For the AFC East preview, click here.
For the NFC South preview, click here.
For the AFC South preview, click here.
For the NFC West preview, click here.
The preseason is done, and we're less than a week away from the start of the season! I've almost made my way entirely around the country, with just 3 divisions left. Today we tackle the AFC West, the tightest division race from last year looking back.
AFC West
Common opponents on schedule: AFC North, NFC South
2011 Record: 8-8, missed playoffs
There's something about this team under Norv Turner where they don't seem to be at their best until it's too late... or unless Mike Scifres, Champion Punter of the Universe is singlehandedly keeping you in the game. But Phillip Rivers is likely to have something of a bounceback year after a disappointing 2011 season. He's without Vincent Jackson and Ryan Matthews might still be a little banged up, but I think in a weak division the Chargers have a good shot at winning this division.
2011 Record: 8-8, lost in AFC Divisional round
Denver made probably the second biggest upgrade under center during the offseason, unloading Tim Tebow and replacing him with Peyton Manning (though honestly, I still would have loved to see this theory play out at Mile High.) Largely it was the defense last year that kept Denver in so many games allowing Tebow to do things like this. With Manning commanding the offense, assuming his neck holds up he should be able to lead this team to victories without the need for such dramatics, and I think it'll be enough to get them back to the playoffs.
2011 Record: 7-9, missed playoffs
Matt Cassel remains an average quarterback, but this offense has some pretty good weapons in Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston on the other side. A healthy Jamaal Charles also helps, and having Peyton Hillis to spell him occasionally will be a benefit.They have some decent weapons on the defensive side of the ball as well, which should get this team back to around .500 again and in decent position for next year.
2011 Record: 8-8, missed playoffs
It's amazing to think that without Tebow's magic the Raiders would have been the division champs. They have a decent shot at it if Darren McFadden stays healthy all season (not a given) and if Carson Palmer learns that his team wears black and silver. Their defense has some decent weapons but I'm not sold on the top receivers being Denarius Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey. The other problem, of course, is Oakland's constant penalty troubles, though we'll see if a new head coach (again) can turn the discipline problem around.
Tomorrow I'll have the preview I've been most looking forward to writing as its my own division in the NFC North and thus the one I'm most knowledgeable about. I might also talk to my dad and see what he has to say about his team. All we're missing was having my brother pick the Lions as his team to be difficult. Alas.
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