OK, AFC West time! Here we go!!!!!!!
1) San Diego Chargers: I have a feeling the Chargers will be special this year. They've essentially taken baby steps, going from Wild Card to Divisional, Divisional to AFC Championship Game. I think this is maybe the year the Chargers go from AFC Championship to Super Bowl. (Again, not a pick for it. Just a point; i'm coming out with the playoff picks before this Sunday.) LT, Gates, Rivers, Jackson, and Chambers could all have good-great seasons this year. I'm a little concerned about the defense with Merriman playing with 2 torn ligaments. This is a great team, and I think they could make the jump this year.
2) Denver Broncos: This could be a good or bad season in Denver. Brandon Marshall is injured, Jay Cutler was diagnosed with diabetes, and there's a shaky D-line in Denver. However, Selvin Young, I think, will have a breakout year. Shanahan's offenses usually tend to produce 1,000 yard rushers. Champ Bailey leads a strong secondary, even with losing John Lynch. It could be playoffs or no playoffs in Denver.
3) Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs are now finding there's a youth movement in town. Glen Dorsey, Branden Albert, and Brandon Flowers are 3 rookie starters. Brodie Croyle and Larry Johnson somewhat concern me. Tony Gonzalez doesn't though. He's proven over his 11 seasons he is an ironman. (FACT: He's only missed 2 games in those 11 seasons.) The defense, losing Jared Allen, is another big concern for me. The Chiefs miss the playoffs, but I like the youth movement, and they'll make it in a few years.
4) Oakland Raiders: I don't know what to say about this team. JaMarcus Russell doesn't seem like he's got a good WR corps around him. I like D-Mac, but I don't know if he'll make an impact this year. They didn't seem to improve the defense except by aquiring DeAngelo Hall. It's gonna be another long year in Oakland, and it'll stay that way until Al Davis goes out and improves that defense.