So, you’re trying to figure out who's in the AFC West because, honestly, the NFL landscape shifts so fast it’s hard to keep up. One year a team is a dynasty, and the next, they’re basically rebuilding from the ground up. If you're looking for the quick answer, it's the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Four teams. That's it.
But if you think that's the whole story, you’re missing the absolute chaos that defines this group. This isn't just a list of names on a map; it's a four-way car crash that happens twice a year, every year. People tend to think the Chiefs just own the place—and for a long time, they did—but as of early 2026, the power balance is getting weird.
Who's in the AFC West and Why It’s Changing
The division has stayed geographically consistent for a while now, but the vibes? They are completely different than they were even two seasons ago. We've got a legendary coach in Kansas City who is now the longest-tenured in the league. We've got a massive coaching search happening in Vegas. And Denver? They just pulled off their best start in over a decade.
The Kansas City Chiefs: The Old Guard
Look, we have to start with the Chiefs. Everyone knows Patrick Mahomes. He’s the guy. But in 2026, the "dynasty" feels a bit more human. After a frustrating 6–11 run in 2025, Andy Reid is staring down a massive challenge to get back on top. It’s wild to think about, but the Chiefs actually missed the playoffs recently.
They’re still the team everyone loves to hate, but they’re dealing with coaching turnover—like losing their running backs coach Todd Pinkston recently—and trying to figure out how to maximize an aging Travis Kelce. They’re still in the division, obviously, but they aren't the undisputed kings anymore.
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The Denver Broncos: The Resurgence
If you haven’t been paying attention to Denver, you’ve probably missed the most surprising turnaround in the AFC. Sean Payton is doing Sean Payton things. He spreads the ball around so much it drives fantasy football managers insane, but it’s working for the actual win-loss column.
They locked up the No. 1 seed for the 2025-2026 playoffs. Read that again. The Broncos, who spent years in the basement, are suddenly the heavyweights. They sent six players to the Pro Bowl this year, including guys like Pat Surtain II and Courtland Sutton. They are currently the team to beat in the West, which feels gross to say if you’re a Raiders fan.
The Los Angeles Chargers: The "What If" Team
The Chargers are the team that always should be great. They have Justin Herbert, who is arguably a top-five pure talent at quarterback. They have Jim Harbaugh leading the charge. Yet, they always seem to be battling injuries or "Chargering" away games in the fourth quarter.
Heading into 2026, they are the "buy low" team. Their defense, coordinated by Jesse Minter, actually ranked in the top five last season. If Herbert stays upright behind Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, they are a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division.
The Las Vegas Raiders: The Wildcard
Then there’s Vegas. Honestly, the Raiders are a bit of a mess right now, but a high-ceiling mess. They’re currently hunting for their third head coach in three years. They’ve been interviewing everyone from Kevin Stefanski to Matt Nagy.
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They have the talent. Maxx Crosby is still a foundational piece on defense, and Brock Bowers is arguably the best young tight end in the game. But without a stable quarterback or a consistent coaching staff, they’re the team that can beat the Chiefs on Christmas Day and then lose to a winless squad the following week. It’s the Raider Way.
Rivalries That Actually Matter
When you ask who's in the AFC West, you aren't just asking about roster spots. You’re asking about the "Black Hole" in Oakland (now Vegas) and the sea of red at Arrowhead.
The Chiefs vs. Raiders rivalry is the one that still carries the most weight. It’s a remnant of the old AFL days. It’s personal. Even when one team is 12-2 and the other is 4-10, these games are dogfights. Then you have the Broncos and Chiefs, which has become a tactical war between Sean Payton and Andy Reid.
What This Means for 2026
If you’re watching the NFL this year, the AFC West is going to be the most volatile division in football.
- Denver is trying to prove their No. 1 seed wasn't a fluke.
- Kansas City is trying to reclaim a throne they haven't sat on in a year.
- The Chargers are trying to finally stay healthy enough to matter.
- The Raiders are essentially starting over with a new regime and a likely high draft pick.
The schedule is already set for 2026. Because of the way the NFL rotates, these four teams will be playing the entire AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, etc.) and the NFC West (49ers, Rams, etc.). That is a brutal schedule. There are no easy "get right" games for anyone in this group.
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Your Move
If you're a fan or just someone trying to win a bet, keep your eyes on the coaching hires in Vegas. That’s the first domino.
Next, watch the Broncos' cap situation. They have some tough decisions to make on guys like Jarrett Stidham and Brandon Jones to stay under the $295.5 million cap.
The AFC West isn't just a geographic location; it's a meat grinder. Whether you're rooting for Mahomes to get his spark back or waiting for the Chargers to finally live up to the hype, this division is where the most interesting football is happening right now.
Take a look at the current 2026 Pro Bowl roster—it's loaded with AFC West talent. That should tell you everything you need to know about the level of play here. It’s high-stakes, high-drama, and usually, pretty loud. Use this info to keep an eye on the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Raiders and Chiefs will be looking for very different types of saviors.