Another NFL season is upon us.

Chargers.com reached out to internal media reporters Matt McMullen (Chiefs), Aric DiLalla (Broncos) and Rachel Gossen (Raiders) to gauge what the upcoming season could have in store for the division.

Here's a 2024 season preview of the AFC West:

What's the Week 1 vibe around your squad?

McMullen (Chiefs): The vibe is excellent heading into what could be a historic season for the Chiefs. No team has ever won three Super Bowl titles in a row, and Kansas City has an opportunity to become the first. Notably, however, there isn't much discussion of that around this team. Since offseason practices began back in May, the focus has been squarely on Thursday night's opener against Baltimore. The Chiefs have demonstrated a mindfulness of dealing with the task at hand (rather than looking ahead) over the years, and that's certainly the case with this team. They know that in order to reach their ultimate goals, it all begins with taking care of business week-by-week.

DiLalla (Broncos): I think there's an excitement to see what the Broncos look like in regular-season action. The team had a different level of energy during the offseason and training camp than in 2023, and there was heightened competition at a lot of positions. Denver had a strong preseason — winning all three of its games by a combined score of 99-44 — and quarterback Bo Nix looked the part. Now, it gets real. As Head Coach Sean Payton said last week, he's eager to see how the Broncos stack up. Payton has often said this offseason that a young and hungry team can be dangerous, and he's also talked about the need to start fast. The Broncos will have a chance to check both of those boxes in Week 1 in Seattle.

Gossen (Raiders): The Silver and Black are more than ready to get the season started. It was a different kind of training camp this year with a quarterback battle (the team's first real battle since 2014) that was ultimately won by Gardner Minshew II. The team also spent the first two weeks of camp in Costa Mesa, California, where they really got a chance to bond, get to know each other and become a close-knit team – something Antonio Pierce was adamant about as a former player himself.

Smith (Chargers): Did you hear the Bolts hired Jim Harbaugh? The new Chargers Head Coach has implemented his stamp on the organization in every way possible, with the most notable being the blue-collar approach the Bolts bring to work every day. Harbaugh wants his team to be tough, physical and one opponents dread playing on Sunday. The plan for 2024 is to beef up the run game to take pressure off Justin Herbert while employing a stout defense that focuses on pressuring the opposing quarterback.

Which player is an X-Factor this season?

McMullen (Chiefs): There are a few options here, but I'll go with rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. He ran the fastest 40-yard dash (4.21 seconds) in the history of the Combine earlier this year, and his speed was on full display during training camp and the preseason. His unique skillset paired with Andy Reid's creativity could make the Chiefs' deep passing attack one of the best in the league this season after Kansas City struggled in that area last year.

DiLalla (Broncos): Greg Dulcich. The tight end was impressive in limited action in 2022 as a rookie, catching 33 passes for 411 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games. A year ago, though, he played just 32 snaps as he battled a pair of hamstring injuries and a foot injury. After a long road back, he stood out at several points during training camp. When healthy, he's a matchup advantage for Denver and looked to have a good early connection with Nix. A year ago, Adam Trautman led all Broncos tight ends with 204 receiving yards. If the Broncos can get more production from that position group, they'll be better served to improve on their offensive output from a year ago.

Gossen (Raiders): I'm excited to see what Jack Jones does this year. Coming off 2023 where he nabbed two interceptions for touchdowns, he picked up right where he left off in the preseason with an INT off Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jones could really be a spark in the secondary this season.

Smith (Chargers): Maybe it's a stretch to give Derwin James, Jr. this label given all that he's accomplished in his career. But the Bolts safety had admittedly not been at his best on the field in recent years, which was perhaps a byproduct of having too much on his plate. James has meshed well with Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter, who noted this offseason that he wants to help James re-stake his claim as the best safety in football. James will always be an emotional leader for the Bolts, but if he can return to his Pro-Bowl ways in 2024, that should elevate the entire Chargers defense.

Give me a rookie you will have your eye on in 2024.

McMullen (Chiefs): Since I already mentioned Worthy, I'll go with a defensive player: safety Jaden Hicks. This was a guy that many draft experts had as the top safety in this year's class, and after falling to the Chiefs in the fourth round, he's already looking like a steal. He's a versatile player who can play deep, over the slot or in the box, and that skillset fits right in with what Steve Spagnuolo likes to do schematically. I'm expecting Hicks to have a notable role on this defense in 2024, especially as the season progresses.

