The AFC West

AFL greatness

Many are saying that the AFC West is the weakest division in the NFL.

I can not argue against this. There's no lead dog in this division and, honestly, if you told me that the Oakland Raiders won the division, I wouldn't actually blink.

It's that wide open, for one reason or another. Or is it?

San Diego Chargers -- 11-5
I can't figure out why the Chargers are looked so down upon. Most stems from the eventual trainwreck that will eventually be a departure of Norv Turner as the head coach. But they're a 13-win team a year ago with a new, young running back and a deep set of receivers despite Vincent Jackson's eventual departure. In this division, they'll still thrive and with roadies in Houston, Seattle and St. Louis, they should be OK to take the division.

Oakland Raiders -- 8-8
Raider up! I think a decent quarterback in lieu of an awful quarterback makes you 40 percent better. Jason Campbell instead of JaMarcus Russell makes the running game, offensive line, defense and receivers all better. The talent is there, but if the defense is on the field and the opponent is loading the box, how do you expect this team to really perform? It's impossible. This team is still a disaster, but I think they can take advantage of their division and dirty some games up.

Denver Broncos -- 7-9
The 2009 Denver Broncos had the distinction of never flip-flopping wins and losses. They won six straight, loss four straight, won two straight and lost four straight. Yes, the Broncos lost four straight in one season. That's remarkable for a team that went 8-8. Still suspect all the way around: Defensive line, offensive line, receivers and thin corps of running backs.

Kansas City Chiefs -- 5-11
As much as I don't understand why no one's going with the Chargers, I don't understand the optimistism behind the 2010 Kansas City Chiefs. They finished last last year. Other than Thomas Jones, there's little reason to feel they're be any better. Did you know the Chiefs allowed the sixth most sacks? No wonder Matt Cassel struggled. Combine an awful defense with a woeful offensive line and I present you a bad team. What wins they do achieve will come due to a favorable schedule.

Past Predictions
AFC South
AFC North
AFC East