Every team in the AFC West has running back replacements besides the reigning champion Chiefs.

And multiple divisional rivals had their eyes set on the same backs during the NFL Draft.

Now that the dust has settled in terms of player movement, let’s examine the new-look running backs in the west.

Running back replacements highlight 3-of-4 AFC West teams backfields

The most intriguing running back replacements of the group are likely with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers.

Last year, the Chargers started J.K. Dobbins in the backfield and he enjoyed a great season. His 905 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns were each career-highs, and he stayed healthy for most of the season (13 games).

And yet, LA wasn’t satisfied. They substituted Dobbins for Najee Harris, the former Pittsburgh Steelers back who’s gone over 1,000 yards in all four of his professional seasons. Although, Harris slowed substantially down the 2024 stretch.

The Chargers also drafted Omarion Hampton, a running back the Broncos likely had their sights on. But when Denver was up to take their first-round pick, Jahdae Barron was still there at No. 20 and the Broncos had to take him. Hampton went to LA two picks later.

“Good luck to them,” Dobbins said about the Chargers after signing with Denver. “I’m a Bronco now. They got to see me twice a year. I want to get a ring, I’ve been in the playoffs every year I’ve played. I’m tired of losing in them.”

So, it seems like Dobbins will have a chip on his shoulder when Denver faces LA twice this year.

Signing the veteran was a bit of a surprise because the Broncos also drafted a running back in R.J. Harvey in the second round. And before Dobbins joined forces with him in Denver, Harvey was seen by analysts as a playmaker to watch intently in Sean Payton’s offense.

In a way, the Broncos and Chargers built similar running back rooms. They each signed a veteran and drafted a rookie.

Wait, that’s exactly what the Raiders did, too.

Raiders draft Ashton Jeanty, sign Raheem Mostert

Jeanty was another back the Broncos had their eyes on, but they likely always knew he wasn’t going to fall to them at No. 20.

Instead, Las Vegas drafted him at No. 6 overall.

And who can blame them?

Jeanty was a Heisman Trophy finalist and an absolute phenom in 2024 with Boise State. He ran for a nation-leading 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. Those shocking statistics would be a solid career in college, let alone one single season.

There’s zero doubt he will be the Raiders starting running back in September, although they also signed a veteran this offseason.

Las Vegas inked a deal with Raheem Mostert, formerly of the 49ers and most recently the Dolphins. He’s a 10-year veteran who enjoyed his best season in 2023 before being a depth piece in Miami last year.

Every team in the AFC West completely revamped their running backs room besides the Super Bowl losing Chiefs. Keep in mind they were in salary cap hell before Patrick Mahomes reworked his deal to lower his cap hit.

But they’ll go into 2025 with Isiah Pacheco as the starting back. He missed 10 games last year and was wildly ineffective in the playoffs.

Behind him is eight-year veteran Kareem Hunt, who showed some bursts here and there, but nothing to write home about.

Considering all the running back replacements in the division, it’s hard to not put the Chiefs at the back of the pack at the position.

Where do Denver, LA, and Las Vegas rank? It’s hard to tell at the moment because if Jeanty is a legitimate star at the NFL level, and there’s no reason to say he won’t be, the Raiders will have the best backs in the west.

Then, it’s Denver second, LA third, and Kansas City last.

The Broncos have the second-best line going into the season, with the Chargers at 10th, Chiefs at 19th, and Raiders at 22nd according to Fantasy Points.

ESPN’s run block win rate and other metrics show the Broncos are the best line going into 2025.

So, even if Jeanty is a star in the making, the Broncos could still have the best running back situation in the division.