AFC West : San Diego Should Bolt To Another Division Crown In 2010

The San Diego Chargers have won the AFC West five of the last six years. Some pundits say their time to be considered serious Super Bowl contenders has passed, while others believe there is still time left in their hourglass.

The team is still full of talent after letting future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson leave and have offensive stalwarts Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil hold out for better contracts.

Led by quarterback Philip Rivers, along with tight end Antonio Gates, the Chargers hope rookie Ryan Matthews can fill the role of Tomlinson.

If Jackson and McNeil return soon, the team has to be considered a favorite to win their division.

With the improvement of the Oakland Raiders, it will not be easy. The Denver Broncos also plan to be in the hunt for the title, while the Kansas City Chiefs continue to rebuild.

Here is how the 2010 season may go in the AFC West:

1. San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers makes a catch against the New York Jets during AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Imag

Pros : Good depth at wide receiver, outside linebacker, cornerback, and tight end. Roster full of experienced veterans. High-scoring offense.

Cons : The defensive line is underwhelming. Inside linebackers are mediocre. Strong safety below average. Huge need to re-sign Marcus McNeil and Vincent Jackson to bolster offense.

Players To Watch : Philip Rivers, Ryan Matthews, Antonio Gates, Shawne Merriman, Darrell Stuckey, Hold out situations of McNeil and Jackson

Key Games : Week 4 Arizona, Week 7 New England, Week 9 @ Houston, Week 12 @ Indianapolis, Week 16 @ Cincinnati, Week 17 @ Denver

Predicted Finish: 10-6

2. Oakland Raiders

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 26: Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey #12 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown with Robert Gallery #76 against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on November 26, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

Pros : New quarterback with good leadership skills. Above average rushing game. Improved and above-average back seven on defense. Good special teams. Experienced and deep at defensive tackle.

Cons : Questionable trench play on both sides of ball. Young wide receivers still developing. Inconsistent blocking must solidify, especially on pass plays.

Players To Watch : Jason Campbell, Michael Bush / Darren McFadden, Rolondo McClain, Tyvon Branch, Zach Miller, Nnamdi Asomugha

Key Games : Week 4 Houston, Week 5 San Diego, Week 6 @ San Francisco, Week 7 @ Denver, Week 11 @ Pittsburgh, Week 13 @ San Diego, Week 16 Indianapolis

Predicted Finish: 9-7

3. Denver Broncos

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos waits for play to resume during their game the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 27, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Pros : Experienced defense bolstered by veteran additions. Solid secondary. Good kicking game. Underrated offensive line.

Cons : The running game is a huge question. The wide receiver corp is mediocre. Lacking targets and big play types on offense. Mirrors that worked last year may be shattered this season.

Players To Watch : Kyle Orton, Champ Bailey, Robert Ayers, Ryan Clady, Demaryius Thomas, Brian Dawkins

Key Games : Week 3 Indianapolis, Week 5 @ Baltimore, Week 6 New York Jets, Week 11 @ San Diego, Week 15 @ Oakland, Week 16 Houston, Week 17 San Diego

Predicted Finish: 6-10

4. Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Branden Albert #76 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on September 20, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Pros : Good running back depth. Improved wide receiver corps. Young squad developing nicely. Above-average special teams.

Cons : Offensive line still needs work. Defensive line needs to play to their abilities consistently. Linebacker unit not strong pass defending. Very inexperienced team.

Players To Watch : Eric Berry, Dexter McCluster, Thomas Jones / Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe, Glen Dorsey / Tyson Jackson / Tamba Hali

Key Games : Week 1 San Diego, Week 5 @ Indianapolis, Week 6 @ Houston, Week 9 @ Oakland, Week 10 @ Denver, Week 14 @ San Diego

Predicted Finish: 5-11