The AFC West heads into 2026 training camp as one of the deepest and most intriguing divisions in the league. Still, it is defined by major health questions at quarterback, coaching changes on offense, and a mix of contenders and rebuilds.
Specifically, veterans report by the end of July. The Broncos are in Englewood, the Chiefs are back in St. Joseph, the Raiders are in Henderson, and the Chargers are at The Bolt in El Segundo. Denver arrives as the defending division champion after a 14-3 season. Meanwhile, Kansas City is looking to bounce back from a down NFL future odds season. The Chargers are installing a new offensive vision. And then Las Vegas is starting over with the top pick in the draft.
Denver’s biggest storyline revolves around Bo Nix’s recovery from a broken ankle suffered in the playoffs. That was followed by a second procedure in the spring to address bone spurs. The quarterback has said he could be full go right now. And the team expects him to be ready for camp. Still, every step will be watched closely, given how central he is to the franchise. Once healthy, attention shifts to the receiving corps after the Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle to pair with Courtland Sutton.
Camp will show whether the two form a true 1A-1B combination or settle into a clearer hierarchy. In addition to whether Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., or others emerge as a consistent third option.
Also, Sean Payton handed play-calling duties to new offensive coordinator Davis Webb. Webb is a 31-year-old former quarterback who has risen quickly on the staff. The rest of the roster is largely intact after a quiet free-agency period focused on retention. Thus, giving the Broncos a chance to hit the ground running despite a difficult early schedule.
2026 AFC West Training Camp Preview
Kansas City is monitoring Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from a torn ACL and LCL that ended his 2025 season early. Naturally, Mahomes has expressed optimism about being ready for Week 1. He participated in seven-on-seven work during the spring. He was held out of full-team drills. Andy Reid has indicated the quarterback should be able to do some things at the start of camp. But the team will be cautious. Justin Fields provides offshore bookmaker insurance as the backup.
The secondary is being rebuilt after trading Trent McDuffie and letting Jaylen Watson walk. Instead, high draft picks Nohl Williams and Mansoor Delane are expected to compete for starting roles alongside free-agent additions.
Eric Bieniemy’s return as offensive coordinator is another notable development. Following the unit’s production dip in recent seasons without him. Certainly, the Chiefs remain dangerous when healthy. But the timeline for Mahomes will dictate how quickly they can contend again.
Las Vegas is in the early stages of an NFL betting rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak after a 3-14 season. The No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, headlines the camp storylines even if he is not expected to start right away. The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins as a bridge quarterback. Thus, giving Mendoza time to develop without immediate pressure.
Los Angeles is counting on a significant offensive upgrade after hiring Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. Following another early playoff exit. McDaniel’s high-octane system is expected to unlock more for Justin Herbert and the supporting cast. Including a promising group of tight ends and running back Omarion Hampton. The offensive line should be much improved if health holds.