Every second, we are getting closer to the start of the NFL season. (Hooray!) This week, we will look at each division, and see the best and worst the NFL has to offer.  We will also see what FanIQ thinks will happen in each division.

Today, we finish up the division by division predictions by looking at the very tough AFC West.  Last year, the Chargers won this division with 14 wins, an NFL best.  The Chiefs and Broncos both won 9 games, although only Kansas City made the playoffs.  And the Raiders were the worst team in football.

Schedule: NFC North, AFC South

Oakland Raiders

Offensively, the Raiders were disgustingly bad last year, and things don't look much better this year.  The offensive line was a joke last year, and they didn't even really improve it, they signed two average guys and drafted someone in the 3rd round.  They still have average receivers, average running backs, and a QB in Culpepper that will get mauled this year.  Defensively, they are good.  Sapp is still solid, and Burgess is very under-rated.  The linebackers are alright, and the secondary is solid.  Asomugha is the best player no one has heard of, Huff is emerging, and Darius is a solid veteran.  Unfortunately for them, the terrible offense once again will cancel out the solid D.  I think they have another bad year, and you think they are bottom feeders as well.

My Prediction: 4-12

FanIQ Says: 2-14

Denver Broncos

Overall, the offensive line looks pretty good, with really the only concern being one of the guard spots.  They always have running success with average backs, and now they have a very good back with Travis Henry.  They added Daniel Graham at TE, Walker is solid, they have solid receivers elsewhere, and Cutler should be improved.   They drafted a couple guys on the D-line, but it is still average at best.  However, they have a pretty good group of linebackers, solid safeties, and an absurdly good corner punch of Bly and Bailey.  Good luck passing on the Broncos this year.  I think that Denver has a beastly year this season and goes deep in the playoffs; you think they'll just be in the wild card hunt.

My Prediction: 13-3

FanIQ Says: 11-5

Kansas City Chiefs

The offensive line is the weakest it's been in many years for KC, with questions and holes everywhere except at LG and C.  Larry Johnson missing camp and all of the carries last year I think slows him down, which is bad for them considering their wide receivers are awful.  Huard could be successful, but I don't think he has enough around him.  They have good defensive ends, but average defensive tackles.  Their linebackers are pretty good, Law and Surtain are two solid corners, and the safeties are alright.  Amazingly, the Chiefs D may be better than their O.  However, I think they finish under .500, and you agree.

My Prediction: 7-9
FanIQ Says: 7-9

San Diego Chargers

The offense line is great, and you really can't find flaw with them.  They have an amazing halfback, a great tight end, and a pretty efficient QB.  However, they don't have any receivers that are really worth anything.  They have a great defensive tackle, and average ends.  There is concern with the linebackers, as they lost both of their inside guys, and have a huge hole there.  On the outside, Merriman is great when he's off roids, and Phillips is solid.  They have a solid group of cornerbacks, but they have a big hole at the safety positions, they don't have anyone there that is really any good.  I think this team has been over-rated coming into this year, and I think they are a wild card team at best, while you think they finish with the best record in football again.

My Prediction: 11-5

FanIQ Says: 15-1

Let's look at this again.

My Prediction

Denver 13-3

San Diego 11-5

Kansas City 7-9

Oakland 4-12

FanIQ Says

San Diego 15-1

Denver 11-5

Kansas City 7-9

Oakland 2-14

San Diego wins 15?   No way, not a chance.

Tomorrow, we will recap what you have predicted for each division, as well as the Super Bowl. 

FanIQ Says... (96)

AFC West Prediction Poll Put how many wins you think each team will win this year.
(Q1 of 4) How many wins for the Raiders? Consensus answer: 4.542	Asked by: MrNFL
Closed 9/6/07