2010 NFL Season: AFC West Preview

Similar to the NFC West, the AFC West is among the weakest divisions in football.

It's almost impossible to think that the Chargers will not run the tables again to win the division. 

No. 4 - Kansas City Chiefs

In case you forgot, at the end of the 2009 season, running back Jamaal Charles was spectacular for the Chiefs. How good you might ask? In his final four games, Charles averaged 164 yards per game, including a 259 yard outburst against the Broncos the last game of the season. 

Can Charles carry that into 2010?

This past off-season, the Chiefs added veteran Thomas Jones to the running back mix, and with him and Charles, it makes a great 1-2 punch.

What the Chiefs need to see in this upcoming season is a giant step forward from Matt Cassel After being chosen as the Chiefs quarterback of the future, Cassel did not look like the same player that he was in New England. If he doesn't show any improvement from 2009, the Chiefs might be forced to draft a franchise quarterback in next years draft. 

Just like the Patriots did, the Chiefs hired Romeo Crennel as their defensive coordinator, and Charlie Weis as their offensive coordinator. If Weis can find the same sort of success with Cassel as he did with Brady, I think Chiefs fans might like that.

I don't see that happening though. 

Prediction: 5-11

No. 3 - Denver Broncos

What a collapse by the Broncos last season. After starting the season 6-0 in 2009, the Broncos fell to 6-4. Then with two straight wins, Broncos fans blew a sigh of relief. Sadly though, that sigh of relief did not last long as the Broncos dropped their final four games to finish 8-8, and they missed the playoffs.

During the April draft, the Broncos shocked everyone by taking Tim Tebow at number 25 overall. With Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn already on this roster, what kind of impact will Tebow even have, if any? At least for his rookie season, Tebow likely won't see much time on the field. 

Aside from drafting Tebow, the Broncos lost their biggest playmaker in Brandon Marshall. That's a big weapon lost for Kyle Orton, who seems to never get the credit he deserves. 

There is one thing I can assure you: the Broncos will not start 2010 6-0 again. However, I cannot promise you that they won't collapse for the third straight season. 

Prediction: 6-10

No. 2 - Oakland Raiders

Dear Raiders fans, 

Sorry about JaMarcus Russell, hopefully Jason Campbell can erase Russell from your memories. 

Believe it or not, the Oakland Raiders could surprise some teams in 2010. They made a great move in trading for Jason Campbell during the draft, as he is a quarterback who can manage the game. He brings consistency to the quarterback spot, and something the Raiders haven't had since Rich Gannon. 

The Raiders have a good defense already, and if they can discover an offense, this could be a good year for Oakland. 

Prediction: 8-8

No. 1 - San Diego Chargers

Unless Philip Rivers gets hurt, it's hard to believe the Chargers won't win the AFC West. But, will that be it for the Chargers? With another early playoff exit, it's likely that Norv Turner will get fired.

With the season just around the corner, wide receiver Vincent Jackson still has not signed a deal, and it doesn't look like he will be wearing a Chargers uniform this season. Luckily for Rivers, he still has Antonio Gates. 

Perhaps the biggest key to the 2010 season is rookie Ryan Matthews, who the Chargers picked twelfth overall. He is getting a lot of hype, and has big shoes to fill in LaDainian Tomlinson's. 

Have the Chargers missed their window for a super bowl? We will find out. 

Prediction: 11-5