1. Denver Broncos
Though Denver is the easy choice here, it is not like this team hasn't made changes during the off-season. After what one might call a 'lucky' loss to the Ravens in the post season, Denver reloaded...on offense. Bringing in Wes Welker (WR) and Monte Ball (RB) will give Peyton more weapons in an already powerful aresenal. However, the defense has serious problems, including the losses of DE Dumervil, DT Bannan and LB Williams. Also, Von Miller, LB, has been suspended for the first six games of the season, which will do more than hurt. But as always, with Peyton Manning on offense, the team will have enough firepower to compensate for a perhaps lacking defense.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
They are my 'sleeper' pick this year. The Chiefs had plenty of talent last year with six Pro Bowl players on the roster. That talent never materialized and trouble off the field gave the Chiefs some unwanted attention. But with Andy Reid at the helm and Alex Smith to lead the offense, the rest of the talent should fall into line. Reid is notorious for developing QBs and struggling offenses and building consistent success. The Chiefs never lacked weapons -- it was more the execution. Remember, this team won the division in 2010 and can count on seeing major improvement this season.
3. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are on their last legs. In fact, some people would say that the window for their championship run has closed. I believe this, to a degree. Philip Rivers is not past his prime, but he does not have much talent around him. TE Gates is always consistent, but RB Matthews has under-performed and been injury prone. Unfortunately, they haven't added many offensive pieces, except to grab Danny Woodhead from the Patriots. The defense ranked well last year (9th in the NFL), but lost many key pieces including S Bigby, CB Cason, CB Jammer, LB Phillips and LB Spikes. Only bringing in CB Cox (from W&M!) and drafting LB T'eo doesn't seem to fill those gaps. A new coaching staff is in for a rebuilding year.
4. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have been out of the playoffs for longer than anyone in Oakland would care to remember. They are seen as a joke of the NFL and never seem to have a feel for building through the draft. Al Davis has been gone for nearly two years now and there is a consistent GM trying to take control. The biggest change here MIGHT be the addition of QB Matt Flynn. Flynn hasn't played in a regular season game since he was with Green Bay and is still at risk of getting edged out by a combination of Pryor and injuries. Until Flynn takes the field, it is impossible to tell if he can replicate his brief success in Green Bay. the defense was middle of the pack last year, but look for it to improve under the second year of DC Jason Traver. The whole team should improve in their head coach's second year, but still won't be able to compete with the others in the division.
Though Denver is the easy choice here, it is not like this team hasn't made changes during the off-season. After what one might call a 'lucky' loss to the Ravens in the post season, Denver reloaded...on offense. Bringing in Wes Welker (WR) and Monte Ball (RB) will give Peyton more weapons in an already powerful aresenal. However, the defense has serious problems, including the losses of DE Dumervil, DT Bannan and LB Williams. Also, Von Miller, LB, has been suspended for the first six games of the season, which will do more than hurt. But as always, with Peyton Manning on offense, the team will have enough firepower to compensate for a perhaps lacking defense.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
They are my 'sleeper' pick this year. The Chiefs had plenty of talent last year with six Pro Bowl players on the roster. That talent never materialized and trouble off the field gave the Chiefs some unwanted attention. But with Andy Reid at the helm and Alex Smith to lead the offense, the rest of the talent should fall into line. Reid is notorious for developing QBs and struggling offenses and building consistent success. The Chiefs never lacked weapons -- it was more the execution. Remember, this team won the division in 2010 and can count on seeing major improvement this season.
3. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are on their last legs. In fact, some people would say that the window for their championship run has closed. I believe this, to a degree. Philip Rivers is not past his prime, but he does not have much talent around him. TE Gates is always consistent, but RB Matthews has under-performed and been injury prone. Unfortunately, they haven't added many offensive pieces, except to grab Danny Woodhead from the Patriots. The defense ranked well last year (9th in the NFL), but lost many key pieces including S Bigby, CB Cason, CB Jammer, LB Phillips and LB Spikes. Only bringing in CB Cox (from W&M!) and drafting LB T'eo doesn't seem to fill those gaps. A new coaching staff is in for a rebuilding year.
4. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have been out of the playoffs for longer than anyone in Oakland would care to remember. They are seen as a joke of the NFL and never seem to have a feel for building through the draft. Al Davis has been gone for nearly two years now and there is a consistent GM trying to take control. The biggest change here MIGHT be the addition of QB Matt Flynn. Flynn hasn't played in a regular season game since he was with Green Bay and is still at risk of getting edged out by a combination of Pryor and injuries. Until Flynn takes the field, it is impossible to tell if he can replicate his brief success in Green Bay. the defense was middle of the pack last year, but look for it to improve under the second year of DC Jason Traver. The whole team should improve in their head coach's second year, but still won't be able to compete with the others in the division.
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