NFL Season Preview #5: AFC West

The AFC West has been owned of late by the Chargers who, ever since Philip Rivers became the starting quarterback, have won 4 titles in a row. And while they shouldn't be as strong as they've been, and other teams in the division are improving, the Chargers ought to still be a few games better than anyone else.

San Diego Chargers
Philip Rivers doesn't get much respect and attention around the country, but he should. He hasn't missed a game, his QB rating has been over 104 two years in a row and he is among the leaders in most other statistical categories. Along with that, his team wins. But like the Colts, Rivers and the Chargers can't get it done in the playoffs, going 3-4 the last few years, despite being the favorite in most of those games. There are some changes and challenges this season: Vincent Jackson is suspended for at least part of the season and may never play for the Chargers again, a significant loss as he's among the leaders in yards per reception. Left tackle is one of the most important positions on the field, and the Chargers' Marcus McNeill is holding out and may miss most of the season. And the best running back over the last decade, LaDamian Tomlinson, is gone to New York, leaving the Chargers counting on rookie Ryan Matthews. The Chargers are fortunate that they don't have to travel to the East Coast, and they host a couple teams that have to fly 3,000 from their home (Patriots and Jaguars).

Key Games:
- Patriots on 10/24
- @ Colts on 11/28
- @ Bengals on 12/26
Projection: 10-6

Oakland Raiders
I have been pretty optimistic about the Raiders this offseason, but I'm getting a little concerned as new starting quarterback Jason Campbell is already dealing with an injured wrist and shoulder/back, starting running back Michael Bush has a broken thumb, Darren McFadden hardly played in the preseason, and receiver Chaz Schilens is out for about a month with an injured knee. Along with that, their starting center is a rookie who hasn't worked much at all with quarterback Campbell. On defense, the Raiders ranked 31 against the run last year and they have addressed that area significantly in the draft. They do have a couple stars on defense in Nnamdi Asamugha (who has the toughest name to spell or pronounce in the league) and former Patriot Richard Seymour. I like coach Tom Cable, and the Raiders will be competitive this year for the first time in 8 years.

Key Games:
- Texans on 10/3
- Chargers on 10/10
- @ 49ers on 10/17
- Dolphins on 11/28
- @ Chargers on 12/5
Projection: 8-8

Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs had a soft offense and even softer defense last year, but Coach Todd Haley has done a lot to toughen them up. Chiefs have grabbed former partners Charlie Weiss and Romeo Crenell to help run the show. This team has some talent and potential on the offense: a solid backfield with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, a receiving corp that should make big plays, and a quarterback that should improve. The defensive secondary could be a strong point. The run game could be very poor again, but their early season schedule features the Chargers, Browns, Colts, and Texans, four of the worst ground games in the league. I see the Chiefs making the first real upset of the season, beating the Chargers in Kansas City om Week 1.

Key Games:
- Chargers on Monday Night Fooball on 9/13
- @ Raiders on 11/7
Projection: 7-9

Denver Broncos
I don't like their coach, they have below average running backs who are already dealing with injuries, they lost star receiver Brandon Marshall and their starting tight end, and they have a below average quarterback. Their best player on defense and NFL sacks leader is gone for the year. And the two divisonal bottom-feeders are much better. Kyle Orton has had a great preseason and he has won games in the past, so they could surprise me, but I see too big of a lack in talent. I think this will be one of the league's worst and most boring teams that will be buried by a 1-7 start.

Key Games:
- Raiders on 10/24
- @ Chargers on Monday Night Football on 11/22
- Chiefs on 11/14
Projection: 4-12