Patrick Mahomes has achieved an extraordinary start to his NFL career by clinching the AFC West title every year since he became the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting quarterback. Over his first seven seasons, Mahomes has also reached the AFC Championship Game each time. This dominant run may face its first challenge in 2025, as an ESPN analyst has forecasted a potential end to the Chiefs’ divisional reign.
Coaching Changes Spark New Hope for Division Rivals
While Mahomes has been the face of the Chiefs’ success, the team’s dominance in the AFC West actually began under head coach Andy Reid, who arrived in 2013 and secured the division title starting in 2016. Since then, no other team has managed to crack this streak, leaving the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers stuck at the bottom of the division for nine consecutive years. However, all three of those teams have undergone significant coaching overhauls, bringing in seasoned leaders aimed at reshaping their franchises and challenging the Chiefs’ supremacy.
Analyst Harry Douglas Backs Broncos to Claim the AFC West Crown
Harry Douglas, an ESPN analyst and former NFL player with a decade of experience, believes the Broncos have done enough to end the Chiefs’ streak. His confidence lies chiefly in Denver’s defensive improvements and trusted coaching, led by Sean Payton. Douglas singled out recent defensive acquisitions as crucial:
“This is the year that the Chiefs will not win the AFC West. I have the Denver Broncos winning it. And it’s because of the upgrades that they made on the defensive side of the football. They went and got two guys from the San Francisco 49ers who can play at a high level in [safety Talanoa] Hufanga and also Dre Greenlaw at the linebacker position,”
—Harry Douglas, ESPN Analyst
Both Hufanga and Greenlaw, despite major injuries in 2023, remain All-Pro talents expected to strengthen Denver’s defense. Adding to that, the Broncos possess a strong defensive line, featuring double-digit sackers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, alongside the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, cornerback Pat Surtain II.
Denver’s Offensive Additions Address Key Deficiencies
On offense, Douglas sees Denver’s moves as effective fixes for their biggest weaknesses. The Broncos used a second-round draft pick to add running back RJ Harvey, a standout from Central Florida known for rushing over 1,500 yards and scoring 22 touchdowns in college. They also signed tight end Evan Engram, a proven two-time Pro Bowler.
“Two glaring needs that I thought they needed coming into the 2025 season offensively was the running back position and the tight end position. They went out and got Evan Engram, and they drafted RJ Harvey from Central Florida, who only rushed for over 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns in college,”
—Harry Douglas, ESPN Analyst
These acquisitions aim to boost Denver’s offense, complementing their defensive strength and giving them a more balanced team to compete with Kansas City.
Quarterback Bo Nix’s Development Crucial to Broncos’ Success
Another vital factor in the Broncos’ potential rise is quarterback Bo Nix. In his rookie season, Nix impressed by managing Sean Payton’s complex offensive schemes. For Denver to realistically challenge the Chiefs, Nix must continue developing this year.
“I like the upgrades. Bo Nix did a great job orchestrating a very difficult Sean Payton offense last season, and I expect him to improve and actually win the AFC West in 2025.”
—Harry Douglas, ESPN Analyst
Counterview: Skepticism About Broncos Overtaking the Chiefs
A fellow ESPN analyst, Kimberley Martin, generally agrees the Broncos will improve next season but does not share the belief they will displace the Chiefs. She considers Douglas’ prediction a hopeful fantasy typical for the offseason. From this perspective, the Chiefs, stung by their loss in Super Bowl 59, will return with greater focus and energy. Kansas City has often treated the regular season too casually, yet still clinched the division, and there is reason to expect a renewed commitment to winning big in 2025.
A Highly Competitive AFC West Promises Multiple Playoff Contenders
Even if the Broncos fall short in claiming the division title, the outlook for the AFC West is deepening in competitiveness. Experts foresee as many as three or even four teams from the division making the playoffs, making the crown just one measure of success. The ongoing battles between Kansas City, Denver, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles signal an increasingly intense race ahead.
The possibility of Patrick Mahomes AFC West title loss in 2025 highlights how shifts in coaching and roster decisions among challengers are reshaping the division, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched NFL campaigns in years.