It's that time of year again and NFL Preseason Football is back in action. With only 3 weeks until the season opener, it's time to look at the teams. Today I focus on the AFC West.
DENVER BRONCOS
For the last 2 seasons, it was about Tim Tebow and his heroic comebacks which lead the Denver Broncos into the playoffs, losing in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against New England. Now, Tebow has been traded to the NY Jets and a new QB is in town. You may have heard of him, because it's Peyton Manning, who missed the entire 2011 season with neck injuries. Now Manning signed a 5-year deal worth nearly $100M and he will be under center, looking for another Super Bowl berth. Peyton's weapons include Eric Decker, Brandon Stokley, Andre Caldwell and Demaryius Thomas. RBs include Willis McGahee (who had an outstanding '11 season) and Knowshon Moreno. Coach John Fox and his Broncos face a tough schedule which includes the Week 1 Sunday night game against Pittsburgh (who they beat thanks to a Tebow deep pass to Thomas in Wildcard Playoffs), Week 5 at New England, Week 6 at San Diego and 2 late-season games against Kansas City which could prove who gets top spot in the AFC West.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Chiefs had an uprising in the latter part of the 2011 season, but barely missed the playoffs going 7-9. Romeo Crennel had the Interim tag removed and is the Head Coach of the Chiefs. After missing Matt Cassel for half the year due to injury, Kyle Orton was signed and was released in the offseason. Now Cassel is healthy and has weapons including Steve Breaston & Kevin Boss. However, the focus will be on the running game. During the Off-season, the Chiefs signed Peyton Hillis and he will share the time with Jamaal Charles (missed 15 games in 2011) and these two RBs will definitely be a force to contend with, meaning teams will have to work on defense to stop the running game. The Chiefs defense, including Eric Berry, Brandon Flowers and Javon Belcher can also be a big impact for a chance to be a surprise team in the Playoff Hunt. The schedule is also favorable and if they can play their cards right, look for them in January.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
The Raiders went 8-8 in 2011, but cleaned house during the offseason, replacing with all-new personnel, including 1st time Head Coach Dennis Allen and new Offensive Coordinator Greg Knapp. Oakland loses RB Michael Bush & QB Jason Campbell (both signed with Chicago) and sign FB Owen Schmitt & QB Matt Leinart in the offseason. However, Carson Palmer (who had an up-and-down 2011 campaign) will be under center and will have targets including Jacoby Ford and Darius Heyward-Bey. RB Darren McFadden and if he is healthy, this team could be tough on the running game. The schedule is also interesting with tough opponents against Pittsburgh & Denver (Weeks 3-4) and go on the road against Atlanta, Baltimore & Cincinnati. However, they play alot at home down the stretch which is favorable.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
The Chargers were once the elite team in the AFC West, but struggled all of 2011. Phillip Rivers had a disappointing season and loses WR Vincent Jackson to free-agency. However, the Bolts signed WRs Robert Meacham and Eddie Royal to join Malcolm Floyd on the line. Also Antonio Gates is back and can be an impact as well. RB Ryan Mathews suffered an injury during their 1st preseason game against Green Bay and looks to be back by their season-opener against Oakland. Takeo Spikes leads the Defense which also needs to improve from last season. The schedule faces tough tests at Pittsburgh and NY Jets down the stretch, but does host Tennessee, Atlanta & Baltimore at home.
PREDICTIONS
Denver 12-4
San Diego 9-7
Kansas City 8-8
Oakland 6-10
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