With some downtime before the Las Vegas Raiders start training camp, it’s that point of the year where Silver and Black Pride takes a look at how the Raiders’ roster measures up to the Kansas City Chiefs’, Los Angeles Chargers’ and Denver Broncos’. Up first is the most important position on the field: quarterback, and a big reason why the AFC West is one of the best divisions in the NFL is that it has a strong collection of signal-callers. So, let’s take a look at where Fernando Mendoza stands heading
into his rookie season.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
2025 Stats: 62.7% completion percentage, 3,587 yards, 22 TDs, 11 INTs, 64 rushing attempts, 422 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs (14 games)
To be clear, the gap is certainly closing where Justin Herbert or Bo Nix could easily surpass Mahomes as the best quarterback in the division this season. The two-time MVP hasn’t been the same caliber of player over the last two years, and he’s coming off a significant late-season knee injury. That could mean even more regression is coming, but Mahomes has built a strong enough reputation that someone needs to knock him off the top of the mountain before he falls.
2. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
2025 Stats: 66.4% completion percentage, 3,727 yards, 26 TDs, 13 INTs, 83 rushing attempts, 498 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs (16 games)
If only the regular season was considered, Herbert would have a strong case to be the top quarterback in the division heading into 2026. He led AFC West QBs and ranked 10th league-wide with a 78.5 passing grade from Pro Football Focus a year ago, and has had plenty of impressive games to get the Chargers to the postseason. However, the six-year veteran hasn’t won a playoff game in three tries and has played poorly on the last two times he was on the big stage. That’s what keeps Herbert behind the three-time Super Bowl Champ.
3. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
2025 Stats: 63.4% completion percentage, 3,931 yards, 25 TDs, 11 INTs, 83 rushing attempts, 356 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs (17 games)
Nix has certainly surpassed expectations during his first two seasons in the league, leading the Broncos to the AFC Championship game before a broken ankle held him out of that contest. A strong argument could be made that he should be one spot higher on this list. However, Herbert is still the more dynamic player of the two quarterbacks and has an inferior supporting cast. Again, Nix has played well over the last two years, especially in 2025. However, he does have an offensive line that gives him a lot of time and clean pockets to operate from, and an elite defense that can bail him out or cover up his mistakes.
4. Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders
2025: N/A
If we’re being technical, Kirk Cousins should actually be the Raiders’ representative since he’s the starting quarterback right now and likely will hold that spot to begin the season. But, of course, we all know that Cousins is simply a placeholder for Mendoza. The rookie could quickly climb up these rankings with a strong start to his career. However, he has to earn his spot within both the division and his own team.
