Expert Analysis: NFL '09 Season Predictions AFC

(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

AFC WEST

San Diego. (8-8):

After an offseason of continuous overrated media, the San Diego Chargers of 8-8 look to repeat.

But some.... are starting to realize the other teams lurking in this division.  Keep in mind, the 'San Diego Super Chargers' were only 8-8 last season and barely sneaked out a comeback season, to win against the Broncos in Wk 17.  They were 4-8 last season, and at the beginning of the season, the media suggested San Diego as a top-prospect for the super bowl.  It seems that the media always has to give southern California special treatment, and talk endlessly about how great USC and San Diego is.

To be frank, I honestly don't see them securely winning the division.

Denver (8-8):

A lot of speculation has gone on in the offseason for Denver. I think they've seen enough. The whole Jay Cutler/Brandon Marshall fiasco is just another distraction. Can Denver win the division?  No one knows the answer, because there are too many questions, too many distractions, and not enough answers!

Another issue that it seems no one is talking about is running backs.  A lot of teams now are shooting for the ‘1-2 running back tandem’ that seems to work for every team that has tried it - Tennessee, Carolina, and New Orleans - just to name a few.

But Denver's running back position is remarkable. If you're a Broncos fan - you'd like to think of it as just a team who’s prepared, and likes to have backups. It appears they took it a little bit further.

Statistics:

RB Ryan Torain          15 CAR, 69 YDS – (But looks to have a breakout season.)

RB LaMont Jordan      80 CAR, 363 YDS 4 TD, 4.8 AVG (NE)

FB Peyton Hills           68 CAR, 343 YDS, 5 TD, 5.0 AVG

RB Selvin Young         61 CAR, 303 YDS, 1 TD, 5.5 AVG

RB Andre Hall             35 CAR, 144 YDS, 8.0 AVG

RB Correll Buckhalter 76 CAR, 369 YDS, 2 TD, 4.9 AVG (PHI)

In addition to Darius Walker who appears to just be a late bloomer.

You have all of these guys, you obviously need a quarterback for depth, and a defense with a lot of missing holes, and you go and draft a running back in the first round?

Might I suggest a guide for this team – ‘How To Have A Quarterback, A Defense, And Not To Have 30 Running backs For Dummies’.

(Before the off-season)

I thought this team had a chance to win the AFC West.

Now, it looks like they’ll battle for second. This division will be a lot closer and more competitive than last year’s AFC West.

Oakland (5-11):

I'd like to see a turn around season from the Raiders.  Wouldn’t you?  Just because most people in general, don’t like to see something get obliterated over and over – unless they did something wrongfully so.  It looks like they never have a chance.

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