NFL Review and Predictions - AFC West

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

AFC West

San Diego Chargers
For the past couple seasons the Chargers have been a trendy pick to make the Super Bowl if not win the big game. This season is no different. They are one of the most talented teams on paper, the question is now can they put it all together to make a playoff run. They will be challenged early in the season without number one receiver Vincent Jackson who is suspended. Also missing at the moment is pro bowl defensive end Shawn Merriman who is holding out for a new contract. Also gone are the familiar faces of LaDanian Tomlinson and Antonio Cromartie (both with the Jets). Even without these star players, quarterback Philip Rivers commands a look as the MVP and the Chargers demand you look at them as a Super Bowl contender. Now if only Nate Keading could hit a field goal in the playoffs....

Kansas City Chiefs
The Patriots 2.0 - A young team built through the draft, sprinkled with veterans and the odd value free agent added for good measure, the Chiefs are finally set to challenge for the division title again. Matt Cassel is reunited with his ex. Patriots coaching staff and given more offensive talent to work with in Jamaal Charles, Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones at running back, Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers at wide receiver who will definitely give him options. The defensive has loaded up on lineman for the past couple of seasons and it is time for Glenn Dorsey to live up to his contract and rookie defensive back Eric Berry has been brought in to add the finishing touches. The Chiefs will make Arrowhead a fun stadium again.

Denver Broncos
TIM TEBOW! TIM TEBOW! TIM TEBOW! Although he is a third string quarterback at this point, will probably only get some snaps in the "wildcat" offense, it seems like all of the Broncos press revolves around him. This is probably a good thing as the Broncos will struggle this season. Kyle Orton is the quarterback for the moment and at running back is a revolving door because of injury. They traded away their best wide receiver in Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins and just lost their best defensive player (Elvis Dummervil) to a torn pectoral muscle for 8 weeks. There is a black cloud hanging over Denver at the moment, maybe Tebow was the right pick.

Oakland Raiders
"Just Win Baby" - that saying is old news in Oakland and it has been almost a decade since the Raiders and there maniacal fans could claim a good squad. This year the hope of the #1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell is gone, he is replaced by Jason Campbell and it can only be an improvement. Campbell does have some weapons to work with at running back with Darren McFadden and sophomore wide receiver Darius Heyward-Bey should have a better year with a quarterback that can throw the ball. Defense is solid but not spectacular. The Raiders have over paid some talent in corner Nnamdi Asomugha and safety Michael Huff. Rookie linebacker Rolando McLain should also make an immediate impact and although they might not make the playoffs, they are starting to get their swagger back.