AFC West Predictions: Do the Raiders Return to Form?

The AFC west has been a joke in past years. It's only been about the San Diego Chargers. The Raiders have had seven straight 11-or-more-loss seasons, the Chiefs are just as bad, and the Broncos just can't finish what they start. This article is my prediction (some people may say bold) for the AFC West and their teams.

 

First - San Diego Chargers

Last season the Chargers finished 13-3, but then lost to the Jets in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs. Since last season the Chargers have made some interesting moves.

First they released long-time fan favorite LaDainian Tomlinson. This move made sense for the Chargers since LT's production has not been up to par the past few seasons. Saying this, I do not believe the Chargers are going to have a much better run game than they did last season, even with rookie Ryan Matthews.

Rookie tailbacks are some of the hardest to predict. They can be an Adrian Peterson-type player and shock the NFL or they can come out with a lot of hype and get injured (Darren McFadden). Until Matthews is put into play against a live defense, nobody knows how he will do.

The bright spot of San Diego is the QB position. Philip Rivers is one of the best QBs in the league. Last season he had a 65.2 completion percentage, passed for over 4,000 yards, and threw for 28 touchdowns. It is easy to say he was the best QB in the AFC West (which is not saying much). Rivers alone can get the Chargers at least seven or eight wins.

Unfortunately, he may be losing one of his biggest weapons in Vincent Jackson. Jackson had 1,167 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 17.2 yards per catch. Now why would the Chargers be losing him? Well they gave him a restricted free agent tender, which he has refused to sign.  

Now after focusing on the Chargers Offense, let's spend some time on their defense. First off they traded away Antonio Cromartie to the Jets for a th...