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

Phillip Rivers
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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

Antonio Gates
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

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

Darrius Heyward-Bey
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

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

Champ Bailey
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

Branden Albert
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