The AFC West features a few of the better quarterbacks in the league with a few flashy offenses.  The quarterback position is arguably the most important in the game of football, and while the starting QB is the priority, it’s always beneficial to have depth at this position.  Here’s how the AFC West quarterbacks rank as a group.

1. Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning is all that really needs to be said when it comes to the Broncos and their offense.  The Sheriff is a future Hall of Famer as he continues to shatter the NFL record book.  Manning is the epitome of a gamer.  He’s suffered a few worrisome injuries throughout his career, but always seems to recover wonderfully and returns to the field like he never missed a beat.  Manning let the Broncos to another division title, but fell short in the playoffs failing to reach the Super Bowl.  Last season, Manning threw for 4,727 yards and 39 touchdowns.  The Broncos success has a great deal to do with the acquisition of Peyton Manning and puts them at the top of the West.

Depth wise, the Broncos back up for Manning is Brock Osweiler.  The backup was drafted by Denver in 2012, and with Manning staying healthy they haven’t needed Osweiler much.

2. San Diego Chargers

San Diego’s Philip Rivers is one of the better quarterbacks in the league.  The Bolts offense isn’t as flashy as other teams nor do they have some of the top receivers, but Rivers is able to put up impressive numbers throughout his career.  A favorite target of his is of course, Antonio Gates, who has made some remarkable catches in his career, but Rivers always seems to keep the Chargers offense in the game and keep them in contention throughout the course of the season.

In 2014, Rivers threw for 4,286 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Backup wise, well, Rivers is always in the game.  Kellen Clemens, Rivers backup, appeared in only two games last season with only three pass attempts.  

Rivers is a solid quarterback and puts up great numbers for the Bolts year in year out.

3.  Oakland Raiders

Derek Carr enters his second season with the Raiders, but has a lot of work to do to catch up to the success of his division rivals.  The 24-year-old was impressive in his rookie season, winning the starting job out of training camp and preseason, but the silver and black are a team undergoing a rebuilding process.  

Carr’s numbers should improve with the addition of Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper, not to mention an improvement in the run game, taking the pressure off to be pass heavy on every down.

In his rookie season, Carr threw for 3,270 yards and 21 touchdowns.  He had his rookie moments, but showed poise and leadership as he aims to set this franchise in the right direction.

For the second year in a row a veteran quarterback in the league will backup Carr.  Oakland acquired Christian Ponder this offseason, but they also have Matt McGloin as well; both have starting experience in the NFL.

Last season, Ponder appeared in two games for the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 222 yards.  McGloin appeared in one game for the Raiders last season, passing for 129 yards in 19 attempts. The Raiders have an up and coming young quarterback who will have the opportunity to work with an improved offense, as well as an experienced bench with depth at this position putting them third in this power ranking.

4. Kansas City Chiefs

Starting quarterback Alex Smith had once been considered a game manager, but has put on a better display in his time with the Chiefs. KC has a solid offense led by their run game and Jamaal Charles, but Smith has done a fine job with this offense, leading them to contention every season.  He had no touchdown passes to wide receivers in 2014, but the Chiefs will have a new look offense with some new targets for their quarterback.  Last season, Smith threw for 3,265 yards and 18 touchdowns.  

KC’s backups haven’t had much playing time with Smith under center, but they have two young quarterbacks who can handle the backup role.  Aaron Murray was drafted by the Chiefs last year, but as a fifth round pick, there don’t seem to be many expectations for young Murray with Chase Daniels being second on the depth chart.  Daniels appeared in three games last year compared to Murray’s zero and had 28 pass attempts for 157 yards.