Chiefs, Broncos, Raiders predictions for NFL breakout players in 2025 AFC West

The AFC West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in football. Three teams from this division made the playoffs last season, and while it might be darn near impossible to get all four into the playoffs, the AFC West is sure going to try. The Chiefs will more than likely be the Chiefs, and behind them are three teams ready to make another big jump. The Broncos have a young QB and a defense that is a top ten unit, the Raiders completely revamped their roster in one season and the Chargers have a great coaching staff and elite QB.

Which players are going to help their teams make the jump with a breakout year?

Denver Broncos: WR Marvin Mims Jr.

A Pro Bowler as a breakout candidate? Yes, but when we discuss Marvin Mims Jr., I’m specifically talking about as a RECEIVER, not as a return specialist, which is how he made the Pro Bowl. The Broncos still need some downfield explosiveness from their receiver group. Mims Jr. really came on in the second half of the season, being used as more of a gadgety player but creating explosives almost every time he touched the ball. Mims Jr. finished last season fourth in the NFL in Yards per Route Run (per Sumer Sports) and head coach Sean Payton seemingly loved to design plays to get him the ball in space and using his speed to open up plays in the middle of the field. As the Broncos offense looks to build on a hot finish to the season, Mims Jr.’s role could expand.

Kansas City Chiefs: S Jaden Hicks

Someone from that defensive core wasn’t going to get paid, and unfortunately it was S Justin Reid, who is now a New Orleans Saint. However, the Chiefs’ succession plan at the position might be ready to take off. Hicks led the Chiefs in interceptions last season, and just overall has more playmaking skills on the back end that should help the Chiefs finish higher than 14th in team takeaways. Hicks has been someone the team has tabbed as the next big thing in the secondary, and I’m buying in as well.

Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images

Las Vegas Raiders: EDGE Malcolm Koonce

The last time Raiders’ EDGE Malcom Koonce was on the field, he finished with eight sacks, 48 pressures and a blistering 15.8% pressure rate. He missed all of 2024 due to an injury, but on a potentially upstart Raiders team, he could be the guy to launch himself into national conversation. He’s an explosive and technical pass rusher off the edge who is a nice complement to EDGE Maxx Crosby and will see a lot more one-on-one matchups due to Crosby and DT Christian Wilkins being on the same line. If he can retain that pressure rate and productivity, Koonce is going to be a whole lot more recognition.

Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotou

Tuipulotou has been waiting for a full time role since entering the league. Now that Joey Bosa is a Bill, his chance to breakout is now. He’s super powerful and can set the edge in the run game and wins with power in the pass rush department. Tuipulotou increased his pressure rate to 10.5% from his rookie year, and with an expanded role on the team he should be able to get that even higher. The Chargers’ defense is really well coached and having EDGE Khalil Mack next to you will definitely help, but Tuipulotou seems like he’s next in line for the leap at pass rusher.