Football <\/p>\n
The Las Vegas Raiders play in what could be the toughest division in football.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The AFC West features three playoff teams and a Raiders squad wanting to take them down. We should be in for some very entertaining games when Las Vegas faces off with its divisional rivals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As is the case each season, the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos feature young, up-and-coming talent that the Raiders must watch for. Players have broken out and have had big games against the Silver and Black.\u00a0<\/p>\n Today, let\u2019s break down each AFC West team’s next crop of breakout candidates.\u00a0<\/p>\n Kansas City Chiefs: Safety Jaden Hicks – <\/strong>A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Washington State, Hicks showed flashes as a rookie.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hicks totaled 29 tackles, three for loss, five passes defended, and three interceptions. He was always known as a ball-hawk in college, and those skills translated to the league almost immediately.\u00a0<\/p>\n According to Pro Football Focus, Hicks played 469 snaps, the second-highest mark for a Chiefs safety. He should be in line to start this season, so the Raiders<\/u><\/a> must respect what he brings to Kansas City\u2019s defense.\u00a0<\/p>\n Los Angeles Chargers: Cornerback Tarheeb Still – <\/strong>A player who showed promise as a rookie, Still<\/u><\/a> has a shot to take over a starting job with how he played last season.\u00a0<\/p>\n The rookie totaled 62 tackles, one for loss, a quarterback hit, 10 passes defended, and four interceptions. According to PFF, Still did not allow a touchdown in eight of the final nine weeks of the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n Still proved to be a steal for the Chargers last season. He can line up against the Raiders\u2019 best wide receiver, so Geno Smith<\/u><\/a> must be careful throwing his way.\u00a0<\/p>\n Denver Broncos: Defensive lineman Dondrea Tillman – <\/strong>Tillman looked good for the Broncos last season, but more NFL fans will know who he is after this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n He totaled 23 tackles, five for loss, seven quarterback hits, and five sacks in his first season in the league. PFF credited him with 22 total pressures in 2024.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tillman found snaps on a talented Broncos\u2019 defensive line, and he should earn more next season after impressing last year. Don\u2019t be surprised to see him have a big year.<\/p>\n You can follow us on X\u00a0@HondoCarpenter<\/a>\u00a0and IG\u00a0@HondoSr<\/a>\u00a0and stay up to date on our coverage of the Las Vegas Raiders and how they stack up in the AFC West.<\/p>\n Please let us know your thoughts and anything else on the Silver and Black and more when you like our Facebook page,\u00a0WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n