AFC West stock up, down: Star TE plummets, while this Chargers RB skyrockets 

A quarter of the way through the 2024 NFL season, we’re assessing who’s trending up and down in each division. 

Here’s the AFC West’s stock report from Weeks 1-4: 

Stock up: Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II

On Sept. 4, Surtain signed a four-year, $96M contract extension, making him the second-highest-paid CB in the NFL behind Miami Dolphins star Jalen Ramsey. Thus far, he’s showing why he deserved the deal. 

In his first four games, Surtain faced star wide receivers D.K. Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks), George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers), Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Garrett Wilson (New York Jets). He managed to lock all of them down. Per Pro Football Focus, the 24-year-old has allowed eight receptions for 87 yards and no touchdown catches.  

His stellar play is one reason the Broncos (2-2) rank third in the NFL in passing yards allowed (146 YPG).

During a June appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” Surtain said he had “work to do” after he didn’t make last season’s All-Pro team. He should earn his second first-team All-Pro nod this year if he keeps shutting down No. 1 WRs. 

Stock down: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce 

Kelce recorded season highs in receptions (seven) and receiving yards (89) in a 17-10 Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Aside from that performance, though, he hasn’t produced outstanding numbers. He has 15 receptions for 158 yards and zero TD catches through his first four games.

Kelce is on track to finish with less than 870 receiving yards for the first time since 2014. His potential decline may be tied to his age. The nine-time Pro Bowler turns 35 on Saturday. Per Stathead, no TE in league history has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards at 35-plus. 

Kelce recently downplayed concerns about his slow start, telling the media, “I’m still the same player.” At this point, that’s difficult to believe. 

Regardless, K.C. (4-0) needs more from Kelce, especially with second-year wideout Rashee Rice seemingly sidelined long-term. In his Monday news conference, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Rice — who leads the team in receiving yards (288 in four games) — is still undergoing tests after possibly tearing his ACL against L.A. 

Stock up: Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins 

In his first four seasons, the former second-round pick Dobbins missed 43 games because of hamstring, knee and Achilles injuries. During a recent appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” he admitted he was unsure whether another team would sign him this offseason. 

Despite the injury concerns, L.A. gave Dobbins a one-year, $1M deal in free agency. That move seems to be paying off. Through four games, the 25-year-old is sixth in the NFL in rushing yards (342 on 56 carries).  

Expect the Chargers (2-2) to keep leaning on Dobbins to stay in the playoff hunt. L.A.’s 31st-ranked passing game (136 YPG) is still floundering under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. 

Stock down: Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White 

Entering the season, White looked like a potential breakout candidate. In 2023, White averaged 99.3 rushing yards per game when Josh Jacobs missed the year’s final four games with a quadriceps injury. (Jacobs is now with the Green Bay Packers.)

However, in his first four games in 2024, White has rushed for 152 yards and no TDs on 49 carries. Vegas (2-2) ranks second to last in the league in rushing yards (76.3).

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce may reduce White’s workload. In his Monday news conference, Pierce said RB2 Alexander Mattison should receive more reps after rushing for 60 yards on five carries in a 20-16 Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns.