Division Series Preview, Part 2: AFC West
Combined Record: 31-33
2011 Division Winner: Denver Broncos (8-8, 3-3 Division)
2011 Playoff Teams: Denver Broncos
The AFC West, minus Tim Tebow. Last season, this division was up for grabs. The Raiders had things on lockdown, and were poised to win the division, however, they went 1-4 in their last 5 games, and paved the way for Denver to sneak in. San Diego came on strong at the last part of the season going 4-1, but it wasn't enough. This season? It's still up for grabs, which makes this deep dive fun. This season, the AFC West will play the NFC South & AFC North.
Denver Broncos (8-8, 3-3 Division, 6-6 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Peyton Manning, Tracy Porter, Jacob Tamme, Brandon Stokley, Joel Dreesen, Justin Bannan, Drayton Florence
Noteworthy Arrivals: Peyton Manning, Tracy Porter, Jacob Tamme, Brandon Stokley, Joel Dreesen, Justin Bannan, Drayton Florence
Noteworthy Departures: Tim Tebow, Brady Quinn (Ha, good joke), Eddie Royal, Brodrick Bunkley (Eeehee! Great excite), Ryan McBean, Mario Haggans, Brian Dawkins, Marcus Thomas
2012 Predicted Record: 9-7
The burning question for the Broncos this season is what Peyton Manning will accomplish. His emotional exit from Indianapolis bred the Manning Sweepstakes. Remember when people thought KC, SF, & Arizona would really be in the running? Ha, yeah - I love rumors. Manning gets some of his former weapons to work with, including some new toys, and has a promising duo of Demaryius Thomas & Eric Decker to throw to. In the interest of the Tebow argument, the Broncos finished out 2011 ranked 31st in Passing Yards with 152 Yds/Game, however, they were 1st in the Run Game with 164.5 Yds/Game. We'll miss Tracy Porter (how do you think those chats went in OTA-Mini Camp?), who will line up along side Champ Bailey....which could be very interesting. Games of interest -which almost all games on their schedule when you talk about Peyton Manning are interesting- include: Pittsburgh, @Falcons, Texans, @Patriots, Saints, @Panthers (Sleeper game), @Baltimore.
The Lord Giveth, The Lord Taketh
San Diego Chargers (8-8, 3-3 Division, 7-5 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Robert Meachem, Ladarius Green (DRAFT), Melvin Ingram (DRAFT), LeRon McClain, Eddie Royal, Rex Hadnot, Jarret Johnson, Atari Bigby, Roscoe Parrish, Ronnie Brown, Charlie Whitehurst (Only because it's funny)
Noteworthy Departures: Vincent Jackson, Mike Tolbert, Patrick Crayton, Kris Dielman, Marcus McNeill, Tommie Harris
2012 Predicted Record: 8-8
The San Diego 'Super' Chargers are always in a glass case of emotions it seems. They were a Top 10 Offense in nearly every category except for Rushing Yards (16th). They hit a real slump in the mid part of the season, dropping 6 straight games to the Jets, Chiefs, Pack, Raiders, Bears, & Broncos. They finished strong, but the damage had already been done during their skid. Philip Rivers leads this team through whatever is thrown at him. On the plus side, there's rumors that Antonio Gates has reached full health (which is a plus for Ladarius Green, love this kid's upside potential learning from one of the best), and they'll hopefully get their ace kicker in Nate 'Kid' Kaeding back, which as well know Idiot Kickers can be a difference maker. The Bolts are reeling, they bolstered a little on Defense, and even with the departure of Vincent Jackson, they have added some WR Talent that could evolve & grow with Rivers (ahem, Robert Meachem, we wish you well). The Chargers could easily handle this division, but it remains to be seen, their schedule is favorable, however, will they get it done? Pressure cooker has always been on for Norv Turner, will he make it right? Games of Interest: Atlanta, @New Orleans, Baltimore, @Pittsburgh, Jets.
Noteworthy Arrivals: Robert Meachem, Ladarius Green (DRAFT), Melvin Ingram (DRAFT), LeRon McClain, Eddie Royal, Rex Hadnot, Jarret Johnson, Atari Bigby, Roscoe Parrish, Ronnie Brown, Charlie Whitehurst (Only because it's funny)
Noteworthy Departures: Vincent Jackson, Mike Tolbert, Patrick Crayton, Kris Dielman, Marcus McNeill, Tommie Harris
2012 Predicted Record: 8-8
The San Diego 'Super' Chargers are always in a glass case of emotions it seems. They were a Top 10 Offense in nearly every category except for Rushing Yards (16th). They hit a real slump in the mid part of the season, dropping 6 straight games to the Jets, Chiefs, Pack, Raiders, Bears, & Broncos. They finished strong, but the damage had already been done during their skid. Philip Rivers leads this team through whatever is thrown at him. On the plus side, there's rumors that Antonio Gates has reached full health (which is a plus for Ladarius Green, love this kid's upside potential learning from one of the best), and they'll hopefully get their ace kicker in Nate 'Kid' Kaeding back, which as well know Idiot Kickers can be a difference maker. The Bolts are reeling, they bolstered a little on Defense, and even with the departure of Vincent Jackson, they have added some WR Talent that could evolve & grow with Rivers (ahem, Robert Meachem, we wish you well). The Chargers could easily handle this division, but it remains to be seen, their schedule is favorable, however, will they get it done? Pressure cooker has always been on for Norv Turner, will he make it right? Games of Interest: Atlanta, @New Orleans, Baltimore, @Pittsburgh, Jets.
When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go. At least we know now that players don't have to hold it during games.
