AFC West

This division, above all others, always seems to be the craziest. Really, if you look at it, just a few seasons ago, the Chargers were 1-15. A few seasons later, the Chiefs started out 11-0. Then the Raiders made it to the Superbowl. And the Broncos are still trying to recover from the loss of John Elway. So, this division predictions, above all else, are likely to be wrong, but probably not, because I am The Correct One.
San Diego Chargers-A lot of people are predicting Super Bowl for these guys. To me, it just seems like they lost Michael Turner, which I think will be a bigger loss than even the Chargers know. Yes, they have studs LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawn Merriman, thats why they are winning this division, but its not enough to get them to the Super Bowl. LT will actually suffer tremoundously from the loss of Turner. He will likely look slightly more human. Maybe even less than 25 touchdowns this season. My point is this: yeah-they good. But no-they aint that good. Rivers will be a big factor in how far they go.
Denver Broncos-We will learn a lot about the Broncos of the future this season. I dont think that its a playoff year for them, but all of their young guys will have a full year show us what theyve got. Jay Cutlers progress has been slow but steady. Im pleased with the Denver fans who havent exiled him for not immediately being John Elway. If you give him time, maybe he can get up there. The running game is almost constantly a carousel in Denver, but its never a bad thing. This year, its Selvin Young, and big things are expected from him, and I see no reason for that not to happen. A big factor in his success is the success of rookie Ryan Clady. I am a BIG fan of that pick for them. I think that he will be great for a long time, is perfect for their zone blocking scheme, and will thus open a lot of holes for whoever runs for Denver. The overall passing game isnt the best, but Denver planned it that way. Look for this team to be up their amongst the league leaders in rush yards per game. The defense boasts the best CB tandem in the league, which makes up for their lack of a big time pass rusher. The linebacking core should be improved. Im not sure about the safeties on this team, but maybe Baily, Bly, and Foxworth can make up for that. Basically, Im excited for the future, but I dont envision a Cutler lead Broncos team being in the playoffs.
Kansas City Chiefs-I love everything that this team did in the draft. Even trading away Jared Allen seems worth it when you were able to put Glenn Dorsey next to Tama Hali for the next long time. Then you also managed to pick up Brandon Albert which really helps your severely depleted o-line. You also got Brandon Flowers, who is arguably a first round talent who fell to them at the top of the second round. But there are two HUGE problems with this team: 1. Passing Game 2. Running Game. Oh wait, thats their entire offense, isnt it? Yes it is, and thats not even mentioning the minor problem of their defense, which isnt exactly a world beater either. First of all, Brodie Croyle? Are you kidding me? You could have reached a little at the top of the second for at least someone to groom in. And I know big things are expected fro Dwayne Bowe, but its not like your giving Croyle much to work with, are you? Secondly, yes, Larry Johnson can be great when he and his offensive line are healthy. But both of those are very in question. So, I loved the draft, but no one draft can fix all the problems that this team has. Brodie Croyle? Seriously?
Oakland Raiders-In what is clearly a rebuilding year for the Raiders, we can look forward to seeing some of their young talent develop, and also see how some vets are still doing. Exhibit A: The Running Backs-Fargas apparently had a breakout season last year, but, too bad, because Al Davis loves the excitement, so he drafted the almost unnecessary Darren McFadden. Oh, and you drafted a highly touted Michael Bush last year in round two. Hope you were planning on giving them all a good number of carries. Oh, but that cuts out Jamarcus Russel. How do you plan on fitting him into your game plan, Mr. Davis? Oh, thats right, I just looked at your roster list, and it seems to me like your not planning on playing defense this year. OK. Exhibit B: The Wide Recievers-How much does Javon Walker have left? I dont even think he knows. Curry could become good? Maybe? I dont know, mostly Im excited to see the RBs battle over carries. Oh, and that Jamarcus guy, too.
Tomorrow we take our first look at the NFC, specifically the "Black and Blue" division: the NFC North. Yeah, Adrian Petersons good, and Jared Allen helps, but can a Tarvaris Jackson led team really win a division? For that matter, can an Aaron Rodgers led team win a division? Can the Lions finish what they started last year? Were the Bears recent Conference titles flukes?

Blessings:
Independence. I am living at the colleging type now, on my own, and it has been of significant importance for me to learn to be independent, and it is truly a blessings in disguise.