NFL - AFC West Season Preview and Prediction
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Last Season - 12-5 (1st in AFC West, Eliminated in 1st Round of AFC Playoffs), 416 Points For, 385 Points Against
Quarterback - (Derek Carr) 9/10 - I think Derek Carr is a potential superstar and already in the Top 6 or 7 quarterbacks in the League. He could easily be the most valuable player in the NFL, given the Raiders could barely even make a first down when Carr tragically went down injured last season and missed the playoffs. Carr was dynamic last season, passing for 28 touchdowns and 6 interceptions on his way to nearly 400 yards passing and an amazing 7 4th quarter comeback victories, showing he was great in clutch situations.
Offence - 8.5/10 - The Raiders have some dynamic threats outside of Carr that should help them be a threat all over the field. Last season the side averaged over 26 points per game, and I see no reason they can't match that this season. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree were prolific at wide receiver, whilst the Raiders have added Marshawn Lynch to their running game, which includes pockets rockets Rashad Johnson and DeAndre Washington.
Defence 5.5/10 - The Raiders defence really struggled this year and was the reason the side had to endure so many 4th Quarter comebacks. The defence ended up giving up over 24 points per game; however they did improve as the season went on. Through the first half of the season, the Raiders gave up the most yards per play in the NFL, and their defence made far too many errors in coverages. The Raiders have drafted and invested in their defence, however it remains to be seen if they can improve significantly. Khalil Mack is an excitement machine and one of the most dynamic playmakers on defence in the NFL.
Prediction - 10-6 (1st in AFC West)
The Raiders won so many close games last year, with seven 4th Quarter comebacks, so it's hard to see them matching their 12-4 record from last season. However, I still think they can win the Division as they have the best quarterback in the division and a dynamic, young offense that should be even better this season. With the side moving to Las Vegas in two years, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic of playing in Oakland in that lame duck stadium plays out.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Last Season 12-5 (1st in AFC West, Eliminated in 2nd Round of Playoffs) 389 Points For, 311 Points Against
Quarterback - 7.5/10 (Alex Smith) - Alex Smith has an outstanding record in Kansas City in terms of wins, with 41 victories to just 20 losses, making him 3rd to Tom Brady and Russell Wilson in win percentage during that time period. However he still can't escape the notion that he is more a game manager, than a guy capable of taking a game over. This is backed up by the Chiefs’ poor 1-3 record in the playoffs, despite often being favourites in play-off games. Last year, Smith threw 15 touchdowns to 8 interceptions, and averaged around 230 yards per game passing.
Offence 6.5/10 - The Chiefs’ offence was functional rather than anything outstanding last season. Travis Kelce was an outstanding at the end of last season, racking up 1125 yards making him the ideal target for Smith in the middle of the field. The Chiefs, however, need more production from both their wide receivers and running game if they want to break into the top offences in the NFL.
Defence 9/10 - The Chiefs have developed a really strong and intimidating defence under Andy Reid. Last season they led the NFL, causing 33 turnovers and were 7th for points allowed at around 18 per game, despite losing key players to injury.
Prediction 9-7 (2nd in AFC West, Wild Card Team)
The Chiefs will be a hard-nosed football team that is hard to beat, as always, under Andy Reid. However, I think Alex Smith and the offence will hold them back once again. Whilst they won’t lose them games, I just don’t think they have the points in them to match it with the more explosive teams in the NFL. Once again, the Chiefs will be very hard to beat at home with their chaotic crowd noise and cold temperatures.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Last Season 5-11 (Last in AFC West) 410 Points For, 423 Points Against
Quarterback 7.5/10 (Philip Rivers) - Rivers remains one constant for a team that has endured a tough few years and now moved from San Diego to Los Angeles. Last year, Rivers was a mixture of brilliance and brain fades, throwing 33 touchdowns but also 21 interceptions on his way to over 4300 yard passing. Rivers was often running for his life with a banged up offensive line and, whilst he remains a quality player and a fierce competitor, he threw way too many game changing interceptions.
Offence 7.5/10 - The Chargers have plenty of potential on offence, with loads of talent. However they have been beset by injuries the past couple of years. The team did well to average over 25 points per game. Veteran tight end Antonio Gates returns for a 15th season, whilst the Chargers will welcome back Keenan Allen who missed all of last season with a knee injury. The Chargers’ running game improved last season and will need to stay at that level again this season.
Defence - 6.5/10 - The Chargers’ defence struggled last year, conceding over 26 points per game, as they were another unit riddled by injuries. They did, however, improve as the year went on, with Joey Bosa coming into the side. Bosa could be one of the best few defenders in the NFL, recording an amazing 10.5 sacks in just 12 games.
Prediction - 9-7 (3rd in AFC West, Potential Wild Card Team, Probably Just Miss Playoffs)
I think this is going to be a very strong and competitive AFC West this year, with the Chargers improving to 9-7. This side threw so many close games away last season, and had a horrible run with injuries. If they can learn from a few of those close losses, and keep key personnel on the field, they have a talented side capable of making the playoffs.
DENVER BRONCOS
Last Season (9-7 3rd in AFC West, Missed Playoffs) 333 Points For, 297 Against
Quarterback 5/10 (Paxton Lynch, Trevor Siemian) Both Siemian and Lynch will duke it out in pre-season to win the starting role for the Broncos. Last season, Siemian did a better than expected job, throwing 18 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. However, both prospects are young players learning the ropes in the NFL and I’m expecting a bumpy time for both in their 2nd season now that other teams have some information on them.
Offence 5.5/10 - Denver had a few black marks against its offence last season, including the fourth most 3 and out drives in the NFL, as well as being 27th in rushing and 26th best in red zone touchdowns. The Broncos averaged just over 20 points per game last season and, with their running game struggling, it’s tough to see them being more prolific this season.
Defence 8.5/10 - Denver retain a formidable defence, however it didn't quite live up to the hype as the best defence in the NFL last season. They were still highly effective though, limiting teams to around 18 points per game, which was the fourth fewest points in the NFL.
Prediction - 5-11 (Last In AFC West)
This might be a bit extreme, however I think this is the year the Broncos hit the wall after being up for a long time. They have the worst quarterback in the division, and their defence has a number of ageing stars that can't keep holding them together.