Why the Chargers will win the AFC West

Will the Chargers find themselves on top of the AFC West at seasons end? After three preseason games we can get a better idea of how teams will fare in the regular season. Most team’s starters will see limited action if any at all on Thursday.

The Chargers offense has the talent to be one of the best in the league

I think the division will be very competitive this year. Let’s take a look at each team and see where they stand.

August 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio (left) argues with NFL line judge Ed Walker (123) during the fourth quarter in a preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The RaidersThe Raiders have been a mess for years. This off-season they appeared to make some moves in the right direction. They hired Jack Del Rio, who is a decent coach. They picked up some solid free agents. No big signings but solid guys. They picked up a stud WR in the draft.

I think the Raiders are moving in the right direction but still have a ways to go. You can’t rebuild a franchise in a year.

Last year the Raiders finished 3-13. They had the 31st ranked scoring offense and were 26th in passing yards and 32nd in rushing yards. On defense they ranked 32nd in points allowed and were 16th in passing yards allowed and 22nd in rushing yards allowed.

Prediction: The Raiders will show improvement this year, but will still hold onto the bottom spot in the division. Look for them to win 5 to 6 games.

Aug 21, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The ChiefsLast year’s defense was pretty stout and I expect them to continue to have a decent defense. They were one of the best in the red zone. They also snagged Marcus Peters in the draft to help with pass defense.

The real question for this team lays on offense and specifically the QB and receiving crew. The fact that no WR caught a TD pass last year is a big deal, not just an interesting stat. The Chiefs brought in Jeremy Maclin to help with this. Is one guy enough to give the Chiefs an elite or even threatening receiving group, probably not. The other question lies at QB. The knock on Alex Smith has always been that he is little more than a game manager. If Smith can step up and play like a top 5 QB then this team can go far. Unfortunately I think that will be hard for him to do with the limited weapons around him.

Last year the Chiefs finished 9-7. They had the 16th ranked scoring offense and were 29th in passing yards and 10th in rushing yards. On defense they ranked 2nd in points allowed and were 2nd in passing yards allowed and 28th in rushing yards allowed.

Prediction: The Chiefs will be about the same this year, with maybe a 1 game improvement in the win column. Look for them to go 10-6.

Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The BroncosThe Broncos had an off-season of change. The entire coaching staff was jettisoned. Kubiak is the new man to run the show. Perhaps their best pickup here was getting Wade Phillips for the DC. Add draft pick Ray to Ware and Miller and this defense is poised to cause some problems for opposing offenses.

As the pre-season winds down, there seems to be all sorts of questions about the offense, which is unexpected as this has been one of the best offenses in the league the past few years. The O-Line looked bad last week against the 49ers allowing several players to come free and take shots at Manning. The O-line is struggling with many new faces. Which makes you ask how many hits can the ageless wonder Peyton Manning take. Has he exhausted his fountain of youth? Manning seemed slowed at the end of last year as the brutality of an NFL season took its toll on him. What will he look like at the end of this year with a new line, as he transitions to a new head Coach, OC and TE? Fans in Denver will tell you everything is ok, but I think there are problems lurking with Denver’s offense.

Last year the Broncos finished 12-4. They had the 2nd ranked scoring offense and were 4th in passing yards and 15th in rushing yards. On defense they ranked 17th in points allowed and were 9th in passing yards allowed and 2nd in rushing yards allowed.

Prediction: The Broncos will struggle early and late. Early as the offense tries to gel with a new system and a rebuilt line. Late as the toll of the season begins to weigh down on old man Manning. I think there is too much on Manning’s shoulders this year. Look for them to finish 10-6

Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The ChargersThe last couple of years the Chargers have struggled with injuries. At week 6 last year the Chargers were at 5-1 and on top of many people’s power rankings. Then the wheels began to come off. It was not long before the were using their 4th center of the season, their 4th string running back and both corners were missing extensive time. And that is just some of the injuries.

If this team stays healthy this offense can be the best in the AFC West. Yes, better than Denver’s. They picked up Orlando Franklin to help anchor the line. The line is talented and as soon as they gel together this is going to be a good unit. Look for it to get stronger as the year progresses. They also picked up Stevie Johnson who is looking like an upgrade at wide receiver. Danny Woodnead is back from injury and Branden Oliver has a year of experience under his belt. If Melvin Gordon can adjust to the NFL game this offense is scary talented. Not to mention Phillip Rivers did not get traded and is still here to throw the rock.

The defense also looks much improved. Mainly because everyone is healthy. Melvin Ingram has looked the best we have ever seen. Donald Butler looks back to form. Flowers and Verrett are both healthy. Rookie Kyle Emanuel has been impressing everyone. The question on this side of the ball and for the whole team is how well will the D-Line perform? Last year the Chargers struggled against the run and with putting pressure on the QB. Corey Liuget anchors this group but the Chargers definitely need someone to step up and play better on the line if they want to go deep in the playoffs.

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Last year the battered, bruised and injured Chargers limped to a 9-7 finish. They had the 17th ranked scoring offense and were 10th in passing yards and 30th in rushing yards. On defense they ranked 13th in points allowed and were 4th in passing yards allowed and 26th in rushing yards allowed.

Prediction: The Chargers will be much better this year. With the O-line healthy and upgraded this offense can be one of the best in the league. The defense secondary looks solid. If the Chargers can find ways to get pressure on the QB and slow the run game of their opponents they can go a long ways. I look for the Chargers to finish 11-5 and claim the AFC West title.

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