Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs land eight players on NFL.com's All-AFC West team

Published Jun. 26, 2015 12:29 a.m. ET

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The Chiefs will try to topple the Broncos atop the AFC West this season.

They'll do so with an equally-talented roster, according to NFL Media's Dave Damashek. The writer placed eight Chiefs on his All-AFC West team; only Denver (9) had more.

Featured Kansas City players include running back Jamaal Charles, receiver Jeremy Maclin, guard Ben Grubbs, nose tackle Dontari Poe, linebackers Justin Houston and Derrick Johnson, returner De'Anthony Thomas, and punter Dustin Colquitt.

Chiefs fans certainly won't argue with Damashek. Here's what he wrote about their skilled team:

On Jamaal Charles: The future Hall of Famer means as much to his team's offense as any non-QB in the league; he's even more important than his quarterback, the underrated Alex Smith.

On Jeremy Maclin: He's unlikely to produce like he did as part of the Chip Machine in 2014 (85 receptions, 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Eagles), but Maclin was no slouch in his first go-around with Andy Reid in Philly, highlighted by a 70-catch, 964-yard, 10-touchdown campaign in 2010. I even feel optimistic enough to predict he'll catch a touchdown pass as a Chiefs receiver!

On Ben Grubbs: The former Raven and Saint will be counted upon to steady an otherwise questionable gang of linemen in K.C.

On Dontari Poe: One of the best run stuffers in the biz, Poe separates himself from his peers by also providing the much coveted "inside pressure" no opposing human quarterback likes to deal with.

On Justin Houston: He's more than just an essential piece of the Chiefs' defense and one of the game's most dominant pass rushers -- his 22 sacks (!) last season forever make him the answer to this trivia question: In J.J. Watt's all-time great 2014 season, who won the sack crown? For reals, though, K.C.: What's the hold-up on a new deal?

On Derrick Johnson: It's remarkable that the Chiefs' defense finished second in points allowed (17.6 per game) last season with Johnson and defensive end Mike DeVito missing all but one game and safety Eric Berry missing 10. With Johnson and DeVito back and ready to go for 2015, look out.

On De'Anthony Thomas: He's making the jump to wide receiver in hopes of taking further advantage of the electricity he showed on special teams last year.

On Dustin Colquitt: His 40.5 net punting average was tops in the division last year.

(h/t NFL.com)