OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 06: Denver Broncos helmets sit on the bench during their game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on December 6, 2012 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
(Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /
Quarterback
Chargers (Phillip Rivers)- Entering his 15th season, Rivers has definitely been the most consistent of the current AFC West quarterbacks. While a bit of a gunslinger, Rivers is the only multi-time pro bowl quarterback (Carr was an alternate) in the division. Ranking sixth all-time in passing touchdowns, Rivers is on the road to Canton and is the clear top signal caller in the AFC West.
Raiders (Derek Carr)- After last year it’s hard to tell if Carr is a one hit wonder or just coming off a bad season. Either way, as it stands he comes in as the second-best quarterback in the West…for now. Two seasons ago, Carr was having an MVP caliber season. The Raiders have added some new weapons for Carr this off-season (Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant) that should put him in position to succeed. If he has another down year, however, his position in the rankings will drop.
Broncos (Case Keenum)- The Broncos showed ultimate faith in Keenum by not selecting a quarterback in this year’s draft. Keenum had a career year last season leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. However, Keenum is a 30-year-old journeyman quarterback that hasn’t been able to re-create any success similar to last year. Expectations are high and the Broncos’ front office added young weapons during the draft. Now it’s Keenum’s time to prove he can be the guy.
Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes II)- After trading away Alex Smith, the Chiefs believe Mahomes is their future. In his only start against the Broncos in the season finale, the young quarterback showed promise of what he can become. However, promise doesn’t help in these rankings when you have yet to throw a touchdown pass. The Chiefs are counting on Mahomes rising up this list quickly, but until he can prove it, the Chiefs come in at the bottom with quarterbacks.
