Toughest, easiest four game-stretches in the AFC West in 2024

With the NFL's 2024 schedule released, here are the toughest (and easiest) four-game stretches for each team in the AFC West.

Denver Broncos 

TOUGHEST • Weeks 9-12: at Ravens; at Chiefs; vs. Falcons; at Raiders

Don't be shocked if the Broncos lose four games during this brutal stretch. They have three road games and face two of the best teams in the NFL. Baltimore and Kansas City made the AFC title game last season and are expected to be Super Bowl contenders again. As of Thursday, FanDuel gives the Chiefs the second-best Super Bowl LIV odds (+600) and the Ravens the third-best (+950). 

The Falcons and Raiders may improve in 2024 despite missing the playoffs last season. This offseason, Atlanta signed quarterback Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, to a four-year, $180M deal. Las Vegas, meanwhile, went 5-4 after Antonio Pierce assumed head-coaching duties in Week 9 last season. 

EASIEST • Weeks 1-4: at Seahawks; vs. Steelers; at Buccaneers; at Jets

The Broncos should make the most of this early stretch and build some momentum. Although the Buccaneers made the playoffs last season, they may backtrack this season. FanDuel lists their 2024-25 over/under at 7.5 wins. 

Seattle is a challenging road environment, especially if Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix is the Week 1 starter. However, the Seahawks appear to be entering a reboot under rookie HC Mike Macdonald.

The Steelers and Jets have questions about aging QBs. Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson — who Denver released in March — threw for a career-low 3,070 yards in 15 games last season. New York's Aaron Rodgers is returning from an Achilles tear.

Kansas City Chiefs

TOUGHEST • Weeks 1-4: vs. Ravens; vs. Bengals; at Falcons; at Chargers

This portion of the schedule is a tough draw for the Chiefs. The Ravens will want revenge after losing to Kansas City in the AFC title game last season. Bengals star QB Joe Burrow — who's 3-1 vs. the Chiefs — will give K.C. problems if he's fully recovered from a season-ending wrist injury.

The defending Super Bowl champions should be favored against the Falcons. However, New Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh may unlock QB Justin Herbert's untapped potential, which would help L.A. pull off an early upset.

EASIEST • Weeks 9-12: vs. Buccaneers; vs. Broncos; at Buffalo; at Panthers

Aside from a Week 11 road matchup with Buffalo, the Chiefs have a clear upper hand in three of these games.

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield has struggled against Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, posting an 0-3 record. The Broncos are rebuilding in their second season under HC Sean Payton, with NFL.com's Cynthia Frelund projecting that they'll finish last in the AFC West. It's unclear whether Panthers rookie HC Dave Canales will help QB Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, turn things around.

Las Vegas Raiders

TOUGHEST • Weeks 7-11: at Rams; vs. Chiefs; at Bengals; at Dolphins

NFL schedule makers did the Raiders no favors during this portion of the season, as they face three teams (Rams, Chiefs and Dolphins) that made the playoffs last season.

More importantly, these matchups may highlight Vegas' ineptitude at the most important position. Whether Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew II is the Raiders' starting QB, neither will go toe-to-toe with Los Angeles' Matthew Stafford, Miami's Tua Tagovailoa, Mahomes or Burrow.

EASIEST • Weeks 15-18: vs. Falcons; vs. Jaguars; at Saints; vs. Chargers

Hosting three games at the end of the season bodes well for the Raiders, especially if their playoff hopes are still alive. In 2023, the Raiders went 6-3 at Allegiant Stadium.

The Raiders defense — which finished ninth in the league in points allowed (331) last season — could exploit some teams with QB issues. In 2023, Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence tied for fourth in the league in interceptions (14 in 16 games), while New Orleans' Derek Carr ranked 17th in QBR (56.5 in 17 games).

Los Angeles Chargers

TOUGHEST • Weeks 11-14: vs. Bengals; vs. Ravens; at Falcons; at Chiefs 

During this stretch, the Chargers will face premier QBs in Baltimore's Lamar Jackson, Burrow, Cousins and Mahomes, a massive test for Harbaugh's defense.

In 2023, Los Angeles finished 30th in the league in passing yards allowed (4,246). Aside from signing cornerback Kristian Fulton to a one-year, $3.125M deal, the Chargers did little to improve their secondary this offseason. Expect L.A. to struggle at this point in the season, possibly losing two or three games. 

EASIEST • Weeks 7-10: at Cardinals; vs. Saints; at Browns; vs. Titans

Before the most challenging part of their season, the Chargers may be riding a four-game win streak. The Cardinals, Titans, and Saints missed the playoffs last season and may not improve much in 2024.

The Browns present a tricky matchup in Week 9, but QB Deshaun Watson regressed last season, posting a below-average 42.9 QBR in six games. Herbert could certainly outduel Watson. He should also outperform Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, Tennessee's Will Levis and Carr.