NEOSI Previews the NFL’s AFC from Top to Bottom Heading Into 2016

AFC West

1.) Kansas City Chiefs 11-5

The Chiefs had a tough task of trying to retain a lot of their free agents on defense this offseason. While they did lose some, they kept the ones they absolutely needed to keep which was huge. Their defense is what keeps them in the games and with the Broncos poised for a down year, the race between them and Oakland for the division is in full swing. Alex Smith is a veteran game managing QB and the team went on a huge run last year without their best offensive player Jamaal Charles.

2.) Oakland Raiders 10-6

The Raiders are another team to watch. They have hit on some of their top draft picks and as they grow so does the rest of the team. Derek Carr is the clear player to watch. If he continues to be a top NFL QB then watch out. Amari Cooper is a stud at WR and the team hit some home runs in free agent signings. The secondary is no longer as weak and they stole from a division rival in getting Sean Smith. The Raiders have a great shot at making the playoffs.

3.) Denver Broncos 7-9

The Broncos are going to take a huge step back. The uncertainty at QB is the first start and that is a huge downgrade for them. I don’t expect the offense to do much and they still don’t have a great RB to lean on to help get them through it either. Their amazing defense from last year also took some hits in free agency. I don’t think they are a .500 football team this year and the defense is still good enough that they can stay close to that mark.

4.) San Diego Chargers 5-11

Like the Ravens, injuries are what really hurt the Chargers last year. Having a healthy offensive line could mean that Melvin Gordon might have a bounce back year after scoring no touchdowns all last season. Philip Rivers is getting older but he can still sling the ball around. Defensively the Chargers aren’t great and the standoff between them and the third overall pick Joey Bosa is the dagger that hampers the progress San Diego was looking to make. I expect them to be towards the bottom of the AFC for another year.

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