DiLalla (Broncos): Any time you draft a quarterback in the first round, that's going to be the obvious choice. Nix arrived in Denver with the opportunity to compete for the starting job, and he earned it with an impressive training camp and preseason performance. In two preseason games, Nix completed 23-of-30 passes for 205 yards, two touchdowns and a 116.7 quarterback rating while also rushing six times for 29 yards. The rookie did not throw a pick or take a sack in preseason action. Most impressively to me, he seems to be learning quickly. If he made a mistake in camp, he bounced back fast and followed with impressive plays. The No. 1 storyline for the Broncos entering the season is if Nix can represent a long-term solution at the quarterback position, and he's thus far lived up to expectations. A couple of bonus players: OLB Jonah Elliss and WR Devaughn Vele. Both are draft picks from Utah that could make a quick impact.

Gossen (Raiders): I mean, I've gotta say Brock Bowers. An unexpected first-round pick for the Raiders but they couldn't pass up the best player on the draft board, and as we've seen in practice, a player they can put anywhere on the field. Though he was held out of the last two preseason games due to a foot injury, Pierce noted it was a precautionary measure and hopes are that Bowers will be good to go Week 1.

Smith (Chargers): We'll go with Chargers first-round rookie Joe Alt here. The No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Alt quickly established himself as the Bolts starting right tackle this spring. And while some growing pains are expected for a rookie, look for Alt to use his massive 6-foot-8, 320-pound frame to make an early impression up front. If Alt can find his way quickly, he should team with Rashawn Slater to make up one of the league's top tackle tandems.

Which game do you have circled on the calendar?

McMullen (Chiefs): In the spirit of the mindset in the locker room, I'll stick with opening night against Baltimore. The NFL offseason is a lot of fun, but I'm so excited to finally see this year's version of the Chiefs take the field. This squad has a chance to achieve something truly special in 2024, and what better way to kick it off than with a rematch of the AFC Championship Game.

DiLalla (Broncos): Week 1 in Seattle is high on the list, as is Week 7 against the Saints as Payton makes his return to New Orleans. But I've got to go with the Broncos' home opener against the Steelers. The first game at home is always electric, Pittsburgh's defense is full of stars, Nix will make his first home start — and Russell Wilson returns to Denver. This one is a must-watch.

Gossen (Raiders): Week 1, of course! I love a good AFC West rivalry game and with how the last few games have shaken out between the Raiders and Chargers, I think this'll be another good one for the books.

Smith (Chargers): Week 1 is always full of anticipation and excitement. And the Bolts can certainly get off to a good start with a season-opening win over the Raiders. But I'm going to go with Week 12 for this answer. I expect The Harbaugh Bowl to be must-see TV as the brothers are among the most competitive people you'll ever find. Add in the stars on both sides of the ball — and the fact this game is on Monday Night Football — and all eyes will be on SoFi Stadium for this one.

Finally, what are your team's 2024 expectations?

McMullen (Chiefs): Ever since Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a championship in 2019, the expectation in Kansas City is to win the Super Bowl. That's a lofty goal, but like I mentioned earlier, the Chiefs know what it takes to get there. The first step in that process is to win the AFC West, and from there, earn the top seed in the AFC. The Chiefs are tasked with another difficult schedule in 2024, but with leaders such as Coach Reid, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones at the helm, they'll be up for the challenge.

DiLalla (Broncos): The Broncos' football leadership has said since the end of last season that they expect to be competitive in 2024 as they build for the future, and that hasn't changed. Broncos Owner & CEO Greg Penner said last week he knows there will be ups and downs with a rookie under center, but he's expressed to Nix that the organization will be there to support him. I'm not going to toss out a win total or a playoff prediction, but I do think this is going to be a competitive football team. The Broncos' five-game winning streak and 7-4 end to the season in 2023 felt closer to their potential rather than the 1-5 start, and Denver added several pieces that I think could make a big impact in 2024. In particular, the Broncos beefed up their defensive line, which should help the defense start faster. With Payton leading the way, I'm eager to see what 2024 will bring.

Gossen (Raiders): I think the expectations are highest for the Raiders defense. We know three-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby is a game-wrecker but with the addition of Christian Wilkins, the Silver and Black have a fearsome defensive line that teams will need to be prepared to face week in and week out.

Smith (Chargers): The Bolts underwent a roster overhaul in the offseason and have nearly two dozen fresh faces on their 53-man roster. But don't mistake the churn for lowered 2024 expectations, especially with Harbaugh at the helm. The Chargers Head Coach returns to the NFL with a .695 win percentage and isn't going to settle for mediocrity this year. Expect the Bolts to rely on their big names — Herbert, Khalil Mack, etc. — to lead the way while looking for strong development from a host of youngsters. If that all comes together, the Bolts will find themselves in the playoffs come January.