AFC West Odds, Predictions, Betting Picks 2023

• The AFC West has been dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years 
• The Chiefs are coming off of a Super Bowl victory despite having a young defense and an overlooked cast of offensive weapons
• The Chargers have been on the cusp of competing for a division title recently but have not broken through

The AFC West is not only home to the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, but it is also one of the fiercest and most stacked divisions in the NFL.

The Chiefs are the heavy favorites to win the AFC West title, but the Los Angeles Chargers have been on the verge of challenging for several years and are approaching arguably their best chance to usurp Kansas City. The Denver Broncos also enlisted Sean Payton to steer their ship, which should immediately make them more competitive. 

The Las Vegas Raiders—well, they’re there, and they’re talented. Their production and chemistry remain to be seen.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the AFC West heading into the 2023 NFL season.

AFC West Division Winner Odds

Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook

The favorite to win the AFC West is unsurprisingly the Kansas City Chiefs, the team that has been to five straight AFC Championship Games, won two of the last four Super Bowls, and seven straight AFC West titles. They have the best player in football, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and just won the Super Bowl in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year for them.

It’s tough to bet against the Chiefs. Not only are they set at the most important position on the field, but tight end Travis Kelce just might be the most valuable offensive weapon, and their defense quietly gets after the quarterback and gets better as each year progresses. 

The Chargers are next in line and have tons of upside. Justin Herbert is recognized as a top-10 quarterback and has the potential to vault into the top five thanks to the addition of rookie wideout Quentin Johnston and the re-signing of running back Austin Ekeler.

AFC West Division Winner Predictions and Picks

Our pick: Kansas City Chiefs (-165)

Like we said, it’s tough to bet against the Chiefs. It also seems silly to fade them because they have not put a foot wrong in the past seven years, including all five of Patrick Mahomes’ as the full-time starter. Only a major injury to the quarterback could stop them from perennially winning double-digit games and being favored to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

Longshot: Denver Broncos (+550)

The Broncos have great value here, and Sean Payton and Russell Wilson also have nice value in the Coach of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year markets. Payton is at the center of all of that because, although he has been away from the game recently, he is still one of the sharpest minds in the sport and always has his teams ready to win games. 

History of AFC West Winners

How to Watch 2023 NFL Regular Season

• Where: USA and international 
• When: Thursday, Sep 7, 2023 - Sunday, Jan 7, 2024
• How to watch: FOX, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, CBS, NBC, and NFL Network