UTTQ 2011 NFL Predictions: AFC West

The 2011 season may have not begun, but our 2011 NFL Regular Season predictions have. Here's a brief summary of each AFC West team, in no particular order, starting with the defending division champion Kansas City Chiefs:

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Chiefs certainly have playmakers in many areas, but they can't rely on them all the time. The addition of Steve Breaston should certainly add another dimension to a receiving core that is headlined by Dwayne Bowe. Matt Cassel also has a bunch of proven weapons in Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones, and Le'Ron McClain lining up behind him. On defense, young ends Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson will try to put pressure on opposing o-linemen, while young cornerbacks Eric Berry and Brandon Flowers will continue to blossom into air-assualt-artists. Perhaps the most explosive player on this team is Dexter McCluster, a useful speed player who will see the most time as a tailback and returner.

DENVER BRONCOS
The biggest storyline throughout camp (and maybe the season) was the emergence (or lack thereof) of Tim Tebow as a starting NFL quarterback. Tebow struggled throughout camp, and while many locals in Denver support the consistent college winner, Kyle Orton has been more accurate throughout the preseason. Tebow tends to struggle to remain composed when he is being pressured, and can sling the ball loosely and inaccurately. He does have a few redeeming qualities, but not enough to make the Broncos as a starter. Besides the quarterback situation, the Broncos are fairly lackluster: their offense needs to step up (particularly the younger ones), and their defense is continually strapped by injuries.

OAKLAND RAIDERS
The Raiders biggest splash during this offseason marred by key losses (Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller, Robert Gallery) was undoubtedly the drafting of Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft. Pryor may have the skills to make this Oakland offense interesting, but we can't be sure for a while: he will have to sit out the first 5 weeks. In the meantime, Jason Campbell will continue to command the troops, and rely heavily on the run game. Darren McFadden continues to improve as the Raiders top tailback, with Michael Bush and Marcel Reece providing run support. On D, Richard Seymour, Rolando McClain, and Michael Huff will try to command each level of the defense in an offensively oriented division. Sebastian Janikowski continues to boast the strongest leg in the league, while Shane Lechler continues to flaunt his Pro Bowl caliber (but not quite Ray Guy caliber--yet) style of play.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
If the Chargers could consistently get out of the gates running, they'd have won one, if not more, Super Bowls in the last couple of years. The Chargers are notorious for getting off to a slow start before coming together at the last minute and taking the division. With Philip Rivers, the Chargers will continue to threaten the Broncos and Chiefs for the division crown. Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson continue the familiarity on offense, with Ryan Mathews ready to step in and take over the immense responsibilities left by LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles. The defense returns with a mix of old and new faces, but should perform admirably as a collective unit.


AFC WEST TITLE: San Diego Chargers

• The Chargers should take this division with the most balanced roster, and a schedule that should allow them to get off to a strong start this time around.

WILD CARD TEAMS: None

• The Chiefs look like the might be formidable, but they don't look to be consistent enough to survive. The Broncos are seemingly plagued by injury or poor performance. And if you didn't notice my subtle jab at the Raiders in San Diego's preview, let me just say this: Oakland won't make it to the playoffs until Al Davis is turning over in his grave.