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Today, we want to know who you think will win the AFC West in 2015. The Broncos have won the division four years in a row but there’s reason to think that we could see a changing of the guard this season. For starters, familiar faces such as tight end Julius Thomas and nose tackle Terrance Knighton are out of the picture and it’s fair to wonder if Peyton Manning, now entering his age-39 season, can still be an elite quarterback at this stage of his career. There are also questions on the defensive line. Still, with Manning under center, Wade Phillips calling plays on the other side of the ball, and a not-too-difficult schedule, the Broncos are the favorites in the eyes of many.
There’s still plenty of uncertainty about the future of the Chargers given the talk of a possible move to Los Angeles and Philip Rivers‘ contract situation, but they did address their offensive line troubles this offseason. With guard Orlando Franklin in the fold and powerful tackle King Dunlap re-signed, Rivers should have a much easier time moving his offense down the field in 2015. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that Franklin was plucked away from Denver, which theoretically could take a bit out of the reigning AFC West champs.
The Chiefs’ offense sputtered in 2014 but they may have found a solution when they gave Jeremy Maclin a five-year, $55MM deal this offseason. With the additions of guards Paul Fanaika and Ben Grubbs, KC has also gone to great lengths to address the offensive line. Things are looking up for the Chiefs, even with a rigorous start to their schedule.
Meanwhile, in Oakland, star quarterback Derek Carr has a bonafide No. 1 receiver available to him in rookie Amari Cooper and a veteran wideout in Michael Crabtree who is looking to reestablish himself. And while the Raiders didn’t reel in the big fish they were targeting on the open market, they did sign notables such as center Rodney Hudson, linebacker Curtis Lofton, defensive tackle Dan Williams, safety Nate Allen, and running back Roy Helu.
Who do you think will win the AFC West in 2015? Let us know in the comment section below!
Denver
Raiders
Hard not to see the Broncos. This might be their last gasp, but the talent is undeniable. Interested to see what Kubiak will do for the running game.
Tough to pick against the Broncos but I see Chargers and Chiefs battling it out for top of the AFC West. I think the Chargers will come out on top.
The Broncos did not improve in a noticeable area this offseason, but Wade Phillips should coax more from a defense that probably underachieved last season. That, and the hope they can see the Peyton Manning that torched secondaries in 2014’s first seven games is enough to give them the slight edge over San Diego. The Chargers are the team that would most benefit from the Broncos’ growing pains in a new offense with a worse offensive front.
Had the Chiefs done more to fix a shaky offensive line and added a No. 2-3-type receiver to go along with Maclin, they would have a serious shot at unseating the Broncos. Without these fixes, a lot will have to break their way offensively to do so.
Chiefs take over this year. Denver offensive line is in horrible shape, Manning won’t have time to find anyone and running game won’t be there either!
Chargers!!!! Padres win the World Series!!!
Broncos