AFC West

San Diego Chargers - (10-6) - San Diego is the most talented team in a weak division. Unfortunately they have to play the NFC East this season. Philip Rivers is coming off a career season. He threw 34 touchdowns in 2008 which is a franchise best. LaDanian Tomlinson had a down year after getting nicked up early. Darren Sproles filled in nicely when called apon. Giving the chargers two good backs. Vincent Jackson stepped up and had his best season at wide receiver. He surpassed 1,000 yards. Antonio Gates is still one of the premier tight ends in the game. He is back at full strength this season. A usually good offensive line struggled. They should be back at 100 percent. The defensive line lost end Igor Olshansky in free agency. They hope Ryon Bingham can fill in against the run. Rookie Larry English may come in in passing situations. He will also see time at outside linebacker. Losing Shawne Merriman for the season with a torn ACL was devastating. Shaun Phillips took advantage and led the team in sacks. If Antonio Cromartie can relive his 2007 season, the defensive backs are an excellent unit. Quintin Jammer is a very good corner on the other side. Eric Weddle has done nothing but make tackles all over the field since being drafted in 2007. The Chargers would really have to fall apart to not make the playoffs. The West is very weak.

Kansas City Chiefs - (8-8) - Scott Pioli has done a nice job building this team. He acquired former Patriot Quarterback Matt Cassel in a trade. The jury is still out on Cassel, but I think he has the tools to succeed. He should throw for 3,000 yards. Matt may also get the green light to run a little more. Dwayne Bowe is a talented young player at wide receiver. He is entering his third season and gotten better each year. Losing future hall of famer Tony Gonzalez is tough. His production will be a tall task to replace. Brad Cottam is going to get the shot. He showed good skills catching and blocking last season. Veteran Bobby Engram was brought in to play the slot. If Larry Johnson can get his emotions in check and play football. It will be a major boost for the offense. They hope second year player Jamaal Charles can take a step forward this year to help the rushing attack. Brandan Albert showed why he was the top choice for the Chiefs a year ago. He made a smooth transition from guard to left tackle in his rookie season. The line is above average. The defense is making the switch to a 3-4 alignment. They started by drafting End Tyson Jackson third overall in april. Glenn Dorsey will go from tackle to end. Finding a suitable nose may not be easy. They added a couple of vets to the linebacking core with 3-4 experience. Mike Vrabel was also acquired in the Cassel trade. Zack Thomas was also signed via free agency. Derrick johnson may play in the middle next to Thomas. Tamba Hali may move from end to outside linebacker. The defensive backfield is underrated. Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr both played solid in their rookie seasons. Bernard pollard and Jarred Page are both solid safeties. KC may have some trouble in a couple areas in switch to the 3-4. But adding vets with experience will help. They could surprise with a playoff push late. Maybe a year away from playoff contention.

Denver Broncos - (6-10) - Josh McDaniels takes over a rebuilding Broncos team. Jay Cutler was traded to Chicago after a tumultuous offseason. Denver acquired Kyle Orton in the trade. Orton has had unspectacular success in the NFL. But if he can play efficient football he will win the job. Denver signed a slew of runningbacks as well as drafting the out of this world athletic Knowshon Moreno. Correll Buckhalter will also get some touches. Eddie Royal emerged as a reliable receiver last year as a rookie. The troubled Brandon Marshall is talented but wants a trade and is always in legal trouble. Jabar Gaffney came over from New England will will add depth. The offensive line is a good unit. Top choice in 2008 Ryan Clady gave up only a half a sack in his rookie year. The defense doesn't look good. They selected Robert Ayers with their second pick in the first round. He can play end or outside linebacker and could be a bright spot. DJ Williams is the best player on the defense. He has little help out there. The Defensive backs are the strongest part of the D. Perennial Pro bowler Brian Dawkins was signed as a free agent. They hope he can bring experience to the defense. Champ Bailey is still a top corner and hopes to stay healthy. The Broncos are a year or two away from competing for the playoffs. Josh McDaniels takes over a tough situation.

Oakland Raiders - (5-11) - Entering year three, Big things are expected from Quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Jeff garcia was brought in and could see time if Russell struggles. Rookie Darrius Harward-Bey was drafted in the top ten. He has blazing speed but questions surround his hands. Zack Miller has been a steady player at tight end. Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden will split the duties at runningback. they have two different running styles which has become a trend in the NFL. The offensive line is bad. Robert Gallery has resurrected his career at guard after being taken second overall in the 2004 draft. But he is the only solid player. Kirk Morrison is a beast at middle linebacker. Thomas Howard is also an underrated player. But the defensive line struggled last year. The line has the potential to be okay. But they need to stay healthy. The defensive secondary is a strong unit. Asomugha Nnamdi is could be the best corner in the league. Young Tyvon branch looked good before getting injured last year at safety. Chris Johnson has the other corner spot and looks very good. The defense can be good if they stay healthy and play up to potential. They defense could win them a couple mores games if this happens. No playoffs for Oakland.