NFL Season Predictions Part 8: AFC West
As training camp has sprung up creating a vast array of emotions of both hope for rookies and redundant routines for veterans, it’s never too early to start the wild speculation around the topic of what teams will look like in the ranking at the end of the season. Through my knowledge of the sport and the teams, as well as careful analysis of recent off-season acquisitions and losses, I have come up with a forecast of how I expect each team to finish in their respective division. To wrap up my 2006-2007 predictions, I’ll finally post my AFC West guesses.
The Denver Broncos have established the criteria to earn well-deserved respect and admiration. As a perennial playoff team, Denver looks to keep its streak alive this season with Jake Plummer’s forces at quarterback. After having an incredible year last season, Plummer should get some of his stellar performance back, especially with a stellar receiving core of Javon Walker, Rod Smith and potentially Ashley Lelie. While there are some question marks regarding head coach Mike Shanahan’s decision to start an undrafted rookie at running back, I’ve seen how the system in Denver continues to produce great seasons for running backs, regardless of their accomplishments. previous. With a strong defense and a relatively easy division to play, I think Denver will have another strong season.
Along with my selection of the New York Jets to go 7-9 this season, I think my other surprise lies in the San Diego Charger’s season record. I predict the team will go under 500 this season simply because of the absence of Drew Brees. Before Brees turned his career around with a breakout season a few years ago, the Chargers were a perennial lock for a top-five pick in the entry draft. After Brees changed his motives for him, the team evolved from a joke to a true competitor. With Brees out and Phillip Rivers in, I don’t think such an easy transition will happen. Honestly, I think Rivers is overrated by the media and fans, and while he had a good game against the Packers in the preseason opener, I can’t say that success will last the entire season. The team missed the playoffs last season even with a stud in Brees, and while many argued that San Diego had the toughest schedule in the league, not much has changed in terms of positioning, and as a result, Charger fans will have to endure a season similar to the dark days of a few years ago.
As sad as it was to see Dick Vermeil go last season, Kansas City needed to make some changes. However, these changes will ultimately have positive effects and lead this team to the best record in the NFL. I like the addition of Herman Edwards, who has a strong, tenacious demeanor that got him into an AFC Championship game two years ago. Paired with stronger additions to defense like Ty Law, the Chiefs not only have one of the best offenses in the league, but one of the best defenses as well. Larry Johnson will inevitably win the running back title for at least one season during his career, and I think he will win that title in January. While you can argue for the lack of a great receiver, Tony Gonzalez is still a potent threat and Trent Green is an excellent quarterback capable of pulling magic down the field more often than not. With an easier schedule than the Chargers and Broncos, I think this could be the season where Kansas City breaks loose.
There aren’t many positive feelings to be said about the Oakland Raiders. It’s true that the team made it to the Super Bowl a few years ago, but since then it’s been an unmotivated team filled with an unfulfilling collection of potential players and a city that can be scary in many ways. While it’s hard for me to say this, Kerry Collins is much better than Aaron Brooks, and I can see a possible quarterback-receiver tantrum between the latter and Randy Moss. The team has improved defense and other intangibles throughout the year, and I’ll give Oakland some wins for that, but overall I’m not too impressed. Art Shell has been out of work for nearly a decade, and with the new changes and player evolution that he has accompanied for such a length of time, there may be times when he feels uncomfortable or perplexed in extreme situations. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for now, though, and give the Raiders probably a few more wins than they should.
Final AFC West Season Standings (*demonstrates how to make the playoffs):
1.*Kansas City Chiefs: 13-3
2.*Denver Broncos: 11-5
3. Oakland Raiders: 7-9
4. San Diego Chargers: 5-11