This weekly series presents the 10 best players in each division. This week we continue with the AFC West.
1. Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos
60 sacks in 5 NFL seasons speaks for itself. Arguably the game’s most explosive pass rusher. He’ll be an all timer by the time he’s done.
2. Khalil Mack, DE, Oakland Raiders
We knew he’d be good but his 15 sacks last season proved just how special he really is.
3. Justin Houston, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
Miller’s stats are impressive, but Houston has had 56 sacks in as many seasons. But will we even see him in 2016 and can he rebound from this knee surgery? He’s a special player if healthy, let’s not forget his 22 sacks in 2014.
4. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos
He’s been over 1,300 yards and 90 catches in each of the last four seasons. He’s as productive as any receiver in the league during that time period. Is he due for a significant drop with the quarterback uncertainty, though?
5. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
It’s easy to forget about players when they get injured but Charles was averaging 5.1 yards per carry last season before his injury. His yards per carry average over his career? A whopping 5.5. That’s 4th best all time in NFL history for a career and 2nd best all time for a running back. It would be unwise to bet against him coming back and playing at a high level.
6. Chris Harris, Jr., CB, Denver Broncos
Developed into one of the best cover corners in the league. Though playing with that pass rush definitely doesn’t hurt.
7. Marcus Peters, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
His 8 interception season as a rookie was insane. He’s every bit the star playmaker some thought he could be if he kept his head on straight. Can he duplicate a season that impressive?
8. Eric Berry, S, Kansas City Chiefs
Unbelievable that he was able to recover from cancer in just one year and return to Pro Bowl form.
9. DeMarcus Ware, LB, Denver Broncos
He’s compiled 17.5 sacks over the last two seasons. It helps to play with Miller but while he’s 34 this summer he’s still producing at a nice clip. His 134.5 career sacks are 11th all time but by the end of 2016 he stands a good shot of getting into the top 5.
10. Reggie Nelson, S, Oakland Raiders
He might be 33 this fall but he’s coming off the best season of his entire career with 8 interceptions in 2015. He’s been consistently solid every season throughout his career.
Previous entries:
Top 10 Players in the AFC South
