Well, it’s that time of year again. NFL training camps are about to get underway, and every team in the AFC West has important questions to answer before the regular season begins. Here’s what to watch as the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers try to outdo the Kansas City Chiefs.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos enter the season with one of the league’s most intriguing storylines: the health of quarterback Bo Nix. Nix suffered a significant ankle injury against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship
Game, and his recovery will be closely monitored throughout training camp.
Despite the injury, Nix was ranked No. 59 in the “NFL Top 100”, showing the respect he has earned around the league after his breakout season.
Another player to watch is wide receiver Pat Bryant. Before suffering a concussion last season, Bryant was emerging as one of Nix’s favorite targets. Out of wide receivers Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr., Bryant’s ability to win contested catches should continue to earn him opportunities. Former Miami Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle’s presence could also create more favorable one-on-one matchups for Bryant.
The Broncos also have an interesting battle at running back. Can RJ Harvey seize the starting job?
Veteran J.K. Dobbins re-signed on a one-year deal after leading Denver’s backfield last season, but injuries have been a recurring concern throughout his career. Following Dobbins’ injury, Harvey saw a much larger workload, recording 96 rushing attempts from Week 11 through the end of the season after totaling just 50 carries beforehand.
Harvey also offers more versatility in the passing game, making him a reliable option on check-downs and wheel routes. If he continues to impress in camp, he could earn a larger share of the offense.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders didn’t completely rebuild the offensive line, but the front office made significant upgrades by adding former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum and former San Francisco 49ers guard Spencer Burford, both of whom are expected to start this season.
Las Vegas is also hoping left tackle Kolton Miller returns to full health after missing much of last season with a high ankle sprain and hairline fracture suffered in Week 4.
Former second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson faces an important season, as does tackle D.J. Glaze. Both players will need to take a step forward if they hope to secure long-term roles with the organization.
Perhaps the biggest storyline is rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite his draft status, Mendoza is not expected to open the season as the starter after the Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins during the offseason.
Still, Mendoza has already generated buzz during rookie minicamp. Training camp will provide the first real glimpse at how quickly he can adjust to the NFL and whether he can begin pushing for playing time.
Defensively, all eyes remain on edge rusher Maxx Crosby. After an offseason filled with trade speculation involving the Ravens before ultimately remaining in Las Vegas, Crosby appears motivated to prove he’s still one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. Expect him to arrive at training camp with plenty to prove.
Los Angeles Chargers
For the Chargers, the biggest question remains the same as it seems to be every year: Can the offensive line stay healthy?
Injuries have consistently plagued Los Angeles, including Rashawn Slater’s season-ending patellar tear last year. If Slater returns healthy alongside rookie Jake Slaughter, Tyler Biadasz, Cole Strange, and Joe Alt, the Chargers could field one of the NFL’s best offensive lines. The talent is there; the challenge is staying on the field.
Another intriguing storyline is the team’s new tight end duo of Oronde Gadsden and David Njoku. Both players have shown they can take over games when given opportunities. Njoku never consistently found that opportunity with the Cleveland Browns, but he could thrive in Los Angeles.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has long favored using 12 personnel (two tight ends, one running back), and Justin Herbert has excelled in play-action concepts throughout his career. That combination could allow Njoku and Gadsden to become major contributors in the Chargers’ offense.
Defensively, keep an eye on rookie edge rusher Akheem Mesidor. Currently behind future Hall of Famer Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu on the depth chart, Mesidor has an ideal opportunity to learn from two accomplished veterans.
Mesidor enjoyed a productive final season at Miami alongside first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr., and if he continues to develop during training camp, he could carve out a meaningful role as a rookie rotational pass rusher.
How do you think the division race can shake out this season? Do you see the Chiefs topping these three teams in the AFC West, or do the Broncos repeat? Can the Chargers finally win it? Let us know in the comments.
