This season is full of interesting plots with old faces in new places, the Brett Favre saga, and off-season hold outs. These story lines will most certainly have an effect on the outcome of certain teams season's. Injuries have ravaged certain teams, and might open some doors for some clubs to pass the teams that are considered superior in rankings. This post is about the AFC West.
AFC WEST:
1. San Diego Chargers-
Offense: The big story surrounding this offense has been the hold-outs of Pro-bowl players Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson. Both players play a key role as McNeill blocks quarterback Phillip Rivers' blind side, while WR Vincent Jackson is Rivers' go to guy down the field. I however, don't think this offense will falter with without these players. Rivers is one of the NFL's top quarterbacks and should be able to manage with All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates and the up-and-coming Malcom Floyd at receiver. Rookie RB Ryan Mathews could prove to viable option for the Chargers in running and passing game.
Defense: The defense of the Chargers has a couple holes, but is an overall stout defense. Their weakest point will be stopping the run. With no real experience at the DT position, it will be up to Luis Castillo to anchor the line. But with an impressive linebacking corps, an average secondary, the Chargers will hold their own against the pass. They are hoping that Shawne Merriman, once a feared pass rusher in the NFL, can bounce back after only getting 4 sacks last year.
Season Result: San Diego might not end up being the best AFC team, but even without hold-outs Jackson and McNeill, the Chargers are still by far the best team in this division. they will finish 11-5.
2. Oakland Raiders-
Offense: This was a much better than expected off-season for the Raiders, who had a solid draft, and added a couple free agents that will help them towards becoming a better team. On the offense, that player was Jason Campbell. Campbell could end up being the savior of this team, or just another bust QB in Oakland. Without much to work with besides stud TE Zach Miller and dropaholic WR Darius Heyward-Bey, it will be tough for the kid who hasn't gotten a break his whole career. Darren McFadden also needs to step up his run game in order to not be considered another Al Davis bust.
Defense: Oakland has a surprisingly stout defense. First round draft choice MLB Ronaldo McClain was a nice addition through the draft, and the addition of Kamerion Wimbley at outside linebacker gives them another pass rusher besides Richard Seymour. The most well known name in this secondary is cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, an All-Pro and one of the best players at his position. However, the man I am going to keep my eye on in the secondary is Tyvon Branch. Branch is their strong safety and I see him having some serious potential.
Season Result: Oakland will not be a dominant team, but will be respectable at 7-9, 8-8.
3. Denver Broncos-
Offense: I feel for Broncos fans. In the past 2 offseasons, their front office has traded away their best two offensive players in Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, and a questionable draft does not help. Still, the offense will be respectable with Kyle Orton at the helm and if RB Knowshon Moreno can stay on the field and put up good numbers. It will be interesting to see which receiver will be Orton's number one guy, as many of those receivers are unproven. Another question will be how will the Broncos use first round pick Tim Tebow's talents.
Defense: Losing their Pro-Bowl pass rusher, Elvis Dumervil, to injury is a major blow to this defense. It will be interesting to see how this team creates pressure on the QB without him (perhaps with second year player Robert Ayers?). The strength of this unit is definitely in the secondary, led by veterans Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey. Both are Pro-Bowl players but both are aging, so the window of opportunity is closing. Look for them to play at a high level to try and get that ring.
Season Result: The Broncos could be the most flexible team in the league as far as record goes, they could turn out to be a good team or a really bad team. I see them being a respectable team at 7-9.
4. Kansas City Chiefs-
Offense: Simply put, the best player on this team is Jamaal Charles. Their gameplan will always revolve around him. But besides Charles, the rest of the members of this team are question marks. Can Dwayne Bowe and Matt Cassel live up to their potential? Does Thomas Jones have another season left in the tank? There is a cloud around this offense an will not move until after this season.
Defense: More questions remain of the defensive side of the ball. A lot of young players with great potential. Pass rushers Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey are looking to progress, while ILB Derrick Johnson is looking to prove the world wrong and be a top linebacker in this league. In the secondary, the young Brandon Flowers is coming along nicely as their number one cornerback, and first round rookie safety Eric Berry will make an impact from game one.
Season Result: These Chiefs will be team to monitor, but I don't see them being a true playoff contender until next year after all this young players play another year and grow together. 5-11, 6-10
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