AFC West roster power rankings after the preseason: Chargers shock the world

1. LA Chargers

Look, when you break it down position-by-position the Chargers have the most talent in the division. The team has definitely mastered that part of the equation, now the Chargers just need more consistent coaching and need to shake off the habit of getting in the team's own way.

Justin Herbert isn't Patrick Mahomes but he is still an elite quarterback who has a legitimate chance of winning the MVP if everything goes right this season. If the Chargers had just a slightly above-average quarterback instead of Herbert then the Chiefs would rank first on that alone.

The Chargers have a much deeper wide receiver room that helps offset the big gap between someone like Kelce and Gerald Everett. Kansas City's offensive line is better than LA's but only slightly, especially considering there are variables for KC this year that may not work out. Los Angeles is also better at running back as well.

Defensively, the Chargers have two All-Pro-caliber players in Derwin James and Joey Bosa. Khalil Mack is an overqualified second edge rusher and Michael Davis is one of the most underrated lockdown corners in the sport.

If J.C. Jackson is healthy and is only 80% of what he was in New England then he will still be a great cornerback. Asante Samuel Jr. might just be the best corner if he was on the Chiefs. Talent-wise the Chargers are ahead of the Chiefs. Now they need to actually play winning football.