2010 AFC West Division Predictions; NFL Picks

San Diego Chargers (11-5)
The Chargers will remain top dog of the AFC West in 2010. The Chargers did not need to do anything in the offseason to remain the most talented team in the West, but did add rookie running back Ryan Mathews. I am interested in seeing how the Chargers will be able to block for Mathews or Sproles this year when they had troubles last years as LT had 730 yards (3.3 avg.) and Sproles had 343 yards (3.7 avg.). Philip Rivers is the best quarterback in the division by far, and will continue to destroy defenses with good, not great receivers. The Chargers win 11 this year and take the division once again.

Kansas City Chiefs (8-8)
The Chiefs will be one of the biggest surprises of the year in 2010. An easy schedule and a much better coaching staff with Weis and Crennel will get them to .500. Major problems still exist on offensive and defensive lines but the secondary is better, there is more depth in the backfield, and the receivers should continue to improve including sometimes moody star Dwayne Bowe. I love Dexter McCluster working out of the backfield and in the slot. Cassel should have a much better year although his protection did not significantly improve but he gained a weapon in McCluster. Look for the Chiefs to finish second in the AFC West.

Oakland Raiders (6-10)
The Raiders are starting to make good moves, yes, I said the Raiders are starting to make good moves. Cutting ties with Russell, trading for Campbell, waiting to draft offensive lineman Bruce Campbell in the fourth round, and drafting Rolando McClain (although a little early), were all great moves for the organization. The Raiders still have a lot of problems, but this roster is good enough to win 6 games and give Oakland some hope in a still rough Al Davis era.

Denver Broncos (5-11)
Sorry Broncos, you are back in rebuilding mode. I loved the draft day trades, but the picks were less than impressive. I see both Tebow and Demaryius Thomas as big projects that will not be a big part of their 2010 season. Eric Decker in the third round was the Broncos best selection, and could help out immediately assuming his injury problems are behind him. The NFL is better when the Broncos are competitive, but this year does not look promising.

See AFC South Predictions Here
See NFC East Predictions Here
See NFC North Predictions Here