AFC West
This division has very suddenly become a 4 way race. There would be no surprises if any one of these 4 teams won the division and that arguably makes for the best division in football. This division could quite easily yield 3 playoff teams. The division plays the NFC East, which could turn into a battle for football’s best division, and the AFC East, who should put up less of a resistance. Predicting the standings will be tricky, but here is my AFC West preview for 2017.
Oakland Raiders
Last year 12-4
This year 12-4
The Raiders were excellent last year and could have gone all the way if Carr hadn’t have broken his leg in week 16. They have added Marshawn Lynch to their offense who I believe will be a real difference maker behind the league’s 7th best O line heading into 2017 (per profootballfocus.com). I believe the Raiders will be extra motivated knowing that this is their penultimate season in Oakland. What better way to depart Oakland than on the back of a Super Bowl winning season? However, everybody knows that defences win Championships and, despite Khalil Mack’s best efforts, the Raiders will need to improve drastically on D to go all the way.
Kansas City Chiefs
Last year 12-4
This year 11-5
The Chiefs found a gem in Tyreek Hill last year and he was the playmaker they needed to win them the division. They have a veteran QB in Alex Smith, a vastly improving O line, arguably the best (healthiest) tight end in the league and one of the most athletic players in the league in Hill. Couple those with a defence that boasts Eric Berry, Justin Houston and Marcus Peters and you have a very competitive team. Expect them to go toe to toe with the Raiders for the division again this year.
Los Angeles Chargers
Last year 5-11
This year 9-7
The Chargers have upped roots and moved north to LA. They were a team plagued by injuries last year and have already lost 1st round WR Mike Williams for the season. They’ve made offensive line improvements during the offseason and if Melvin Gordon can have a repeat of last year, they should have a decent ground game too. Phil Rivers has plenty to throw to in Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and Hunter Henry and the Joey Bosa led defence should help to contain the powerful offenses this team will face. Playing in a new city will be the only hurdle in this team’s pursuit of success.
Denver Broncos
Last year 9-7
This year 9-7
A team with a defence as good as Denver’s can never have a disastrous season. Their D is littered with stars even after the retirement of Demarcus Ware. The questions lie on the offensive side of the ball and whether the Broncos can improve on a mediocre offensive performance last year. We still don’t know who the starting QB is as Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian look to battle it out through training camp. Broncos added veteran running back Jamaal Charles to compete for carries with C.J. Anderson whilst Demaryius Thomas is due a bigger season that his last few. The Broncos D will win them games, but not enough to see them back into the playoffs.
All 4 teams have tough schedules with playing each other, the Patriots and the NFC East. 9-7 could well be enough to send Los Angeles into the playoffs with Kansas City and Oakland. Each boasts at least 1 phenomenal pass rusher so the AFC West QBs will have to have their wits about them as this division looks set to be among the best in football once again.
By David Davenport
@Dav_TidyNFL
Image per www.si.com