As training camp has emerged creating a vast set of emotions of both hope for rookies and redundant routines for veterans, it is never to early to began the rampant speculations surrounding the issue of how the teams will look in the standings come season end. Through my knowledge of the sport and teams, as well as careful analysis of recent off-season acquisitions and losses, I have come up with a forecast of how I expect each team to finish in its respective division. To finish my 2006-2007 predictions I will finally post my guesses for the AFC West.

The Denver Broncos have established the criteria to earn some well deserved respect and admiration. As a perennial playoff team, Denver looks to keep its streak alive this season with the forces of Jake Plummer as quarterback. Having an incredible year last season, Plummer should regain some of the stellar performance especially with an all star receiving core of Javon Walker, Rod Smith, and potentially Ashley Lelie. While there are some question marks regarding head coach Mike Shanahan’s decision to start an undrafted rookie at running back, I have seen how the system in Denver continues to produce excellent seasons for running backs regardless of their previous accomplishments. With a strong defense and a relatively easy division to play in, I believe Denver will have yet another strong season.

Along with my pick of the New York Jets to go 7-9 this season, I think my other surprise lies with the San Diego Charger’s season record. I predict that the team will go sub 500 this season simply on the account of the absence of Drew Brees. Before Brees turned his career around with a stellar season a few years ago, the Chargers were a perennial lock for a top five pick in the entry draft. After Brees turned his motives around, the team evolved from a joke to a true competitor. With Brees gone and Phillip Rivers in, I do not think such an easy transition will occur. I honestly think Rivers is over hyped by the media and fans, and while he did have a good game against the Packers during the first preseason game, I cannot pull myself into saying that such success will last all season. The team missed the playoffs last season even with a stud in Brees, and while many argued that San Diego had the hardest schedule in the league, not much has changed in terms on positioning, and consequently Charger fans will have to endure a season similar to the dark days a few years back.

While it was sad to see Dick Vermeil leave last season, Kansas City was due for some changes. These changes, however, will ultimately have positive effects and lead this team to the best record in the NFL. I like the addition of Herman Edwards who carries a strong tenacious demeanor which two years ago got him into one game of the AFC Championship. Along with stronger additions to the defense such as Ty Law, the Chiefs have not only one of the best offenses in the league but one of the best defenses as well. Larry Johnson is inevitably going to win the rushing title during at least one season for the duration of his career, and I believe he will earn that title come January. While an argument can be made for the lack of a blowout receiver, Tony Gonzalez is still a potent threat and Trent Green is an excellent quarterback able to make magic on the field more often than not. With an easier schedule than both the Chargers and Broncos, I believe this might be the season that Kansas City breaks loose.

There are not that many positive sentiments that can be said about the Oakland Raiders. True the team did make it to the Super Bowl a few years back, but have since been an unmotivated team filled with an unfulfilling collection of potential players and a city that can be scary in a lot of cases. While it is hard for me to say this, Kerry Collins is much better than Aaron Brooks, and I can see a potential quarterback and receiver tantrum between the latter and Randy Moss. The team has upgraded the defense and other intangibles throughout the year, and I will give Oakland a few wins for that, but overall not too much impresses me. Art Shell has been out of work for nearly a decade, and with the new changes and player evolutions which has accompanied such duration, there may be times where he might feel uncomfortable or perplexed in dire situations. However, I will give him the benefit of the doubt for now and give the Raiders probably a few more wins then I should.

Final AFC West Season Standings (*demonstrates making the playoffs):

1.*Kansas City Chiefs: 13-3

2.*Denver Broncos: 11-5

3. Oakland Raiders: 7-9

4. San Diego Chargers: 5-11