2011 NFL Preview AFC West Edition: Denver Broncos QB Controversy to Ruin Season?

Note: This is part five of an eight part series of NFL divisional predictions

In recent years, the AFC West has been the weakest of the AFC divisions. I don’t see that changing this year.

The San Diego Chargers typically stomped the competition and ran away with the division. Last year they managed to miss the playoffs, despite having the number one ranked offense and defense in the league. That would seem impossible, but they pulled it off. I see the Chargers rebounding in a big way and reclaiming their spot atop the division. I see them posting an 11-5 record this year.

The Kansas City Chiefs snuck up on a lot of people last year to win the division. I don’t see that happening again. The Chiefs have enough young talent to remain towards the top of the division. However, I see them regressing without the surprise factor this season and finishing in second place, with a record of 9-7.

The Oakland Raiders will likely take a step back this year. They have lost several key players from the team, most notably Nandi Asomugha. In addition to the roster defections, they haven’t brought in a ton of quality free agents, due to cap restrictions. I predict they will drop to 5-11 this year.

The Denver Broncos QB situation is without a doubt the most contentious in the NFL. The majority of the fans want Tim Tebow to start, even though he is clearly the inferior passer to Kyle Orton. They are drawn to Tebow’s intangibles and moxie. Kyle Orton might not be a franchise signal caller, but he is certainly more suited to start than Tebow. Tebow should stay on the bench and develop like Aaron Rodgers did for Green Bay. Between the QB controversy and a lack of talent, the Broncos should finish 5-11.

Part One: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/813411-2011-nfl-preview-afc-east-edition-miami-dolphins-qb-drama-hampers-team

Part Two: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/814030-2011-nfl-preview-nfc-east-washington-redskins-destined-for-last-place

Part Three: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/814936-2011-nfl-preview-afc-south-edition-colts-reign-as-champs-coming-to-an-end

Part Four: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/817829-2011-nfl-preview-nfc-south-edition-panthers-poised-for-back-to-back-top-picks