AFC West: Final Preview and Predictions For One of the NFL's Worst Divisions

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The AFC West will be a very intriguing division this season. Fans of the Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers, and Broncos think their team has made the necessary changes to get to the playoffs and contend for a NFL title.

As a Raider fan, I don't have much love for the other three teams in the division. However, I'll try my best to provide unbiased analysis and predictions for each team. Enjoy.

4. Kansas City Chiefs

This is probably the last year the Chiefs are at the bottom of the AFC West. The Broncos are taking giant steps backwards while Kansas City has some promise in young guys like Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry, Dwayne Bowe, and Brandon Flowers. If you mix that with veterans like Chris Chambers and Mike Vrabel, that could be a dangerous squad.

However, there are still some huge questions on both sides of the ball, mainly in the trenches.

The Chiefs have a terrible defensive line, with two high draft picks in Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey doing next to nothing as starters.

The offensive line is equally as bad. Brian Waters and Brandon Albert have been doing average, and Ryan Lilja is an overrated player who was the weak spot to the Colts' offensive line.

Strength in the trenches is necessary to be a contender, and the Chiefs don't have that on either side of the ball.

Add that to a tough schedule, and you have some worries in Kansas City.

Final Record: 5-11

Losses to San Diego (2), Oakland (2), Denver (1), Cleveland, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Houston, Jacksonville, and Tennessee.

3. Denver Broncos

As previously stated, the Denver Broncos have been taking huge steps back ever since Josh McDaniels was hired as the head coach.

The two best offensive players, Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler, have been traded away.

Passing weapon Tony Scheffler has also gotten traded.

Defensive star Elvis Dumervil has been placed on injured reserved.

Keep in mind the Broncos finished 8-8 last year. Now with their best players either gone or hurt, Denver is sure to have a below average season in 2010.

However, there are still bright spots to this squad. Champ Bailey is still a top five NFL cornerback, and hard-hitting Brian Dawkins is still starting at safety. Kyle Orton is a quarterback who will take care of the football, and Denver has a solid O-line.

The defense will take a turn for the worse, however, with Mike Nolan suddenly departing from the team.

Denver has young stars in Tim Tebow and Demaryius Thomas, but there is a lot of negative energy in Mile High City.

Final Record: 6-10

Losses to Oakland (1), San Diego (2), Kansas City (1), Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Houston, Baltimore, Jets, and San Francisco.

2. Oakland Raiders

The consensus going around the NFL is that the Oakland Raiders are the most improved team coming into the NFL season. There are plenty of new faces on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, they surely have potential to be in the top 10. They have a scary front seven and along with a very solid secondary that finished seventh last season. Richard Seymour has been moved to defensive tackle and Oakland improved their line backer group by adding starters Rolando McClain, Kamerion Wimbley, and Quinton Groves. Defensive End LaMarr Houston has also impressed so far.

On the offensive side of the ball, there are some major worries. The offensive line is shaky at best, and the receiving group has yet to prove itself. However, Jason Campbell brings stability to the Raiders' quarterback spot and should have improved numbers this season.

Overall, the Raiders are a team with plenty of promise but they need to prove that they can be contenders this year.

Final Record: 10-6

Losses to San Diego (1), Denver (1), Houston, Pittsburgh, Miami, and Indianapolis

1. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers have a few holdouts, yes.

However, their depth at wide receiver helps them with the Vincent Jackson situation.

The main concern in San Diego is Phillip Rivers' blind side. The Chargers don't have a Pro Bowler to replace him, so it's an immediate down-grade.

On defense, the Chargers got a little worse in the secondary by getting rid of Antonio Cromartie.

The Chargers have a very good chance of making the NFL Playoffs, but how deep will they go? That's the big question in southern California.

Final Record:11-5

Losses to Raiders (1), Indianapolis, New England, Houston, and San Francisco

What Do You Think?

Tell me what you think everyone. Am I right? Wrong? Delusional? Comment below!