By Dalton Del Don
1. San Diego Chargers
Comments: The defense and offensive line should be better than last year, and an already weak division regressed even further with the departure of Jay Cutler during the offseason. Philip Rivers became a true star last season, and the passing attack is loaded, so even if LaDainian Tomlinson continues to decline, it shouldn’t be much of a problem. And if he gets hurt, Darren Sproles is an upgrade at this stage of their careers anyway. Playing in such an awful division, San Diego is a threat to be the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
2. Oakland Raiders
Comments: After the Chargers, the rest of the AFC West is up for grabs. The Raiders are as dysfunctional as it gets, including the recent Richard Seymour trade, which was downright insane. Still, they might be the least worst of the other three teams in the division, especially if they stop wasting carries on Justin Fargas. While JaMarcus Russell may lack Juan Manuel Marquez’s dedication, he’s actually shown signs of being a useful QB. He got 7.5 YPA over the final sevens games last season, and the WR corps can’t help but be better this year. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if Oakland entered its Week 9 bye at 2-6 or even 1-7, but the schedule eases up after that.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Comments: The Chiefs appear to be moving in the right direction, but the franchise is still a ways from being a playoff contender. The defense remains a work in progress, as does the offensive line. And there’s little depth behind Dwayne Bowe in the passing game. Matt Cassel struggles mightily with vertical throws, and he takes far too many sacks, but he should be an upgrade over Kansas City’s recent string of quarterbacks. Still, that doesn’t mean he’ll be above average. Todd Haley has his work cut out for him.
4. Denver Broncos
Comments: People can blame Jay Cutler all they want, but the fact remains the quarterback was 13-1 when Denver’s defense allowed fewer than 21 points over the past three seasons. Moreover, owner Pat Bowlen recently revealed he’s been suffering from short-term memory loss, and one source is adamant Cutler returned Bowlen’s phone calls multiple times. Either way, the Broncos are stuck with Kyle Orton at QB, a disgruntled Brandon Marshall and possibly the league’s worst defense. The offensive line is terrific, however, and Eddie Royal is a budding star. If Josh McDaniels can gameplan like he did in New England, the offense has plenty of potential. Still, don’t be shocked if Denver is 4-12 or even 3-13 this season.
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