The AFC West is by far the most wide open division in football. Last year, three teams finished 8-8 with the other finishing 7-9, the landscape should look much the same this year. All four teams should be and will be in the hunt. Virtually a toss up. Let's dive in.
1. San Diego Chargers
Am I confident that this team will win this division? Absolutely not. The difference to me came in strength of schedule, even though they still have to travel to New Orleans and Baltimore. For the last half a decade this team has had immense pressure to perform. They have always had an abundance of talent but have never reached a Super Bowl, despite a couple years of dominating the regular season. But for the first time, the pressure has seemed to have been lifted and I ultimate believe that could be the difference. I'm not saying they will win or get to a Super Bowl, but I do think they can steal this division. Philip Rivers arguably had his worst year as a starter last year, tossing a career high 20 interceptions in a season plagued with erratic performance. I don't think that will be the case this year despite losing his best wide out and favorite deep threat Vincent Jackson. I really don't think the loss will be that detrimental. The Chargers boast a group of talented receivers--veteran and capable downfield receiver Malcom Floyd returns, and Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal were signed and will be thrown right into the mix. And obviously, Antonio Gates is still there who I think will be the x-factor for this team's success. If he stays healthy (which he hasn't) and one of these receivers steps up, this aerial attack should flourish. If not, a much improved running game should be more than reliable. Ryan Mathews demonstrated why he was a first round pick last year and showed flashes of being an elite back. But once again...he needs to stay healthy. The defense should be solid enough to hold down the fort. Notice I am using a lot of "shoulds" because there is big-time potential here, but a lot needs to go right.
Projected Record: 9-7
2. Denver Broncos
TIM TEBOW WILL LEAD THEM TO THE PROMISED LAND!!! Not so much. Tebow time is over in Denver, and one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play this game has stepped in to try to revitalize his career after a major neck injury. Peyton Manning looked a little shaky at times and showed some obvious rust, but that is to be expected of a guy who hasn't seen live action in over a year. The big question is: how long will that rust last during the actual season? Can he sustain the level of hall-of-fame play that he exhibited for thirteen years in Indianapolis? I wish I knew, but I don't. He won't be playing in a dome anymore, and his stats indoors compared to outdoors are alarmingly different. Remember how poorly he played in the snow against New England in the playoffs? He will certainly be battling some tough condition at Mile High Stadium. Not to mention, he will have to deal with the 2nd hardest schedule in the league that includes traveling to Atlanta who doesn't lose at home, to New England (self explanitory), Cincinnati, and Baltimore. Ouch. He will have the improving Eric Decker and the extremely talented Demaryrius Thomas to play with. He brings Jacob Tamme over from Indy, and will have Willis McGahee to utilize, arguably his most talented back since Edgerrin James. The defense should be much improved, they will be on the field much less without Tebow's 3 and outs, and stars Elvis Dumervill and Von Miller terrorize opposing quarterbacks. This is Manning's team...how far can he take them?
Projected Record: 9-7
3. Oakland Raiders
In my opinion, one of the NFL's most interesting teams this year. Last year after Jason Campbell went down, Al Davis went ahead and mortgaged pretty much their entire draft to acquire Carson Palmer, who just isn't the elite quarterback he once was. At this point, he is average, but better than what the Raiders have had in quite some time. Cough, cough Jamarcus Russel. Denarius Moore and Darius Heyward-Bay pose some high upside threats on the outside, but the key will be Darren McFadden. McFadden was the most prolific playmaker in the entire NFL for the first half of last season...until he got hurt, which has been the story for his whole career. I am starting to repeat myself, but if he can stay healthy, this team could go surprise and take the divisional crown. A defensive unit who ranked 29th in both yards allowed per game and points allowed per game will have to improve mightily, but these guys could be sneaky.
Projected Record: 8-8
4. Kansas City Chiefs
God this division is so wide open. This team could win it too. The more I think about it the more dangerous they are. Romeo Crennel steps in as head coach after taking over as the interim last season, a season haunted by injuries. Their best offensive player and one of the most explosive players in the league Jamaal Charles tore his ACL in week 2 (RIP my 2011 fantasy season), as well as their young stud safety Eric Berry. And I emphasize stud, because that is exactly what he is at the age of 23. Both are back and all reports say that they have looked great in the offseason. This team has a ton of offensive weapons, Dwayne Bowe reliable receiver and the organization has been raving about 2nd year player Jonathan Baldwin, who they say is poised for a breakout season. They also have Tony Moeaki and Kevin Boss at tight end to accompany Dexter McCluster as that throw-him-anywhere-on-the-field-because-he-is-ridiculously-fast guy. To compliment Charles, they brought in "I'm big, white, and a runningback" Peyton Hillis. A defense that ranked 12th in the league in points allowed should be much improved with the influence of Berry at the back line along with cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Stanford Routt who are a rock solid tandem. Quarterback Matt Cassel doesn't need to be great, just a game manager who limits mistakes. If he can do that...do we have yet another sneaky bastard in play here? I think so.
Projected Record: 8-8
Pj's Picks
1. Denver Broncos
2. San Diego Chargers
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Kansas City Chiefs
No comments:
Post a Comment