AFC West Preview

This division encompasses some classic rivalries and intense match-ups. Each home team benefits from an extremely loyal fan base and an electric atmosphere that makes the home field advantage clearly evident. Lets examine the outlook for this division which appears to be a fierce competition this season.

1) San Diego Chargers

Record last year: 11-5 / Projected: 11-5

The Chargers have a lot of firepower and can put up points in a hurry. This team will go as far as Ladainian takes them and the loss of Lorenzo Neal could be a tough adjustment. They did draft full back Jacob Hester to replace him, but there is not a replacement for a warrior like Neal. They also lost Michael Turner to Atlanta and their running game probably will take a step back this season. Even though they still have Darren Sproles it will be a real challenge for LT this season. With that said they still have an easy schedule and their defense is still solid, especially the secondary, which is filled with quality playmakers. They are still the class of the division but their level of dominance may be softened this season.

2) Kansas City Chiefs

Record last year: 4-12 / Projected: 8-8

Kansas City made a splash in the NFL draft by selecting first round draft picks Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU) and Branden Albert (G, Virginia) with their first two selections. The Chiefs also acquired cornerback Brandon Flowers and one of the better safeties in the draft, Dajuan Morgan. In addition to those stud selections they also acquired 2 WRs, 2 TEs, RB, CB, T, and a DE. They were able to get these picks because they traded Jared Allen to the Vikings in return for several of these picks. Despite missing the services of Allen, the Chiefs have a lot going in their favor. Larry Johnson is poised to have a strong comeback after dealing with contract setbacks and injuries last season. Dwayne Bowe is emerging as the best wide receiver in that division and running back Kolby Smith showed much potential late last season. As long as Brodie Croyle performs well and the team can stay healthy they could possibly be a .500 team. 

3) Denver Broncos

Record last year: 7-9 / Projected: 6-10

One thing that is for certain is that the Broncos will have a productive running game, no secret there. Adding first round tackle, Ryan Clady from Boise State will surely bolster Denver’s already effective offensive line. Travis Henry (RB) was cut this offseason, which leaves the starting running back job up for grabs. Fifth round pick, Ryan Torain (RB) and Selvin Young should get lots of touches this season. Selvin Young is a versatile and skilled back with great hands and always seems to get the extra yardage. He averaged 5.2 yards a carry last season and is a rising star that will be a key element in the offense and very productive in the run and pass game. Denver still has a good defense but other than Brandon Marshall and possibly Tony Scheffler their pass attack may struggle with the lack of depth at the receiver position.    

4) Oakland Raiders

Record last year: 4-12 / Projected: 5-11

The Raiders are a very young team that is going through a rebuilding stage. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell should get the nod this season and he will be in his first year as the starter. They drafted running back Darren McFadden with their first pick in the draft because they felt he was just too good to pass up. However, they still have some needs on their offensive line which were not addressed in the draft. Even with McFadden’s great potential, he will still need some help from his blockers. Oakland has a terrific secondary with shut-down cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall to make plays back there. However, the Raider’s offense could struggle with the lack of receiving threats and below average offensive line. They did acquire Javon Walker this offseason but he will likely be double teamed most of the time since he is the only real receiving option they have. Defenses will likely stack the box and dare the Raiders to pass which may be a daunting task for McFadden and JaMarcus to overcome, especially in their first seasons starting.

Here is how we see the AFC West stacking up, what’s your call?

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