Back with the final installment of the division previews, where I head out west once again, but this time to the AFC where the defending champions are the Kansas City Chiefs, who got ceremoniously bounced in the wild card round last year by the Ravens. This division is much like the AFC North, where the two teams at the top and the two teams at the bottom have a gap about the size of the Golden Gate bridge. So, it's just going to be interesting to see which team represents this division in the playoffs, will it be the Chargers or the Chiefs? Also, will the Broncos be as horriffic as they were last year on defense? Well, I'll try and answer those questions and pick the winner now.
Denver Broncos
Denver had two years to forget under Josh McDaniels, as the Broncos went 8-8 in the first season, but 2-8 down the stretch in 2009, and then a forgetful 4-12 last year with one of the worst defenses Denver has ever seen. Denver gave up more than 30 points six times last season, and 20 or more points an additional seven times. So, needless to say McDaniels was canned and the Broncos now brought in John Fox who should help stabilize the defense. Plus, they got a standout linebacker in Von Miller from Texas A&M who will try and hold down the fort with Elvis Dumervil in the linebacking corps. The Broncos offense again should be fine, with Kyle Orton as a fine starter and Knowshon Moreno coming into his own as a running back. But, if that defense doesn't turn it around, it's going to be another long season in Denver.
Prediction: 5-11
Oakland Raiders
Oakland is becoming an organization where it doesn't know what the heck they are doing and Al Davis needs to know when to let go of running the team, which is now. Somehow the Raiders weren't awful last season, finishing a respectable 8-8. But, this team has a new head coach again, this time with Hue Jackson and is looking to reach their glory days again. It probably will not happen anytime soon as long as Davis is running the show, but folks in Oakland love their football. Oakland will falter a little bit, but not too much and that is mainly because Nnamdi Asomugha moved on to Philly.
Prediction: 6-10
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City had a spectacular year last year and they are looking to go back to the playoffs and have a winning season in back to back years for the first time since 2005-06, when they had back to back winning seasons. Now, with a solid running game led by Jamaal Charles and durable veteran Thomas Jones, the Chiefs are well on their way to becoming a playoff team year in and year out. The Chiefs also have a quarterback who doesn't make many mistakes and manages the game well with Matt Cassel who can throw it to big athletic wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. Defensively, the Chiefs are solid with Tamba Hali, Glenn Dorsey and Eric Berry manning the three levels of defense. So, overall this team is very good, but will narrowly lose out on the division crown.
Prediction: 9-7
San Diego Chargers
San Diego missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005, but finished 9-7, good for second in the AFC West. I'm looking for the Chargers to get back to the playoffs due to their consistency and because they seem eager to get back there this season. Philip Rivers again has back his Pro Bowler Vincent Jackson, who held out for the first 12 games last season, so they should hook up quite a bit. Plus, he still has the best tight end in the NFL with Antonio Gates along with an up and coming receiver in Malcom Floyd. The Chargers also will balance their proficient passing game with a solid running one co-led by Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert. These two backs have very different styles with Tolbert trying to bulldoze his way through a defender and Mathews trying to be shify and making moves. But, both are very effective. Then, the defense should be very strong with a group of veterans led by first year Charger Takeo Spikes. Spikes will lead the linebacking corps with Luis Castillo in front and Quentin Jammer behind him. So, this team is looking very solid to begin their hunt for the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised if this team went to the AFC title game but lost there.
Prediction: 10-6, 3rd seed.
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