AFC West Preview

Last Year’s Predictions
Chiefs 10-6
Chargers 9-7
Broncos 8-8
Raiders 7-9

What Really Happened
Denver Broncos 13-3
Kansas City Chiefs 10-6
San Diego Chargers 9-7
Oakland Raiders 4-12

The race in the AFC West will be close between the Broncos and the Chiefs. An injury either way could swing it for one of the two teams. I’m giving the edge to the Broncos because of coaching.


Denver Broncos – Projected Finish 10-6 (1st)
Big Question Mark: Running Back

I know that sounds really crazy but the Broncos released last season’s leading rusher Mike Anderson because of his hit to the salary cap. Anderson’s departure leaves Ron Dayne who has yet to prove that he can be an every down back and Tatum Bell who hasn’t had an injury free season yet.

Key Losses:
RB Mike Anderson
DE Trevor Price

Key Additions:
DE Kenard Lang
WR Javon Walker


Kansas City Chiefs – Projected Finish 9-7 (2nd)
Big Question Mark: Defense

The Chiefs are going to score some points this year but are they going to score more than their opponents? The defensive line is unproductive and injury prone. Derrick Johnson showed flashes last season as a rookie but Kendrell Bell was a virtual no show the entire season. The secondary isn’t anything to brag about either. Patrick Surtain is the cornerstone of the secondary but it goes down hill from there for the Chiefs. Good thing they are going to score a lot of points!

Key Losses:
WR Marc Boerigter
QB Todd Collins
WR Chris Horn
FB Tony Richardson
CB Eric Warfield

Key Additions:
RB Quentin Griffin
CB Lenny Walls


Oakland Raiders - Projected Finish 6-10 (4th)
Big Question Mark: Aaron Brooks will be the Raiders third opening day quarterback in three seasons. There is no continuity at the position and very little depth. Just think Raiders fans you could have had Matt Leinart or Jay Cutler.

Key Losses:
QB Kerry Collins
DT Ted Washington
CB Charles Woodson

Key Additions:
QB Aaron Brooks
CB Tyrone Pool
CB Duane Starks


San Diego Chargers – Projected Finish 8-8 (3rd)
Big Question Mark: Quarterback

The Chargers are going from proven winner Drew Brees to unproven quarterback Philip Rivers. Even worse for the Chargers, if Rivers falters A.J. Feeley is the back-up.

Key Losses:
QB Drew Brees
CB Jamar Fletcher

Key Additions:
SS Marlon McCree

2006 AFC West Predictions
Denver Broncos 10-6
Kansas City Chiefs 9-7
San Diego Chargers 8-8
Oakland Raiders 6-10

AFC South Preview
AFC North Preview
AFC East Preview