The Sportmeisters NFL Season Preview: AFC West

By Derek and Ryan of The Sportmeisters

With the NFL season fast approaching, Sportmeisters Derek and Ryan break out the crystal ball and foresee the future of all 32 NFL teams.

Today, Derek and Ryan look at the AFC West, and discuss how they got to their respective decisions. What follows is a transcript of that discussion.

Ryan:

• San Diego Chargers: 14-2
• Kansas City Chiefs: 8-8
• Denver Broncos: 2-14
• Oakland Raiders: 1-15

Derek:

• San Diego Chargers: 16-0
• Denver Broncos: 4-12
• Oakland Raiders: 2-14
• Kansas City Chiefs: 1-15

Ryan: Derek, there is no way you can look at me straight in the face and decide San Diego is going undefeated this season. Especially with Norv Turner at the helm.

Derek: The AFC West race was over before it even started. The Chargers will absolutely dominate this division and I don’t see them losing this year.

Ryan: No way Derek, they have a beast of a schedule, and games against Pittsburgh and Baltimore will certainly end in a loss, and any other game could swing their opponents way.

Derek: They have a few tough games against Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Dallas, and The New York Giants, but I think they squeeze those victories out. The returning Shawne Merriman will revitalize the Defense and a healthy LaDainian Tomlinson will charge the Offense.

Ryan: Derek, the rest of the division you have as a wash. But seriously, all three teams with losing records? I think Kansas City is a little rejuvenated this season, and though Matt Cassell is hurt, he’ll be back in top form with Dwayne Bowe.

Derek: New Coach Todd Haley does not have the offense to lead this squad. He will only defeat Oakland and fall to 1-15 and be in line for a top three pick in the 2010 Draft.

Ryan: I think they take their division opponents, as well as a few games against like-minded foes such as Cleveland, Washington, and Cincinnati.

Derek: Denver is another team with a first year coach, and Josh McDaniels has a lot of work to do. No way they are competitive, especially fighting within each other.

Ryan: Agreed there, and I have them taking Oakland once and Cleveland to make a grand total of two victories, and possibly a short coaching career for McDaniels.

Derek: The same will be said for Coach Tom Cable and the Oakland Raiders. I only see them beating Denver and Kansas City, falling to 2-14 and looking at yet another top five Draft pick.

Ryan: Oakland is completely dysfunctional, for them to get one win, like I have, is going to be a miracle. They have speed, but it won’t get them to 2010 any faster.

Derek: It will bring a quick end to this conversation though.