As training ground has emerged creating a vast set of hopeful thrills for rookies and redundant routines for veterans, it’s never too early to start rampant speculation on the subject of how teams will look in qualifying in the end. it’s from the season. Through my knowledge of the sport and the teams, as well as careful analysis of recent off-season acquisitions and losses, I have put together a forecast of how I expect each team to finish in their respective division. To finish my predictions for 2006-2007, I will finally publish my guesses for the AFC West.
The Denver Broncos have set the criteria for earning well-deserved respect and admiration. As a perennial playoff team, Denver is looking to keep its streak alive this season with the forces of Jake Plummer at quarterback. Having an incredible year last season, Plummer should regain some stellar performance, especially with a receiving core of stars comprised of Javon Walker, Rod Smith and potentially Ashley Lelie. While there are some questions regarding head coach Mike Shanahan’s decision to start an undrafted rookie as a running back, I have seen the system in Denver continue to produce excellent seasons for running backs regardless of past accomplishments. With a strong defense and a relatively easy-to-play division, I think Denver will have another strong season.
Along with my selection of the New York Jets to go 7-9 this season, I think my other surprise is in the San Diego Charger’s season record. I predict the team will go up to 500 this season simply because of the absence of Drew Brees. Before Brees turned his career around with a stellar season a few years ago, the Chargers were a perennial lock for a top-five pick in the entry draft. After Brees changed his motives, the team went from being a joke to becoming a true competitor. With Brees out and Phillip Rivers in, I don’t think there will be such an easy transition. Honestly, I think Rivers is hyped by the media and fans, and while he had a good game against the Packers during the first preseason game, I can’t say that such success will last the entire season. The team missed the playoffs last season even with a stud in Brees, and while many argued that San Diego had the toughest schedule in the league, not much has changed in terms of positioning, and as a result, Charger fans will have to endure a season similar to the dark days a few years ago.
While it was sad to see Dick Vermeil leave last season, Kansas City had to make some changes. However, these changes will ultimately have positive effects and lead this team to the best record in the NFL. I like the addition of Herman Edwards, who has a strong and tenacious demeanor that led him to an AFC Championship game two years ago. Along with stronger additions to defense like Ty Law, the Chiefs not only have one of the best offenses in the league, but also one of the best defenses. Larry Johnson is inevitably going to win the rushing title for at least one season for the duration of his career, and I think he will win that title in January. While the lack of a great receiver can be argued for, Tony Gonzalez remains a potent threat and Trent Green is an excellent quarterback capable of doing magic on the field most of the time. With an easier schedule than the Chargers and Broncos, I think this could be the season that Kansas City breaks loose.
There aren’t many positive feelings that can be said about the Oakland Raiders. True, the team made it to the Super Bowl a few years ago, but since then it has been an unmotivated team filled with an unsatisfactory collection of potential players and a city that can be scary in many cases. While it’s hard for me to say this, Kerry Collins is much better than Aaron Brooks, and I can see a possible tantrum between the quarterback and wide receiver between the latter and Randy Moss. The team has improved defense and other intangibles throughout the year, and I’ll give Oakland a few wins for that, but overall, I’m not too impressed. Art Shell has been out of work for almost a decade, and with the new changes and player evolutions that have accompanied such a length, there may be times when you feel uncomfortable or perplexed in extreme situations. However, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for now and will probably give the Raiders a few more wins than they should.
Final AFC West Season Standings (* Proves Playoffs):
1. * Kansas City Chiefs: 13-3
2. * Denver Broncos: 11-5
3. Oakland Raiders: 7-9
4. San Diego Chargers: 5-11