2009 AFC West Predictions
August 31, 2009
In 2008 the AFC West produced the fewest wins of any division in football, as the San Diego Chargers won the division going just 8-8. Heading into the 2009 season things aren’t looking much better for this division, as the Chargers are the only team that looks postseason worthy. Here is a quick look at how I see the AFC West shaping up this season.
1. San Diego Chargers (11-5)
The Chargers were lucky to even win the division in 2008, as the Broncos pretty much handed over the top spot at the end of the season. This year the Chargers come into the season with not only winning the AFC West in mind, but this is a team that wants to win it all. The return of linebacker Shawne Merriman should really help out a defense that struggled without him on the field last season. On the offensive side of things LaDainian Tomlinson needs to show that he still has something left in the tank, and Phillip Rivers needs to come out firing like he did in 2008. Bet the Chargers -800 to win the AFC West at Sportsbook.com.
2. Oakland Raiders (6-10)
This is the only division in the NFL that the Raiders could even think about finishing in the No.2 spot. The Raiders have stock piled a bunch of young talent, but that has yet to translate into wins. Time is starting to run out on quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who has yet to live up to his No.1 overall pick. One thing for sure is the Raiders should have a healthy rushing attack with the trio of Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, and Michael Bush. The defense needs to improve against the run if they want to have any shot at surprising the Chargers for the top spot. Bet the Raiders +800 to win the AFC West at Sportsbook.com.
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3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-11)
After a disappointing run with head coach Herm Edwards, the Chiefs said their goodbyes and brought in a couple of accomplished guys to run the team in GM Scott Pioli from the Patriots and new head coach Todd Haley, who was the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals last season. The Chiefs continued to have a busy offseason as they have brought in a number of new players, but no player is expected to have a bigger impact than quarterback Matt Cassel, who also packed his bags from NE to KC. The Chiefs still have major concerns on both the offense and defensive line, and that will likely be what keeps this team from competing for the division crown right away. Bet the Chiefs +1000 to win the AFC West at Sportsbook.com.
4. Denver Broncos (4-11)
Things couldn’t have gone much worse for the Denver Broncos this offseason. First they decided that head coach MIke Shanahan was no longer the guy to coach this team, and to replace him they too headed to New England, as they landed the Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Things then took a turn for the worse, as McDaniels reportedly tried to trade Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, and even though the trade didn’t happen right away, Cutler still wasn’t happy and ended up getting traded to the Bears for Kyle Orton and draft picks. Wide out Brandon Marshall wants nothing to do with the team and has yet to show up to camp. Even with all the problems on offense the Broncos have huge holes on the defensive line, and figure to really struggle as they make the switch to the 3-4. There are some that think this team will be better than people are saying, but I don’t see how this team manages to win more than 4 games. Bet the Broncos +1000 to win the AFC West at Sportsbook.com.
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