For nine years running, the AFC West has belonged to the Kansas City Chiefs. It's been beyond frustrating for Los Angeles Chargers fans, especially considering the Chargers haven't been the kings of the AFC West since 2009 when they were still in San Diego.
While the Chiefs continue to look like a Super Bowl contender, there is a clear weakness on Kansas City's roster that very well could shake up the division this year. That weakness is the left side of the offensive line, which was completely exposed during the Chiefs' hilarious blowout loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl earlier this year.
For what it's worth, the Chiefs attempted to address the bad offensive line situation but that was after they traded Joe Thuney, their best offensive lineman, to the Bears for peanuts. KC then signed Jaylon Moore and spent a first-round pick on Josh Simmons. They plan to move 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia, who flamed out at left tackle as a rookie, to left guard, so how that goes is anyone's guess.
Moore started 12 games in four years with the 49ers, only filling in whenever Trent Williams was injured so no one knows how the guy will do when he's thrust into action every single week. As for Simmons, he suffered an injury during his senior season with the Ohio State Buckeyes and is still coming back from that, so who knows when that'll be and if he'll be as effective when he does return?
Chiefs' OL issues could end their AFC West title streak
This is all great news for Chargers fans. If the left side of the o-line can't keep Patrick Mahomes upright, it'll make games a lot harder to win for Kansas City. He'll be forced into throws and things will just be a lot tougher for a guy who's really gotten on Chargers fans' nerves during his time in the league.
The Chargers were a lot better than people thought they'd be in 2024 and the hope is that they can continue to climb up the ranks. After reaching the playoffs in Jim Harbaugh's first year, the goal now is to win the division and a playoff game. A weakened Chiefs offensive line makes that a lot more attainable.
While the AFC West absolutely belongs to Kansas City until proven otherwise, their time at the top of the division will come to an end eventually and it very well could be this year. Chargers fans sure hope so and that the Bolts can snag their first division title since 2009.