bay Packers |
| Week 8 | v | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Week 9 | BYE | |
| Week 10 | @ | Buffalo Bills |
| Week 11 | v | Minnesota Vikings |
| Week 12 | v | Cleveland Browns |
| Week 13 | @ | Houston Texans |
| Week 14 | @ | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Week 15 | @ | Detroit Lions |
| Week 16 | v | New England Patriots |
| Week 17 | v | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Week 18 | @ | Las Vegas Raiders |
Summary
The Broncos were a complete disaster in 2022. The addition of new head coach Sean Payton brings new hope that the team and the offense can turn it around for 2023. The team upgraded the offensive line which will help significantly in the effort to revive quarterback Russell Wilson’s career. They also drafted Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims to help bring speed and a playmaking threat to the receiving corps. Wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton dodged offseason trade rumors and have received positive reports from training camp. With running back Javonte Williams seemingly on pace to be active in Week 1, the Broncos are set up as best as they can be for a turnaround season.
Overall Team Rank: 16th
Projected AFC West Finish: 3rd
Las Vegas Raiders Team Preview
Team Info
Division: AFC West
2022 Finish (Record): 3rd (6-11-0)
Head Coach: Josh McDaniels
Offensive Coordinator: Mick Lombardi
Play Caller: Josh McDaniels
2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies
(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)
Key Changes & Need to Know
- Derek Carr Gone – End of the Derek Carr era at Quarterback, replaced by Jimmy Garoppolo who worked with Josh McDaniels in New England
- New Tight End Room – With Darren Waller traded and Foster Moreau now signed with the Saints, their replacements are Austin Hooper and rookie Michael Mayer
- Josh Jacobs Contract – Jacobs had a career year on the final year of his contract in 2022, that’s earned him another year but is a free agent again after 2023
2023 Draft Picks
- 1.07 – Tyree Wilson EDGE
- 2.04 – Michael Mayer TE
- 3.07 – Byron Young DT
- 3.37 – Tre Tucker WR
- 4.02 – Jakorian Bennett CB
- 4.33 – Aidan O’Connell QB
- 5.35 – Christopher Smith II SAF
- 6.26 – Amari Burney LB
- 7.14 – Nesta Jade Silvera DT
Free Agency
Notable New Players
- DeAndre Carter – Wide Receiver
- Austin Hooper – Tight End
- Jakobi Meyers – Wide Receiver
- Jimmy Garoppolo – Quarterback
Notable Players who have left
- Darren Waller – Tight End
- Derek Carr – Quarterback
- Mack Hollins – Wide Receiver
- Foster Moreau – Tight End
Top Ranked Players – 2023
- Davante Adams WR9
- Josh Jacobs RB8
- Jakobi Meyers WR49
- Hunter Renfrow WR76
- Michael Mayer TE24
See The Complete Rankings Here
Positional Depth Charts
Quarterback
- Jimmy Garoppolo
- Brian Hoyer
- Aidan O’Connell
Position Rank: 31st
Running Back
- Josh Jacobs
- Zamir White
- Ameer Abdullah
- Brandon Bolden
- Jakob Johnson (FB)
Position Rank: 21st
Wide Receiver
- Davante Adams
- Jakobi Meyers
- Hunter Renfrow – Slot
- DeAndre Carter
- Tre Tucker
- Cam Sims
- Phillip Dorsett II
- DJ Turner
Position Rank: 10th
Tight End
- Michael Mayer
- Austin Hooper
- Jesper Horsted
- Jacob Hollister
Position Rank: 28th
Offensive Line
- LT – Kolton Miller
- LG – Dylan Parham
- C – Andre James
- RG – Alex Bars
- RT – Jermaine Eluemunor
Position Rank (PFF): 19th
2023 Projections
Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template
Fantasy Football Studs
- Davante Adams
- Josh Jacobs
Fantasy Football Values
- Jakobi Meyers
- Zamir White
- Michael Mayer
Fantasy Football Avoids
- Austin Hooper
- Hunter Renfrow
Our Targets
- Zamir White
2023 Schedule
| Week 1 | @ | Denver Broncos |
| Week 2 | @ | Buffalo Bills |
| Week 3 | v | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Week 4 | @ | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Week 5 | v | Green Bay Packers |
| Week 6 | v | New England Patriots |
| Week 7 | @ | Chicago Bears |
| Week 8 | @ | Detroit Lions |
| Week 9 | v | New York Giants |
| Week 10 | v | New York Jets |
| Week 11 | @ | Miami Dolphins |
| Week 12 | v | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Week 13 | BYE | |
| Week 14 | v | Minnesota Vikings |
| Week 15 | v | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Week 16 | @ | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Week 17 | @ | Indianapolis Colts |
| Week 18 | v | Denver Broncos |
Summary
The Raiders were a disaster last season and things don’t look much better heading into 2023. At quarterback, Derek Carr is gone and Jimmy Garoppolo is in. Garoppolo has familiarity with the offense due to his time playing under Josh McDaniels in New England several years back, but health and performance are concerns for the veteran quarterback. There are also concerns about running back Josh Jacobs who is currently holding out due to a contract dispute. That leaves last year’s fourth round pick Zamir White atop the depth chart for the time being. The wide receiver corps is led by a 31-year old Davante Adams who has shown signs of frustration with the organization during the offseason. He hasn’t finished outside the top-12 wide receivers in fantasy football since 2015 but things could get ugly if Garoppolo struggles or gets injured. Overall, the Raiders look to be in for another miserable season. The team is destined for last place in the AFC West and could be in the running for the No. 1 pick. Josh McDaniels may be unemployed by Christmas.
Overall Team Rank: 22nd
Projected AFC West Finish: 4th
Who do you think will win the AFC West in 2023? Jump in our Discord and join the discussion!
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