Football Whisperer's AFC West Preview

Las Vegas

The Talk: The Raiders have a pulse.

The Whisper: Be honest: the NFL is a lot more fun when the Raiders are playing good football. Even if you love to hate them just knowing the team in the black and silver is in the mix makes for a better season. The Raiders aren’t quite back to where they used to be, but rest assured, things are heading in the right direction.

Last Word: This isn’t a false alarm.

Kansas City

The Talk: Who says you can’t go home again?

The Whisper: The departure of offensive wiz Eric Bienemy not the lack of explosiveness or attrition rang loudest when it comes to the demise of the Chiefs offense. Bienemy returns this year, just in time to right the Kansas City offensive ship.

Last Word: Wounded, but still formidable.

Denver

The Talk: Are they that good already?

The Whisper: Denver was on an all-time high last year as the young Broncos came within one game of the big one. Save for a freak injury to Bo Nix in the divisional round we might be having a different conversation. Nix returns this season, healthy, motivated, and ready to have that conversation … a little differently.

Last Word: Primed for a run.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Talk: Is the hype real?

The Whisper: That HC thing might not have worked out in Miami, but Mike McDaniel is a brilliant offensive mind. Adding his voice to the headset while giving him free rein over an offense teeming with explosiveness might pay huge dividends and give the Chargers a real say in deciding who stands tallest when the dust settles out West.

Last Word: No more excuses.