Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos have ruled this division since the team signed him as a free agent in 2012. Will this year, under an entirely new coaching staff, be the same?
If you read my Five Bold Predictions column, you already know what I think. For the rest of you, here’s how I think the AFC West will go down.
San Diego Chargers
2015 Projection: 11-5
2014 Result: 9-7 (missed playoffs)
There was a stretch last September where the Chargers were the best team in football and not only looked like the AFC’s Super Bowl team, but one that could win it after dominating win over the Seattle Seahawks. Then October happened.
[related_post_one]
The Chargers spent the offseason adding a few defensive pieces and adding significant playmakers to an already dynamic offense. Stevie Johnson and Melvin Gordon should pay dividends on the scoreboard to the Chargers and fantasy owners around the country. And you should discount the fact that Philip Rivers has a new contract. He’s set to be the Chargers’ quarterback for the rest of his career and it’s been a career with out a ring.
Kansas City Chiefs
2015 Projection: 10-6
2014 Result: 9-7 (missed playoffs)
Like the Chargers, the Chiefs were in the playoff hunt last season right until the final week of the season. Kansas City lost four of its last six games, costing themselves a playoff spot and opening up one for the Baltimore Ravens who almost took it to the Super Bowl.
Eric Berry’s value on the Chiefs’ defense can not be overstated and this was a pretty good unit without him last year. Kansas City had issues on offense last year, with QB Alex Smith not throwing a touchdown to a wide receiver all season long. The Chiefs are well aware of that and done plenty to fix it, including signing free agent wideout Jeremy Maclin.
What’s lost in last year’s criticism is Alex Smith’s 93.4 quarterback rating, 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Jamal Charles is still there and will bounce back after an off season which still saw him cross 1,000 yards, gain 1,324 total yards and 13 total touchdowns.
Denver Broncos
2015 Projection: 9-7
2014 Result: 12-4 (lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the wild card round)
Peyton Manning’s farewell tour will end early this year. The future Hall of Fame quarterback will not be able to add to his already NFL-record number of playoff losses and maybe that’s a good thing. The truth is 9-7 might be generous here as general manager John Elway blew up the coaching staff to bring in all his friends. The Broncos have a new offensive and defensive system and neither have looked great in the preseason.
The truth is, Manning will be lucky to play every game this season. The Broncos play seven playoff teams this season and 11 games against teams that finished 2014 with a winning record. Starting Nov. 29, the Broncos play the Chargers twice, the Patriots, the Bengals and the Steelers to end the season, with only one game against the Oakland Raiders stuck in there in the final stretch of the season.
Oakland Raiders
2015 Projection: 5-11
2014 Result: 3-13 (missed playoffs)
Since Al Davis died the Raiders have actually made a point of drafting well and using their money wisely on free agents. In fact, beginning in 2013 the Raiders have actually got legitimate NFL starters out of their drafts. That 2013 group includes D.J. Hayden (starting corner), Sio Moore (starting outside linebacker), Latavius Murray (starting running back) and Mychal Rivera (starting tight end). In 2014 they got their starting quarterback in Derek Carr, one of the best young linebackers/defensive ends in the league in Khalil Mack and nabbed their starting left guard (Gabe Jackson), starting left defensive tackle (Justin Ellis) and other starting cornerback (T.J. Carrie). Not too shabby and that was all under the old coaching regime too.
So new head coach Jack Del Rio didn’t come in with no toys to play with and all he did was add a some terrific pieces in Amari Cooper (who I think will make the Pro Bowl this year), starting defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. and tight end Clive Walford. The Raiders are actually building something good. They’re just too young, with too many good teams in their way to do anything with it this season.
