Divisional Analysis: AFC West

Here we go, it’s time to make some offseason predictions and prognostications. In the next few weeks, I’ll be doing division-by-division analysis of what we should be talking about in this upcoming season. And trust me, with so much change going on in the league, there will be plenty to talk about. We’ll be discussing divisional trends, such as the running back resurgence in the AFC East, and things we’re all wondering, like the question of who will be the AFC North’s top dog. So without further ado, buckle up my friends.

Let’s start with the AFC West, home to the Chargers, Raiders, Chiefs, and Broncos. Fun fact about this division: every team was a charter member of the AFL, back when the Super Bowl didn’t exist and people still respected the Browns. Three of these four teams will feature new head coaches, Dennis Allen (Oakland), Andy Reid (Kansas City), and Mike McCoy (San Diego), who will all be hoping to make a push for the playoffs.  Meanwhile, John Fox will be teaching Rahim Moore why running forwards is better than running backwards.

So what’s the big story in the the AFC West (read: AFC Worst)? I look to Oakland, where the shroud of the dark side has been lifted. Allen and GM Reggie McKenzie are doing things a little differently now that Al Davis has passed (and may he rest in peace). For starters, (get it, like starting players?) the Raiders traded for former-Packer-Seahawk Matt Flynn. You may remember him as the man who threw six touchdowns against the Lions, signed with Seattle to become their starter and then was usurped by the Prophet himself, Russell Wilson. It remains to be seen if Flynn is a viable starter, but he’s a step better than any Oakland quarterback in the past decade. There were also the signings of Tracy Porter and Charles Woodson, two players who will help the defense tremendously. The jury is still out on the decision to jettison Davis’ last draft pick, Darrius Heyward-Bey, but it looks like Oakland may finally be moving towards success.

Staying along the lines of resurgence, we’re getting dangerously close to seeing the Kansas City Chiefs back at the top of the AFC. Or the AFC West, at least. And even that hasn’t happened since 1997. 2003 was barely the top for them, and 2010 was really just a “well, somebody has to win this division” situation. The last time KC really dominated, their quarterback came by way of the 49ers after having his job taken because of injury. And look, that just so happens to be their situation again! I’m not saying Alex Smith is anything to close to Joe Montana, but the Chiefs definitely made good with that trade. In addition, and probably my favorite move of theirs this year, Kansas City brought in Andy Reid, a huge upgrade over Romeo Crennel. Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator, yes. Architect of a Chiefs, comeback, not so much. Reid will bring years of playoff experience and knowledge of how to build a winner to the Chiefs organization, and he may even guide them to as many conference championship games as he coached in Philadelphia, although hopefully he’ll win more this time.

Even I stop reading articles when they’re too long, so here’s some quick-takes on a few of the specific groups in the division who will be on the come-up this season:

Kansas City Chiefs- Defense, Back Seven. Usually teams talk about their front seven and refer to the secondary as a separate group, but I see hope in Kansas City’s back seven- the DBs and linebacking corps. Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Brandon Flowers, and Eric Berry will be making play after play on the defensive end in 2013.

Denver Broncos- Receivers. Let’s not kid ourselves, no matter which group I choose in Denver we all know they’ll be making plenty of highlights. However, I chose the receiver group because lately all I’ve heard is Von Miller this and that. Denver’s defense isn’t as scary as they want you to think (see: Rahim Moore), but honestly, the receivers are. If it wasn’t for Peyton Manning and his secret passion for throwing ill-timed interceptions, the combination of Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, and Wes Welker would be unstoppable.

Now, I feel weird about closing this article without saying anything about the Chargers, they are my home team and all, but I don’t even feel comfortable speculating on their season. The other day my cousin asked me what I thought about their chances this year, and I didn’t know what to say. Mike McCoy looks like a good coach, Philip Rivers is still a human, and San Diego’s young receivers are on the rise. This team could really go either way. BUT, before I forget, I did tell a friend that if the Chargers open this season 5-0 I will buy a Rivers jersey. You’re now accountable for holding me to that. UPDATE: A positive thought i just had for all the Chargers fans, Mike McCoy was Tebow's O-Coordinator during that amazing run in 2011. Also, he was Peyton Manning's coordinator last season, which means that, not only is he pretty good, but now you've also taken away one of your primary rival's important assets. 2013 is looking a little brighter now, right San Diego?

There you have it, folks. The 2013 AFC Worst in a nutshell. The Broncos will most likely take the crown for a third year in a row, but don’t count out the Chiefs just yet. The Raiders are still a few years away, and the Chargers have a defense to improve before they can return to dominance. As always, the comments section is welcome and waiting.