AFC West ranked as NFL’s third-best division in 2026

The AFC West may not get the credit it deserves.

The Kansas City Chiefs won two Super Bowls this decade and appeared in a third in 2024. The Los Angeles Chargers have been a playoff team half of the decade. And the Denver Broncos have turned into a resurgent AFC power under Sean Payton. But NFL.com writer Nick Shook still ranks the division as the third-best in the league.

While third best isn’t bad if you compare it to the top two: NFC North and NFC West, it’s debatable if the AFC West should be in the top two. But Shook is high on the Broncos and believes that if they continue to elevate, it will not only strengthen the division but also improve the team’s standing over time.

“That isn’t altitude sickness making you lightheaded in Denver — it’s the excitement generated by the Broncos in 2025,” Shook wrote for NFL.com. “In seemingly a flash, Sean Payton oversaw a tremendous turnaround, leading Denver to a 14-3 finish while reclaiming the AFC West throne for the first time since 2015 and nearly reaching the Super Bowl. On paper, the Broncos should be even better in 2026 after adding explosive receiver Jaylen Waddle to a roster that appears ready to chase a title — as long as quarterback Bo Nix is fully healthy and ready to resume his role as Payton’s offensive engine.”

The AFC West may be primed for a three-team battle for the top spot. Can the Broncos hang on and repeat as division champs? We shall see in the coming months.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: AFC West ranked as NFL’s third-best division in 2026