The AFC West is arguably the toughest division in the NFL. Let’s break down the teams and make predictions post-draft.
AFC West Breakdown
Denver Broncos
Going 13-3 and making an appearance in the Super Bowl, the Denver Broncos had a Mile-High year. Peyton Manning enjoyed a record-breaking season, and stars like Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, and Julius Thomas didn’t dissapoint.
As the number one offense in the NFL last season, Denver plans on keeping their place as one of the best teams in the NFL.
The Broncos were highly active in the offseason, signing stars such as TJ Ward, Demarcus Ware, and Aqib Talib. A lot is expected from Montee Ball, Bradly Roby, and Emmanuel Sanders.
John Elway seems to be aiming to be one of the top defenses in the upcoming season, as they signed the stars mentioned right above. Roby has to play well for the Broncos, who let Champ Bailey walk.
Conclusion: The Broncos seem to be on track to have another very successful season, and is by no doubt one of, if not the most talented teams in the NFL.
Prediction: 12-4 ( 1st in division)
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers surprised everyone last year by making the playoffs and defeating the Cincinnati Bengles at “The Jungle.” They hope to pick up where they left off last year and a Super Bowl has to be on their minds.
The Chargers’ secondary was “bad” last year. Derek Cox was signed to a big contract in the 2013 off-season, and was expected to be a good and reliable number one cornerback. Let’s just say that didn’t go too well. They needed to improve the secondary.
Jason Verrrett was taken with the 25th pick in the NFL Draft by the Super Chargers, and will probably start right away. With Shareece Wright coming off of a good season (especially towards the end) and Eric Weddle leading the defense, the secondary should vastly improve.
Although they were not very active in the offseason, the Chargers did their best to keep their “core players,” said GM Tom Telesco (Donald Butler, Chad Rinehart). Key pick-ups in free agency included RB Donald Brown, MLB Kavell Connor, and CB Brandon Ghee.
Conclusion: Despite the hard schedule, Charger fans expect a lot from the Lightning Bolts this year, and they will give Denver a run for the AFC West.
Prediction: 9-7 (2nd in division)
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs exceeded expectations last year, going 11-5 and making the playoffs since 2010.
The Chiefs had a defense that made plays and scored touchdowns. Led by Eric Berry and Derrick Johnson, the defense only allowed an average of only 19 points a game and led the NFL with 7 touchdowns.
On the offensive side, they had a solid QB in Alex Smith, but Jamaal Charles was the no-doubt leader of the offense. Charles had about 2,000 total yards and had 19 touchdowns.
Dee Ford, their first draft pick, hopes to contribute to a defense that already has a great pass rush in Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. Their second round pick, Philip Gaines, should be competing for the second CB spot next to Brandon Flowers.
Losing Dexter McCluster was a loss for the Chiefs, and their WR group is still in question, but the Chiefs hope getting De’Anthony Thomas and potential-filled AJ Jenkins will help.
Conclusion: The Chiefs didn’t have a very good offseason, but led by Charles and Berry, they will also be giving Denver a fight.
Prediction: 9-7 (3rd in division)
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders seem ready to make a splash. After signing big-impact players such as Justin Tuck, Lamaar Woodley, Matt Schaub, Carlos Rogers, Maurice Jones-Drew, James Jones, and Donald Penn, the Raiders did something different this year.
Instead of risking their money into young and talent players, the Raiders decided to spend their cash on proven veterans that should make a huge impact right away.
The Oakland Raiders have been known as one of the worst NFL teams in the past few years, but many believe with the off-season they had this year they are ready to get out of the bottom of the NFL standings.
Khalil Mack, the 5th player to be drafted in the 2014 NFL Draft, should be a huge impact right away for the Silver and Black. Derek Carr will compete for the QB job, but Schaub should be able to take this one.
Conclusion: Led by a defense that includes Charles Woodson, Lamaar Woodley, Justin Tuck, and Carlos Rogers, and a offense that seems to be ready to put some points on the board, the Raiders should be able to make another name for themselves. But with one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, it will be hard.
Prediction: 6-10 (4th in division)
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