We just came from arguably the best division in football to arguably the worst division in football, the AFC West. The Chargers won the division last year with a 8-8 record and had to win 4 straight games to do so. The Broncos had to lose 4 straight games to miss the playoffs, so it was quite a division battle last year. This year I don't think it will be as close, so lets begin!San Diego Chargers - Prediction (11-5, 1st) - The Chargers are easily the most talented team in this division. They virtually return their entire team, including a healthy Shawne Merriman. Merriman will try to ignite a ferocious pass rush. The Chargers do have one of the best secondaries in football as well, led by Antonio Cromartie. They are so athletic on defense and will certainly improve from last season. Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera will simplify the schemes and really try to play to the strengths of his defense, which is athleticism. On the offensive side of the ball the Chargers are very explosive. Philip Rivers was a top 5 QB last season. He threw over 4,000 yards and 30 TDs. Vincent Jackson emerged last season has a very nice #1 WR. Also TE, Antonio Gates was hurt for a lot of last year and should return healthy this year. But the major key for the Chargers this year is Ladanian Tomlinson. LT needs to return to his oldself and make defenses respect him like they used too. If LT can return to form, the Chargers will be virtually impossible to defend. We could see this team represent the AFC for sure this year.
Denver Broncos - Prediction (7-9, 2nd) - I really don't think this team will be as bad as everyone thinks. Josh Mcdaniels has a great football mind and will really get the most out of his players. He manufactured a top offense with Matt Cassell, Sammy Morris and Wes Welker in 2008. I feel he has enough weapons to score some points. If Brandon Marshall can get his head straight the Broncos will score lots of points this year. Eddie Royal is a stud WR, who can really disrupt defenses with his intermediate routes. The Broncos main weakness is there defense. They had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year and they should be right there this year. They can't stop the run or pass, so look for a lot of shootouts this year. I think they will be better than predicted, but not good enough to win the division.
Kansas City Chiefs - Prediction (5-11, 3rd) - The Chiefs cleaned house last off-season and are starting fresh. New head coach Todd Haley is the real deal. He is a firey coach who demands a lot out of his players. He has already set a new tone in Kansas City. He is a former WR coach and offensive coordinator. He constructed one of the top offenses in Arizona last year and is looking to do the same in Kansas City. The Chiefs brought in one year wonder QB, Matt Cassell to stabilize the passing attack. On defense the Chiefs drafted DE Tyson Jackson and will hope he can develop quickly with other top pick, Glen Dorsey. The expectations are low in Kansas City, so anything better than 2 wins will be a success.
Oakland Raiders - Prediction (4-12, 4th) - The Raiders had a chance to really improve in this years draft, but made a puzzling draft pick of Heywood-Bey. Bey can eventually be a top WR, because of his raw ability, but right now he is far away. The Raiders just traded for Richard Seymour, but they need a lot more than that. They are just mediocre on defense, with not many play makers. Asmougha is one of the top CBs in the NFL and should be a pro-bowler again. On offense the Raiders have lots of talent. Can Jamarcus Russell be an NFL QB? Well we shall find out this year. If Darren McFadden can be a force this year, the Raiders may surprise some. But I think they will be in a lot of games, but Russell isn't ready yet to lead this team to many victories. 4 wins sounds about right.



