Time to take a look around the AFC West Division
(teams are listed in alphabetical order)
DENVER BRONCOS
2007 record: 7-9
Camp opens: July 25
The Forecast: Mostly cloudy
After the first losing record in Mike Shanahan's lengthy tenure in the Mile High City, the Broncos turned over a significant portion of their roster, but it's not the free agents who will make the big difference. The Broncos need recent high draft picks such as QB Jake Cutler, TE Tony Sheffler, T Ryan Clady, WR Eddie Royal and DLs Marcus Thomas, Tim Crowder and Jarvis Moss to play up to their draft positions. Denver has a lot of holes on its lines, and that was particularly reflected in its inability to stop the run last season.
Expect an Avalanche If: Cutler doesn't become a difference maker, the ground game sputters - now minus Travis Henry, who was released this summer - and the defense's young players don't take a step forward.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2007 record: 4-12
Camp opens: July 24
The Forecast: Cloudy, rain may be heavy at times
What do you have when you combine the second-worst offense with the fourth-worst rushing defense? Factor in that most of the team's veterans were shown the door in the offseason and the quarterback was unimpressive in his audition. Add to that one of the team's two stars - DE Jared Allen - was traded and the other - RB Larry Johnson - missed half of the season because of injuries. Despite a bonanza at the draft table, do you get the impression that I'm not real excited about the Chiefs' prospects this season?
There Will Be No KC Masterpiece If: Johnson gets hurt again and the passing game can't at least keep defenses honest.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
2007 record: 4-12
Camp opens: July 24
The Forecast: Cloudy, chance of sun at times
For every good move this team makes - drafting QB JaMarcus Russell and S Michael Huff in successive years and trading for CB DeAngelo Hall - there a series of mystifying moves, such as picking another RB (Darren McFadden) when three starting-caliber ones were on the roster, signing DL Tommy Kelly to a record-setting contract and paying more big money to WR Javon Walker, whose injury and personal histories have not be sparkling of late. Still, this is a team with a lot of talent. If Coach Lane Kiffin can continue to build a winning culture, Russell matures and the defense tightens up, the Raiders have the look of a surprise team.
Expect Al Davis' Wrath If: The defense doesn't improve against the run and the Raiders don't at least contend for a playoff spot.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
2007 record: 11-5
Camp opens: July 25
The Forecast: Sunny
There should be no more questions about Norv Turner's coaching. The Bolts rebounded from a 3-3 start to win the West going away, and they came within one game of reaching the Super Bowl despite injuries to RB LaDainian Tomlinson, QB Philip Rivers and TE Antonio Gates. Obviously, the health of those three and center Nick Hardwick and NT Jamal Williams are of paramount importance. With a full training camp to get integrated into the Chargers' system, expect WR Chris Chambers to be even more valuable. This is a team with no major weaknesses, one primed for another long playoff run.
Expect a Tsunami If: Any of the key players are injured again at playoff time. For San Diego and its fans, it's Super Bowl or bust.
Next: NFC East
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