NFL Preview(AFC West)

AFC West

1-Chargers(12-4)

Yes...Merriman is veeeery iffy with the 2 bad knee ligaments...but even without him..their defense is still very stout at every level.The offensive side of the ball is really good as well..everyone knows LT who is still the best running back in the game..the much criticized Phillip Rivers came up lame in the playoffs last year(so did LT btw) but I expect Rivers to build on the year he had with his WR crew and go deep in the playoffs.One key would be who is giving LT a break as a backup,Michael Turner was shown the money from Atlanta and how he's gone....all thats left is Sproles(who is 5-6) and Marcus Thomas(a rookie)...yeah thats an issue.

2-Raiders(7-9)

A small surprise here..but no one else here cracks .500.I like the 3-headed monster of McFadden,Bush(Michael) and Fargas...those 3 should lighten the load for JaMarcus Russell,who I think will be pretty decent this season.On the outside they are a little thin with Drew Carter being out for the season...but then again..when you are depending on Drew Carter for anything...you assume the worst.Anyways Javon Walker should be a dependable target(when he's not thinking about retirement) and Ronald Curry is pretty underrated as well.Most of the credit should go to the defense.The standouts are corners DeAngelo Hall and Nnamdi Asomugha..despite all the mouth and temper issues Hall is still a top corner in the league and should contribute right away.

3-Broncos(6-10)

This team..I'm not quite sure about...Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are pretty good..but other than that?..I've got nothing...one would assume that Selvin Young is the starter at running back..but history says..you have no idea until you see him get the ball..take in account that Marshall is suspended 2 games for off the field stuff...you're next receiving options are rookie Eddie Royal,Brandon Stokley and Darrell Jackson.Unimpressed?....you should be..the defense you dont really know about either.Champ Bailey is the best corner in the game...Dre Bly is okay as well..the linebackers are solid with DJ Williams..but again..you look at the roster and you kinda shrug at yourself and ask..is this it?..and honestly..it is..

4-Chiefs(4-12)

Ew..this team is rebuilding....4 wins was being semi generous as well...they have an issue at quarterback..Brodie Croyle has thus far been on the lower side of "okay" and that will be an issue for every other skill position for the Chiefs. Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez are both pretty reliable options..but without a reliable QB to get them the ball...there is an issue.Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles are both good runningbacks..but if you dont have someone throwing the ball effectively to get the pressure off them...expect last year's results.