2011 AFC West Predictions
Written by Steve Janus
The San Diego Chargers streak of four consecutive AFC West titles was put to a end in 2010, as the Kansas City Chiefs came out of nowhere to win the division with a 10-6 overall record. Kansas City finished dead last in the West with a 4-12 record in 2009. The Chargers bounced back from a 2-5 start to finish second at 9-7. The biggest surprise was the fact that the Oakland Raiders went a perfect 6-0 against the division, but still finished third with an 8-8 overall record. The Denver Broncos failed to do much of anything right, and easily finished in last at 4-12.
Will the Raiders and Chiefs continue to get better and remain in the race, or will the Chargers take back the top spot? To help you answer those questions, here is a look at my 2011 AFC West power rankings.
1. San Diego – I believe the Chargers will bounce back from one of the most disappointing seasons in team history. San Diego featured one of the top offenses and defenses in the league, but were killed by poor special teams play that cost them numerous games. This team flexed its muscle with a 7-2 finish to the season, and is without question the team to beat in the West this season. Philip Rivers was very impressive in 2010, despite the fact that the Chargers were without star wide receiver Vincent Jackson for most of the year and suffered a number of injuries. As long as Rivers stays healthy, this team should have no trouble topping the 10 win mark in 2011.
2. Kansas City – Not to take anything away from the Chiefs dream season in 2010, but they faced just two teams with a winning record all year and were crushed by the Ravens at home in the opening round of the playoffs. By winning the division, the Chiefs set themselves up with a brutal schedule in 2011. If the Chiefs are going to surprise again, Matt Cassel has to take that next step into becoming an elite NFL quarterback.
3. Oakland – The Raiders 8-8 finish marked the first time the team finished .500 or better since going 11-5 in 2002. While they have a ton of young talent to build on, they lose one of their best offensive weapons in tight end Zach Miller and their best defensive player in corner Nnamdi Asomugha. While the Raiders rely heavily on the running game, I don’t give them much of chance to win the division with Jason Campbell as their starting quarterback. I look for Oakland to take a minor step back and finish 7-9 this season.
4. Denver – The Broncos are in serious rebuilding mode after Josh McDaniels ripped apart this team of some of its best players. I like the hire of new head coach John Fox, but this team doesn’t have the talent to compete with the other three teams in the West. I believe the Broncos made the right move by keeping Kyle Orton, as Tim Tebow isn’t ready to lead an NFL team. Defensively the Broncos were one of the worst in the league last year, and will likely struggle again in 2011 as they make the switch back to a 4-3 scheme.
Individual Team NFL Season Predictions
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