Hochuli's AFC West Preview

by Afraidofedhochuli

I figured that since I did the NFC West first (because I am a homer), I would do the AFC West second...Why you might ask? Because I am still a homer and until 2002 my boys were part of this conference. Hey, I gotta stick to my guns right?

The AFC West. In Alphabetical Order

[1] Denver Broncos

They are older. Their defense is injured but it has become quite a scary one with the addition of Dre Bly. Jay Cutler may mature this year: he now has a healthy Javon Walker, and the addition of WR Brandon Stokley and TE Daniel Graham add to his arsenal. Two more words: TRAVIS HENRY. This guy is solid and when he moves into this offense with this monster line...he will TEAR it up. He will be more consistent then the fumble prone Tatum Bell and may be the most "seasoned" back they have had in years.

They might be a contender this year. They will benefit from 2 games against the Raiders and 2 against the Chiefs. They also play the Texans, Titans and Lions.

2006 Record: 9-7 2007 Prediction: 10-6 2nd in the AFC West (Possible Wild Card)

[2] Kansas City Chiefs

To get into the playoffs this year, Herm Edwards needs to find something in this team and ride it. What is that thing? I'm not sure he knows yet. It might be Brodie Croyle or rookie Dwayne Bowie. Their problem right now is their inconsistency. They don't have a proven QB or WR and their 16th ranked defense also needs to get better, as they were 18th against both the pass and run last year. In this division they will need to step it up.

What is going on with LJ? Can Croyle step it up? Will Gonzo be a focus on this offense? Those are questions that will need to have positive answers for this team to make the playoffs. If they don't win the division (very unlikely that they will) they will have a tough time making the Wild Card. They can't back in this year.

Their schedule is also tough with games against the Bears, Vikings and Colts.

2006 Record: 9-7 2007 Prediction: 7-9 3rd in the AFC West

[3] Oakland Raiders

Wow...the Raiders...where to begin...

The offense. JaMarcus Russell will be one of two things this year (duh): A savior or a goat. He has the ability to be a Peyton Manning or an Akhili Smith. This kid has potential but he needs to get in camp. They are lacking on the offensive line as well. They were last in the league in sacks giving up 72 sacks. Robert Gallery has NOT lived up to his #1 pick status.

The bright spot is the Defense. They were a sleeper last year, ranking first against the pass. This will be a HUGE focus this year. If the Defense can continue this and keep the team in the game then Dominic Rhodes and Lamont Jordan can work on the ground.

They have a lot of work to do and their schedule is BRUTAL. It is hard for me to find wins in it, but with the drafting of Zack Miller they should squeek out more then last year.

2006 Record: 2-14 2007 Prediction: 5-11 4th in the AFC West

[4] San Diego Chargers

I want to start off by saying that Shawne Merriman is a convicted Steroids user and he still touted as a possible hall of famer and still called "Lights Out". I might be able to sack that many people too if I was juicing...but that aside:

This team is frightening. This team, I believe has the best chance of being undefeated of any. LT is amazing, Rivers has stepped it up and as long as Gates is healthy there will be scoring potential. They now have Norv Turner behind the wheel on Offense and he will give this team every chance to score. He is a little crazy like that.

The Defense is stout and they run a 3-4 that seems to confuse opposing Offenses. They ranked 10th in total D last year (7th in Rush and 13th in Pass). As long as they can continue this they will tear through this division and easily make the AFC Championship.

The only difficult games they might face are the Colts and I can't see them sweeping the division. I give them one loss to the Broncos.

2006 Record: 14-2 2007 Prediction: 14-2 1st in the AFC West

Afraid of Ed Hochuli: Matt's Season Preview - NFC West