NFL 2006: AFC West Projections

The 2006 NFL season could go either way for the San Diego Chargers. There's no denying that the Chargers have an abundance of talent all around, but can they put it all together. No more will the Chargers rely on Drew Brees at the quarterback position. Third year quarterback Philip Rivers, who has unwearyingly lingered on the Chargers sideline; will finally get his opportunity to lead the Chargers offense. Rivers was the second quarterback selected in the 2004 NFL Draft behind the highly touted Eli Manning.

Rivers was benched in favor of Brees, who put together two successive solid years for the Chargers, including the 12-4 run they fashioned in 2004. But Brees' status with the Chargers became questionable after a late season injury. Brees signed with the New Orleans Saints this past off-season, leaving the quarterback duties in Rivers' hands.

Rivers has the potential to amass a breakout season such as Carson Palmer in 2005, or he could become a flop, like former Chargers quarterback Ryan Leaf. If Rivers puts together a solid campaign, the Chargers should edge out the Denver Broncos for the AFC West title.

LaDainian Tomlinson is consistently one of the NFL's top five running back every season, so their ground attack is expected to puzzle opposing defenses. The receiving core led by Eric Parker and veteran Keenan McCardell will become principle targets for Rivers.

The Chargers defense was above average in comparison to opposing NFL teams 2005, and will likely resemble that in 2006.

If all goes well, the San Diego Chargers will win the second AFC West title in the three years.

2. Denver Broncos (11-5)

The Denver Broncos are the conventional pick to win the AFC West title in 2006, but are they the coherent pick? There's no rebuffing the Broncos capable roster, but there is a few minor question marks surrounding their offense. Firstly, Jake Plummer is expected to start at quarterback for the Broncos in 2006, but he will be under a microscope as rookie quarterback Jay Cutler has been impressive for the Broncos throughout pre-season. One mistake on the part of Plummer, and the Broncos may find themselves with a quarterback quandary, which will serve as a distraction. And if Cutler gets the call too early, he may struggle with rookie gaffes.

Also, the undrafted rookie running back Mike Bell is listed as number 1 on the Broncos depth chart, and is expected to share the running load with Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne. This running back by committee has worked in the past for the Broncos, but how well will the inexperienced Mike Bell adapt to the system?

Rod Smith returns for another season as Broncos receiver. Smith has been a fixture in the Broncos offense since 1995, so clearly no player understands the Broncos offense better then Smith. The Broncos added Javon Walker to complement Smith at the wide receiver position. Walker was the former favorite target for the Green Bay Packers Brett Favre, but he spent practically the entire 2005 season on the injury list after he tore a right anterior cruciate ligament. The Broncos expect Walker to be okay.

The Broncos should be solid on defense, as they traditionally possess depth among their defensive line and linebackers.

The defensive backfield will once again by led by Champ Baily, Nick Ferguson, and John Lynch.

The Broncos will give the San Diego Chargers a run for their money, but an inexperience top running back, and a possible quarterback controversy imparts a disadvantage.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-8)

Over the past four or five season, the Kansas City Chiefs have possessed a high ranked offense. The only problem is that the same cannot be said regarding their defense. And it's no been due to lack of effort. The Chiefs have attempted to beef up their mediocre defense but the stats have yet to vastly improve.

The Chiefs will once again be loaded with a powerful offensive arsenal, but their defense appears as if they'll let the Chiefs down again.

Trent Green, 36, will enter his fourteenth season in the NFL. Over the previous four seasons, Green has had a quarterback ranking no lower than 90.1, which is noteworthy. Despite his age, Green has yet to decelerate. But will he remain the durable quarterback that he has been over the past five seasons in which he has not missed a single game?

He will have fellow veteran Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker as his two lead receivers and the extraordinarily gifted Larry Johnson in the backfield. Johnson rushed for an AFC leading 1750 yards in 2005, despite only starting in only nine games. Look for more of the same out of Johnson in 2006.

The key for the Chiefs will be there defense. If their defense comes out of the gate strong, the Chiefs could creep up on the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers.

The Chiefs most notable defensive acquisition this past off-season was former New England Patriots cornerback Ty Law.

4. Oakland Raiders (5-11)

I am just not sure if Aaron Brooks is an upgrade from Kerry Collins at the quarterback position. Brooks had a couple of solid seasons with the New Orleans Saints, but he has often been hit or miss. Brooks should benefit from having Randy Moss as a wide receiver.

Also, wide receiver Jerry Porter will lineup parallel to Moss for the Oakland Raiders. Porter's most productive season occurred in 2004, when he caught nine touchdown passes.

The Raiders will rely heavily on running back Lamont Jordan. Jordan gave the Raiders stability that they have recently lacked at the running back position.

The Raiders may have slightly improved from 2005, but it's unlikely that they will compete at the same level as their three AFC West divisional rivals. Expect another season in the cellar.