Today we'll start with the AFC West. A season ago this division was no contest. The Denver Broncos, with the newly acquired Peyton Manning, were the class of the division finishing 13-3 and six games ahead of second-place San Diego. For the 2013 season, this is what I forecast:
1. Denver Broncos 13-3
Clearly Denver is still the class of this division. Peyton Manning is one of the best quarterbacks still in the game. They already had a potent offense, but added to it with the signing of Wes Welker and the drafting of Montee Ball. The defense was a top-flight unit last year, and probably should be again this season. Although the loss of Elvis Dumervil, in addition to Von Miller for six games, will greatly reduce their pass rush. But the fact remains, with how great the offense is, this defense will be playing with the lead in most games, which benefits them tremendously.
2. Kansas City Chiefs 8-8
A year ago the Kansas City Chiefs were the worst team in the NFL, finishing at 2-14. Much of that had to do with atrocious quarterback play and shoddy coaching from Romeo Crennel. Enter Alex Smith and Andy Reid. Sure, Alex Smith will never live up to his number one pick billing, but he's still much better than the awful combination of Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn. And Andy Reid is the type of coach who can "remake" or "revive" if you will a quarterbacks career. It also doesn't hurt that he has an elite RB(Jamaal Charles) and probably the best WR he's ever played with in Dwayne Bowe. The defensive unit has many more playmakers than the average fan knows about. When Eric Berry is on the field, he is an elite, impact safety. They also boast other playmakers in Tamba Hali, Brandon Flowers, and Derrick Johnson. Expect this team to improve, and possibly fight for the final wildcard spot.
3. San Diego Chargers 5-11
The Chargers have fallen from grace in recent years. Gone are the glory days with LT, Vincent Jackson, Norv Turner, Marty Schottenheimer, and dare I say Philip Rivers. Rivers has clearly declined as his talent has vanished around him. This current Charger team features an uninspiring offense, with mediocre WR, a talented yet extremely brittle RB (Ryan Mathews), and a horrid offensive line. This offense won't be able to win many shootouts. But the problem is, they'll most likely be in shootouts because the defense is also just average at best. Sure, Manti Te'o and Dwight Freeney are welcomed additions, but the secondary is way too weak and will be torched by solid quarterbacks.
4. Oakland Raiders 2-14
There's not much to say with this team. Other than the fact that they have the absolute WORST roster in the NFL. When people get excited about the prospects of Terrelle Pryor starting, a guy taken in the Supplemental Draft who is horribly inaccurate, you know you're in a rough situation. They literally have NO ONE on their roster that fans should be excited about. Please don't come at me with Darren McFadden.
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