Oakland Raiders (8-8, 3-3 Division, 6-6 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Matt Leinart (I lawl'd too), Mike Goodson, Owen Schmitt, Phillip Wheeler, Shawntae Spencer, Ronald Bartell, Patrick Lee
Noteworthy Arrivals: Matt Leinart (I lawl'd too), Mike Goodson, Owen Schmitt, Phillip Wheeler, Shawntae Spencer, Ronald Bartell, Patrick Lee
Noteworthy Departures: Jason Campbell, Michael Bush, Kevin 'Like A' Boss, Chaz Schilens, Bruce Campbell (Not that one), Kamerion Wimbley, Trevor Scott, Jarvis Moss, Quinten Groves, Chris Johnson, Lito Sheppard
2012 Predicted Record: 5-11
The Raiders were going to win the division, point blank. Their 1-4 skid in the end was a huge difference maker, but when you trade everything away for Carson Palmer (2012 First Rounder, 2013 Second Rounder) because of desperation, it only meant the end. It's sad, because Jason Campbell was doing a good job with the team, and in my opinion he's a QB that deserved at least one good shot/run. It didn't help that Darren McFadden hurt himself again, which is what you get when you run like a bruiser. However, Michael Bush filled in nicely for him. It wasn't that the Raiders weren't bad offensively, it was that they were terrible defensively. They were nearly dead last in every category (29th Points, 29th Yards Allowed/Game, 27th Pass Yards Allowed/Game, 27th Rush Yards Allowed/Game). So, the logical thing would be to get better on defense right? Wrong! This won't bode well for the Raiders, as we have seen what Palmer is able to do under pressure. I am being generous giving 5 wins to the Raiders, because frankly, I think it can be a really bad season for them. Noteable games: Pittsburgh, @Atlanta, Tampa Bay, @Baltimore, New Orleans.
The Raiders were going to win the division, point blank. Their 1-4 skid in the end was a huge difference maker, but when you trade everything away for Carson Palmer (2012 First Rounder, 2013 Second Rounder) because of desperation, it only meant the end. It's sad, because Jason Campbell was doing a good job with the team, and in my opinion he's a QB that deserved at least one good shot/run. It didn't help that Darren McFadden hurt himself again, which is what you get when you run like a bruiser. However, Michael Bush filled in nicely for him. It wasn't that the Raiders weren't bad offensively, it was that they were terrible defensively. They were nearly dead last in every category (29th Points, 29th Yards Allowed/Game, 27th Pass Yards Allowed/Game, 27th Rush Yards Allowed/Game). So, the logical thing would be to get better on defense right? Wrong! This won't bode well for the Raiders, as we have seen what Palmer is able to do under pressure. I am being generous giving 5 wins to the Raiders, because frankly, I think it can be a really bad season for them. Noteable games: Pittsburgh, @Atlanta, Tampa Bay, @Baltimore, New Orleans.
The physique of a true warrior.
Kansas City Chiefs (7-9, 3-3 Division, 4-8 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Brady Quinn, Peyton Hillis, Kevin Boss, Eric Winston, Stanford Routt
Noteworthy Arrivals: Brady Quinn, Peyton Hillis, Kevin Boss, Eric Winston, Stanford Routt
Noteworthy Departures: Kyle Orton, Jackie Battle, LeRon McClain, Leonard Pope, Barry Richardson, Brandon Carr, Jon McGraw, Casey Wiegmann
2012 Predicted Record: 10-6
Todd Haley couldn't get things done, and got the boot. Romeo Crennel seemed to have the players buy-in, and was able to do well enough to earn the starting job. They were able to deal the Packers their only loss of the season. The Chiefs injuries lead to a dismal offensive showing, as they finished out 31st in the league with Points/Game. Matt Cassel, Tony Moeaki, & Jamaal Charles are just a few of the names that were missing in action due to injuries last year. Cassel isn't quite the type of Top Tier QB to get flashy numbers, but can get the job done to get this team back into the postseason. Let's not forget that Dwayne Bowe is a beast, just throw him the ball. Their defense was Top 10 in quite a few categories, and one would think with Crennel would continue that trend, which will help them win more games. Their strength of schedule is encouraging, which is why I favor them to rebound, and take back the division. Games of Interest include: Atlanta, @New Orleans, Baltimore, @Pittsburgh, Cincy
Todd Haley couldn't get things done, and got the boot. Romeo Crennel seemed to have the players buy-in, and was able to do well enough to earn the starting job. They were able to deal the Packers their only loss of the season. The Chiefs injuries lead to a dismal offensive showing, as they finished out 31st in the league with Points/Game. Matt Cassel, Tony Moeaki, & Jamaal Charles are just a few of the names that were missing in action due to injuries last year. Cassel isn't quite the type of Top Tier QB to get flashy numbers, but can get the job done to get this team back into the postseason. Let's not forget that Dwayne Bowe is a beast, just throw him the ball. Their defense was Top 10 in quite a few categories, and one would think with Crennel would continue that trend, which will help them win more games. Their strength of schedule is encouraging, which is why I favor them to rebound, and take back the division. Games of Interest include: Atlanta, @New Orleans, Baltimore, @Pittsburgh, Cincy
Injuries plagued the Chiefs, and this particular one pretty much wrecked them, along with a lot of Fantasy Football teams.
AFC West - 2012 Bold Predictions
- Peyton Manning jerseys won't outsell Tim Tebow jerseys
- The division/playoff teams will be decided in Week 17: KC @ DEN
- Robert Meachem will have 1,000 yard receiving season
- Carson Palmer will throw at least 20 interceptions
- Antonio Gates will stay healthy this season
Wow! That is probably way more football than I consume in a year! ... {I'll wait for you to gasp in horror}. My main football concer this year is how a Texans player (Arian Foster) can go vegan. Yes, that's where I am in the football world. How do you live/work in Texas and not eat beef!?! I blame all future losses on this factor.
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