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AFC West Predictions

Written July 28, 2008 by Jason Lowry

If you are ready for another exciting football season to get underway, you are not alone, and professional handicapper Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 AFC West division predictions. Last season the West was not the once dominant division it use to be, as the Chargers ran away with the division going 11-5, while the rest of the division failed to finish better than .500. The Broncos were picked to be a force in the West last season but finished the season at just 7-9. Which was good enough for 2nd in the division as the Chiefs and Raiders both stunk it up going 4-12. Each season brings new hope and a chance to make history, and here is our look at how the West plays out in 2008.

1) San Diego Chargers
The Chargers looked like things were not going to go the way the planned to start the season, as they started off the year going 1-3. Things didn’t last like that for long, as they quickly turned things around and went on to win 10 of their next 12. The Chargers also played a big role in the playoffs as they knocked off the defending champs in the Colts before falling to the Patriots in the Conference Finals without star running back LaDainian Tomlinson. The team didn’t really do much over the offseason, and all they really need to repeat as the West Champs in 2008 is a healthy Tomlinson and quarterback Phillip Rivers, we think they will, and could be looking at a 12-13 win season.
Chargers -400 odds to win AFC West at Sportsbook.com

2) Denver Broncos
The Broncos really struggled in 2007, as they had trouble stopping opposing teams running game, and they hope that the additions of players like linebackers Niko Koutouvides and Boss Bailey along with defensive tackle Dwayne Robertson can make this defense a force once again. On the offensive side of things the team has high hopes on receivers Darrell Jackson and Samie Parker can come in and be solid targets for the young developing quarterback Jay Cutler. We like the Broncos to improve all over, and should wind up going 9-7 at worst this season.
Broncos +450 odds to win AFC West at Sportsbook.com

3) Oakland Raiders
The Raiders get the edge over the Chiefs this season, because they look like they have the talent to win now rather than the Chiefs who are still building for the future. The question still remains if quarterback JaMarcus Russell is ready to lead this team, he should have no problem handing the ball off to two solid running backs in Justin Fargas and the highly drafted Darren McFadden. The team still have some questions on the defensive line, and we think all of this leads to a better 2008, but only by a few games.
Raiders +700 odds to win AFC West at Sportsbook.com

4) Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs had what many thought was the best draft this offseason, and the youth movement looks like its in full force. The Chiefs still have a pretty weak offensive line, even with the addition of Branden Albert in the draft, and the defense is likely to really miss the pass rushing of defensive end Jared Allen. If the young talent can just improve over the season, this team could be back on top in a few years, but for now expect another 4 to 5 win season in 2008.
Chiefs +1200 odds to win AFC West at Sportsbook.com

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