NFL: Midseason Report Card for Every AFC West Team

It's unbelievable that we are at the midpoint of the NFL season already.  Seems like yesterday I was checking SportsCenter every morning and night for any sign of hope that a new CBA would be signed.  Thanks to Jeff Saturday, Robert Kraft and several other owner and player combinations that pushed through the hard work to get the deal done.

It's been a crazy and exciting season as usual.  The added unknown of dealing with practically no offseason has thrown an extra ingredient in the mix.  How would teams fare with little time to make needed adjustments?  How would rookie head coaches and players integrate into their pro systems?

Since it's the midpoint of the season, let us evaluate every AFC West team and try to predict where they are headed in NFL 2011 Act II.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders we see today are not the Raiders we started out with.  With injuries plaguing McFadden and a complete change at the quarterback position we have a entirely different team.  I think the Raiders are good, they just need to work through some of their changes.

Strong Points: Fifth in the NFL in rushing yards

Could Improve: Next to last in the league in passing yards

Preseason Prediction: 6-10

Current Record: 4-4 (third in AFC West by tiebreaker)

Statistical Trending Record: 8-8

My Midseason Adjusted Final Record: 9-7

With one of the weaker schedules remaining for the AFC West, I believe the Raiders come close, but fall short of the Chargers to a tiebreaker at the end of the season.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers are a bit of an enigma, even more so than I expected.  Rivers has been surprisingly disappointing.  The talent on this team is so good that it's unbelievable for them not to be a championship team year by year.  This year they are off to another poor start.  Will they be able to pick it up in time?

Strong Points: Fourth in the NFL in passing yards, and fourth in passing defense

Could Improve: Running game (16th) and turnovers (minus-eight)

Preseason Prediction: 9-7 (AFC West champions)

Current Record: 4-4 (second in AFC West by tiebreaker)

Statistical Trending Record: 8-8

My Midseason Adjusted Final Record: 8-8

The Chargers have a tough second-half schedule with games against Chicago, Buffalo, Baltimore and Detroit.  They play better down the stretch, but they don't have enough fire power.

Kansas City Chiefs

When your quarterback is just two yards shy of being the leading rusher in a game, and his name is not Vick, you have problems.  Injuries have plagued this team, but I would say that even more so than injuries, emotional roller coasters have determined whether the Chiefs get blown out or destroy their opponents.

Strong Points: Usually playing at home, but not always

Could Improve: Passing yards and pass coverage

Preseason Prediction: 6-10

Current Record: 4-4 (first in AFC West over OAK and SD by head-to-head win percentage)

Statistical Trending Record: 8-8

My Midseason Adjusted Final Record: Same, 6-10

The Chiefs' second-half schedule is brutal!  At New England, Pitt, Green Bay, at Chicago and at New York is one of the worst game stretches remaining in the league.  They will not survive. 

Denver Broncos

The Broncos play like one of the worst teams in the league at times, yet they are only one game out of the division lead for the AFC West, a.k.a. the new NFC West.

Strong Points: Fifth in the league for rushing

Could Improve: Everything involved with the quarterback

Preseason Prediction: 7-9

Current Record: 3-5 (fourth in AFC West)

Statistical Trending Record: 6-10

My Midseason Adjusted Final Record: 6-10

With two games against KC and one with Minnesota I see three very winnable games.