NFL Preview Day 4: AFC West

The West is hands down the weakest division in the AFC (And the NFC for that matter). The Broncos traded away a great quarterback and now must utilize their draft picks wisely to become relevant again. The Raiders won't be good until Al Davis hands over control to someone else. The Chiefs are still the Chiefs with Matt Cassell. That leaves the Chargers, the only team with playoff potential. They should win the division easily, and they have the talent to make an Arizona Cardinalesque (Team from weak division) Super Bowl run.

San Diego: Predicted finish, 10-6, division champions

The Chargers were one of the most underachieving teams during the regular season last year. Stacked with talent, they needed a miracle run (and a Broncos choke) to make the playoffs, where they made some noise. Look for them to build off that momentum to another division title. They have a solid quarterback in Philip Rivers, who rubs a lot of people the wrong way but is a great leader. Questions remain about LaDainian Tomlinson and how much is left in his tank. He is determined to prove all doubters wrong, and he should combine with Darren Sproles to be a solid running tandem. LT may not be who he once was, but he's still a complete back, and Sproles is a speedster off the bench that makes things happen in the open field. The best receiving option is Antonio Gates, who is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the NFL. Vincent Jackson heads a questionable receiving group that has to perform well if the Chargers are to make a deep run in the playoffs. On the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers need Shawne Merriman to be healthy and distraction free. If he produces like he is capable, he heads a top tier unit. Luis Castillo is a good pass rusher that should put the heat on QBs, and Quentin Jammer needs to play his best to solidify the secondary. The division is the Chargers for the taking, so look for them to do just that.

Oakland: Predicted finish, 7-9, T-2nd in the division

Nnamdi Asomugha is the best player in the NFL most casual fans don't know about. As a cornerback, he doesn't make the headlines too often, mostly because he shuts down the receiver he is on to the point where the quarterback doesn't throw to his #1 option. Cornerbacks whose names aren't mentioned much in the game are probably doing their job. Nnamdi heads an exceptional pass defense for Oakland, but one that is not helped by the fact that they have to stack 8 in the box every play because no one can tackle on this team. Teams can run all over the Raiders, whose front 4 really need to improve for the Raiders to have any chance to make some noise. The offense is headed by JaMarcus Russell, who has steadily improved to being an average quarterback. He will never be great, but he is serviceable. The running game looks to be the strength of the offense, with Darren McFadden ready to break out. He may not have tremendous numbers since he is splitting carries with Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, but he should be productive when he is in. Another unsung hero on the Raiders is TE Zach Miller, who should build on last year's production as he gets more comfortable with Russell. In the end, the Raiders lack of runstop ability and lack of any real threat at wideout (Except for Derrius Heyward-Bey...Ok, I can't even say that as a joke) will prevent the Raiders from achieving the .500 mark. 

Kansas City: Predicted record, 7-9, T-2nd in division

Some people tend to think Matt Cassel is the next Tom Brady. And he sure did look impressive in New England. But these people tend to forget he was throwing behind one of the best offensive lines in the league to Randy Moss and Wes Welker. With Tony Gonzalez gone, the Chiefs only proven option for Cassel is Dwayne Bowe, and, although I think Mark Bradley may turn out to be a viable #2 option, that isn't the same. Cassel lines up behind a suspect time, and has to adjust to making quicker decisions. With Larry Johnson at running back, the offense will be average, and would be okay if the defense was any better. The young players on this defense need to step up their game. Kansas City will take a step in the right direction, and will have an inflated record due to their awful division, but won't be anything special.

Denver: predicted record, 6-10, last in division

One person who overrated Cassel to the point of asking his front office to give New England the kitchen sink for him was Josh McDaniels. McDaniels had a much better quarterback in Jay Cutler, but for some reason wanted Cassel. Needless to say, Cutler wasn't happy about this and eventually was traded to Chicago. With this trade, the Broncos fell from division contenders to a rebuilding team. Their offense has no outstanding running back, and this isn't going to be as easy of a problem to hide as in years past because the offensive line is not what it used to be. Brandon Marshall is a top talent at wideout, but his numbers will fall because Orton doesn't throw the deep ball that Cutler did. The defense is anemic, with the exception of stellar corner Champ Bailey. When it's all said and done, it will be a year to forget for Denver.