The AFC West, historically dominated by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, has recently transformed into a highly competitive quarterback division. This shift became evident last season when rookie Bo Nix made a significant impact with the Denver Broncos, helping the Broncos join the Chiefs and Chargers as postseason contenders. The rise of Justin Herbert as a franchise quarterback for the Chargers further intensified the division’s strength, while offseason additions like Geno Smith to the Raiders have bolstered the competition, positioning the AFC West as one of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL’s most competitive divisions for quarterbacks.
Shannon Sharpe’s Perspective on the AFC West Quarterback Landscape
Analyst Shannon Sharpe emphasized the division’s quality during a recent episode of Nightcap, noting the depth of proven and emerging talent.
“You got Patrick Mahomes, you got Justin Herbert, you got Bo Nix, and Geno Smith. That might be the second-best division in football as far as quarterbacks,”
Sharpe remarked, highlighting how each team now fields a starting quarterback capable of making an impact.
Examining the Star Power and Rising Talent in the Division
Patrick Mahomes continues to be the benchmark at the quarterback position, having appeared in five Super Bowls and maintaining his status as an elite player. Justin Herbert’s development has been impressive, especially as he works under coach Jim Harbaugh; by late 2024, Herbert set the NFL record for most passing yards in the first five seasons of his career. Meanwhile, Bo Nix, under the leadership of Sean Payton, displayed veteran poise as a rookie, throwing for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns. Geno Smith’s move to Las Vegas reunites him with coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, fresh off a national championship win with the Buckeyes, adding to the division’s caliber.
How the AFC West Compares to Other NFL Divisions
While Sharpe ranks the AFC West highly, he identifies the AFC North as the top division for quarterback competition, citing its impressive lineup including Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Aaron Rodgers.
“You got two of the top four quarterbacks in one division [Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow], Aaron Rodgers, and then yeah, Cleveland [four QBs], even if we ain’t giving them nothing. But with those two top four guys, and Rodgers, I can see that,”
he explained.
Sharpe’s Nightcap co-host Chad Johnson, however, argued for recognition of the NFC East with its own strong quarterback roster featuring Russell Wilson, Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, and Jayden Daniels.
“Whoa, whoa. NFC East. What are we talking about? Russ[ell Wilson], Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts, Dak [Prescott]…”
Johnson pointed out.
Reasons Behind Sharpe’s Ranking of the AFC West
Sharpe acknowledged the NFC East’s credentials but maintained that the AFC West edges it out due to the combination of established stars and emerging talent.
“Patrick Mahomes has been to five Super Bowls. You got Justin Herbert. And you got a Bo Nix, who is up and coming now,”
he said, emphasizing the division’s steady growth and high-level competition.
In Sharpe’s view, while Jayden Daniels may be more talented than Bo Nix in a direct comparison, the presence of Mahomes and Smith in the AFC West gives it a slight advantage over quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Russell Wilson. The discussion around Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert resulted in no clear consensus, reflecting the fine margins that separate the divisions.
Significance of the AFC West’s Quarterback Development for the NFL
The progression of quarterbacks like Bo Nix alongside established stars such as Patrick Mahomes marks a critical shift for the AFC West, elevating the division’s status within the NFL. With the Raiders’ recent acquisitions and promising rookie performances, the division now features multiple playoff-capable teams and a high level of quarterback competition. This evolution not only makes the AFC West a key battleground in the league but also hints at exciting seasons ahead as these quarterbacks continue to develop and compete.