Chargers News: Long-Time Rival Listed As Off-Season Division Winner

NFL writer believes the Denver Broncos won the off-season in the AFC West

The NFL off-season is a long one, and deservedly so. The off-season is when players recover and improve their game, and it allows teams to improve throughout the organization. It is vital to have a great off-season to be better prepared for a grueling season. 

Every team does its best, but other teams do the most and show the league they're not fooling around come football time. NFL writer for Bleacher Report Kristopher Knox listed each team's division off-season winner and put one of the Chargers' biggest rivals and 2022 last-place finisher, Denver Broncos as the off-season winner. 

AFC West: Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos, however, did add some nice players in Ben Powers, Mike McGlinchey, Zach Allen and rookie linebacker

Drew Sanders

. More importantly, they added a Super Bowl-winning coach in Sean Payton. There's no guarantee that Payton will be able to return quarterback Russell Wilson to Pro Bowl form, but at least he should have a plan. Under rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett last season, Wilson finished with a career-worst 84.4 passer rating. Denver took a huge swing on Wilson last offseason, dealing two first-round picks, two second-rounders, a fifth-rounder, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris and tight end Noah Fant to the Seattle Seahawks to acquire him. Trading for Payton was a gamble, but at least it provides the hope of the bet on Wilson paying off. Whether that translates to regular-season success is another story.

The Denver Broncos made the most noise this off-season within the division and will try to get rid of their 2022 demons. 

The Broncos had a disastrous season in 2022 and got better on paper this off-season; however, Knox only has them finishing in third in the AFC West, only above the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Projected AFC West Finish
1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Los Angeles Chargers
3. Denver Broncos
4. Las Vegas Raiders

It won't be any easier for the Chargers. The best way to make the playoffs is to win your division, which must be the goal in 2023. 

Winning the off-season is fine, but the division will be won on the field, and the Chargers intend to do so.