Macho Rhino's AFC West 2010 Preview

FROM:  http://machorhino.com/?p=15980

AFC WEST
This is a real strong division but due to the way the schedule breaks for them giving the teams here a bit of an inflated record as they’ll face the weak NFC West.

1. San Diego Chargers (10-6) – It’s not been a good offseason for the Chargers. They’ve got holdouts with their left tackle Marcus McNeil and WR Vincent Jackson who’s suspended for the first three games anyway. LaDanian Tomlinson was sent out of town and the Chargers moved up to draft Ryan Matthews. He’s looked good in the preseason. They’ve still got Phillip Rivers to guide them and make the plays when they need it so he’ll get them back to the playoffs.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (9-7) – Dwayne Bowe showed up in great shape and looks like he’s finally ready to take over as the go-to receiver they’ve lacked in KC for years now. They had a draft that has brought a ton of speed to the team. Rookie Dexter McCluster will be one to watch as he’s being used in a variety of ways. Eric Berry should strengthen the secondary but the Chiefs will have to find ways to pressure the quarterback. The combo of Thomas Jones and Jamal Charles should combine for over 2200 yards.

3. Oakland Raiders (8-8) - JaMarcus Russell is out, Jason Campbell is in as the starting QB. He’s been banged up in the preseason but should provide the steady hand they’ve need at the position for the past few seasons. Having Campbell gives the team the confidence, he won’t throw the game away for them. They’ll still need to find receivers who can be consistent in catching the ball. If they do, they’ll be in the playoff hunt.

4. Denver Broncos (5-11) – Trading Brandon Marshall has really left this team with a lack of playmakers on offense and then the defense lost Elvis Dumervil. His production and impact on a game simply can’t be duplicated and will leave a gigantic hole on that side of the ball. Josh McDaniel will have to find a way to get his team to make plays and I’m sure he’ll find some creative ways to get rookie QB Tim Tebow involved as well. Kyle Orton will have to lead the offense to a lot of points to win games.

BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Phillip Rivers (QB – Chargers)

BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Nnamdi Asomugha (CB – Raiders)

BEST HEAD COACH: Norv Turner (Chargers)

BEST OFFENSIVE ROOKIE: Ryan Matthews (RB – Chargers)

BEST DEFENSIVE ROOKIE: Eric Berry (DB – Chiefs)

Check out our other previews:

AFC East

AFC North

AFC South

NFC comes out tomorrow (September 8, 2010)