Behind Enemy Lines-Broncos Edition

The AFC West bloggers at Fan-Sided have been asked to give an assessment of the other teams in the AFC West. The division is once again trying to regain its status as one of the top divisions in the league, but it seems that all of the teams (except Chargers) are in a rebuilding stage. I will argue that the AFC West has some of the best fans in the league. Ask any NFL player which stadium he dreads playing in, and I guarantee an AFC West field will be included in his answer. With that said, here are some observations and a few predictions about other teams in the division:

Kansas City Chiefs – Last year’s 4-12 season sent Chiefs fans longing for the days of Priest Holmes and a healthy Trent Green. The ups and downs continued for the team in the offseason as they lost Jared Allen to the Vikes, and nabbed Glenn Dorsey and Branden Albert in the first round of the draft.

To Broncos fans: Don’t worry too much about this team. While playing at Arrowhead isn’t a dream come true, we had some success against this team even during last year’s abysmal season. As Jay Cutler was dropping pounds, we put a beating on the Chiefs both times we played them. The life-saving efforts of Tony Gonzales may just be the highlight of the Chiefs’ year for fans.

Chiefs outlook – Overall Record: 7-9; AFC Record: 2-4 (They can beat the Raiders twice)  

Oakland Raiders – They get the NFL award for Most Continuous Rebuilding Seasons. Raider Nation longs for any before season before 2003. They have high hopes for a team that went 4-12 last year. JaMarcus Russell will be under the microscope this season, but Javon Walker’s huge contract does not need to be. They picked up Darren McFadden in the draft prompting them to release veteran back LaMont Jordan. I’m sure Jordan will enjoy being a New England Patriot more anyways.

To Broncos fans: Look for two very physical games between these two teams this year. Coach Shanahan has always loved to put a beating on the team that fired him in 89′. I’m pretty sure the Broncos want to get their hands on Javon Walker too.

Raiders outlook – Overall Record: 6-10; AFC Record: 0-6 (Yes, I said it!)

San Diego Chargers – They’ve got the all-star cast in Rivers, Tomlinson, and Gates, and they play in a rebuilding division. They will make the playoffs but find that their success stops when they meet someone like the Colts or the Pats. They got defensive back Antoine Cason in last year’s draft.

To Broncos fans – There’s definitely some heated blood between the two teams. Last year’s trash talking not only took national headlines, but it made Philip Rivers look like the fool that he is. There are scores to be settled after the romping the Broncos took at home (41-3), and again on Christmas Eve (23-3).

Chargers outlook – Overall Record: 10-6; AFC Record: 5-1 (They lose once to the Broncos)