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The AFC West has been the Kansas City Cheifs’ division to lose for the entirety of Patrick Mahomes’ career. However, the first two weeks of the NFL season would suggest that their dominance is over. There is plenty of time for Kansas City to overcome their early struggles. Even if they do, the Los Angeles Chargers, led by John Harbaugh and Justin Herbert, stand in their way.
The Chargers handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season after a 27-21 thriller in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Herbert, Harbaugh and Co. followed that victory up with a convincing 20-6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on the road. Technically, that was Los Angeles’ first road win of the season, but it has not had a game in SoFi Stadium yet this season. Despite that, they have been elite.
When it comes to the NFL playoff race, arguably no team is better positioned to secure a spot than the Chargers. Through two games, they are 2-0 against divisional opponents, giving the team some significant breathing room. It does not look like Herbert has even hit his stride yet this season. Harbaugh said that he wants to cut his quarterback loose this season, it it has worked so far.
A lot has been made of the Chiefs’ start to the 2025 season. Mahomes is without Xavier Worthy thanks to an inadvertent injury on his first offensive series of the year. They went to Brazil to kick off the season and then battled with the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. However, the Chargers’ beginning to the season is cause for concern in Kansas City.
Herbert’s big game resume is not great, even with Harbaugh. In a playoff setting, the Chiefs might still have an advantage. However, their time at the top has come to an end.
The Chargers brought some balance to their team this offseason. Los Angeles re-acquired Keenan Allen to balance the receiving corps and added Najee Harris to pair with rookie running back Omarion Hampton. The result has been an young roster that flies around the field on both sides of the ball. If the Chargers can secure an AFC West title this season, it could be the first of many.
Los Angeles has one of the youngest rosters in the NFL with an average age of just over 25 years old. A lot of teams that are that young often struggle when the lights get bright. However, Harbaugh’s experience coaching at Michigan is an asset that most other NFL coaches do not have at their disposal. The veteran coach is as youthful as ever and his energy has seeped into the team.
At its core, Los Angeles has four key leaders this season; Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Derwin James Jr., and Joe Alt. One thing that all three of those players have in common is the fact that all of them are under 30 years...
