The NFL offseason is flying by, and training camp is just around the corner. Ahead of the 2026 season, we are taking a closer look at the AFC West division.

Here we will discuss all four teams in the division based on just one thing: their single best player.

We shall rank the four teams from the poorest in the division to the best, based on their 2025 season's performance. 

4. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14) Defensive End - Maxx Crosby 

As per reports from NFLspinzone.com, Las Vegas Raiders star defender Maxx Crosby is known for being an absolute machine. Thanks to a failed medical with the Baltimore Ravens, the star pass-rusher could be set for another dynamic year.

Recently, his streak of never missing a single game early in his career ended when he missed playing time due to injuries in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. 

Still, the fact that he's never gone below seven sacks a season in his seven-year NFL career says something about him.

Some fans worry that playing so many intense minutes in previous years is finally catching up to him.

But the DE still put up incredible numbers when he was on the field last year. In just 15 games during the 2025 season, the five-time Pro Bowl All-Star managed to rack up an impressive 73 total tackles and 10 quarterback sacks. 

3. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11) Quarterback - Patrick Mahomes 

Patrick Mahomes has long been considered the NFL’s best player. Even though his career graph took a hit last season, he remains a fan-favorite.

Throughout his stellar career in Kansas City, Mahomes has amassed a spectacular resume. According to Chiefs.com, he has thrown for 35,939 yards, 267 touchdowns, and just 85 interceptions, posting a 66.2% completion percentage. 

He is also a major threat on the ground, adding 2,665 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. If Mahomes returns to this elite form, he will easily lead the Chiefs back to their winning ways. 

2. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) Quarterback - Justin Herbert 

Justin Herbert joined the Los Angeles Chargers as the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. As per NFLspinzone.com, he quickly claimed the starting job and won Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Over his six-season career through 2025, the LA quarterback has started 95 games, cementing his place as an elite franchise quarterback. 

Herbert has posted a 66.5% completion rate while racking up 24,820 passing yards, 163 touchdowns, and 58 interceptions for a 96.3 passer rating. As a dual-threat player, he has added 1,715 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. 

1. Denver Broncos (14-3) Quarterback - Bo Nix

According to The Sporting News, Bo Nix is quickly becoming a Denver Broncos legend. In just two seasons, the young quarterback has smashed franchise records and jumped to eighth on the team's all-time passing yards list with 7,706 yards.

He is also already tied with Jay Cutler for sixth-most passing touchdowns at 54.

What makes Nix the best player is his incredible efficiency and dual-threat talent. He does not just pass, he commands the entire offense. He puts up massive numbers through the air and on the ground while making smart, history-making plays.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Rudra Dubey