The AFC West was the best division in football last year with three teams securing playoff berths. The AFC Champion Denver Broncos won the West and finished the season 13-3, the second place Chiefs finished the year with an 11-5 record, the San Diego Chargers were the second AFC Wild Card team with a 9-7 record, and lastly the Oakland Raiders finished in fourth place with a 4-12 record.
A turnaround in the AFC West is expected to begin this year after a very busy offseason for a few teams. The Broncos lost an offensive weapon in Eric Decker, but improved an already dominant defense with the addition of Demarcus Ware. KC didn’t make many moves this offseason, and lost the majority of their successful offensive line. The Chargers didn’t make a splash via free agency, but were able to add a few pieces offensively. Oakland on the other hand will send a completely different team to the field this season after adding key veteran players on both offense and defense.
Top Newcomers
Matt Schaub, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders
Oakland’s quarterback situation has been a roller coaster ride since the day Rich Gannon retired. Last year they didn’t have a number one quarterback who they stuck with throughout the entire season, and injuries aside, there would have been a change at the position regardless. Enter Schaub who is a veteran in the league with playoff experience and a chip on his shoulder after a poor season with the Houston Texans in 2013. Schaub is the clear number one guy who will run the Raiders offense.
Demarcus Ware, Defensive End, Denver Broncos
The Broncos defense allowed 399 points last year with an average of 24.9 per game, and those numbers are expected to decrease this year. Denver had 20 sacks last season, and with the addition of Ware, the Broncos pass rush is even stronger, especially with Von Miller by his side.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Running Back, Oakland Raiders
With Darren McFadden getting bit by the injury bug year after year, a solid, proven running back was needed in Oakland; Jones-Drew provides just that. The Raiders now have a legitimate run threat with both McFadden and Jones-Drew that provide some spark for this offense.
Aqib Talib, Cornerback, Denver Broncos
Denver was able to pick up the top free agent corner available this offseason. Talib had four interceptions and 41 combined tackles with the New England Patriots in 13 games last season. Safety T.J. Ward will also be a factor in an improved Denver secondary.
Justin Tuck, Defensive End, Oakland Raiders
The Raiders defense will have a completely different look in 2014, and with the addition of Tuck as well as Antonio Smith and LaMarr Woodley they will be much better. Tuck is a defensive leader who can not only contribute immediately (Tuck had 11 sacks last season), but serve as a mentor for Khalil Mack and Sio Moore.
Top Training Camp Battles
Matt Schaub and Derek Carr, Quarterbacks, Oakland Raiders
Who doesn’t love a good quarterback battle? The Raiders have had a few the past couple seasons, but this year’s will feature good competition among two good quarterbacks. Carr is the quarterback of the future, no doubt, and while Schaub is the starter, Carr will battle him and make him earn that title.
Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden, Running Back, Oakland Raiders
These two running backs will compete for playing time in training camp, and while Jones-Drew is the favorite, both have a lot to offer this year. They both head into the season with something to prove which will give them extra motivation. Both want to start, but are ready to share the limelight.
Rod Streater, Andre Holmes, and Denarius Moore, Wide Receivers, Oakland Raiders
With the addition of James Jones this offseason, Streater and Moore will battle for playing time. Holmes is also a player to watch as he was impressive during minicamp and OTA’s. Jones is the number one receiver for Schaub, and with Streater having a good work ethic as well as a good 2013 season he has an advantage as the number two receiver heading into camp.
Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman, Running Backs, Denver Broncos
Ball has been deemed as the starting running back with the number two position wide open, but Denver still believes in the talent of Hillman. Last year Ball ran for 559 yards with four touchdowns. C.J. Anderson is also being thrown into the mix.
Travis Kelce and Demetrius Harris, Tight Ends, Kansas City Chiefs
Following knee surgery, Kelce is now healthy and a player to keep an eye on. There’s been some hype surrounding his name. Harris has also made a bid to make the Chiefs roster this year. Both have stood out during minicamp and have a chance to make the roster this year.
Guard Position, San Diego Chargers
The San Diego offensive line struggled last year and also suffered some injuries. Jeromey Clary, if healthy, will be the starting guard for the Chargers. Chad Rinehart, Johnnie Troutman, and Rich Ohrnberger are also options and will battle for playing time.
Top Storylines Heading Into Training Camp
Chiefs and quarterback Alex Smith have yet to reach an agreement on a contract extension. If no deal is reached, the Chiefs are willing to place a franchise tag on Smith for 2015.
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles signed a contract extension worth $18.1 million in new money. The new deal ties Charles to the Chiefs for four more seasons.
Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden will miss at least the start of training camp after undergoing surgery on his foot due to a stress fracture.
The Raiders also released Kevin Burnett.
Power Rankings in the Division
1. Denver Broncos
The defending AFC Champs aren’t only the favorites in the West, but the AFC overall. They have a great quarterback in Peyton Manning as well as a much improved defense that struggled at the end of their season.
2. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers not only made the playoffs in 2013, but advanced after the Wild Card round. Philip Rivers had a comeback season and while they haven’t made flashy offseason moves, they have a good roster.
3. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders will be a much improved team in 2014, they may not win the division, but they will compete every week. They have a revitalized roster featuring top young rookies as well as key veteran leaders to provide leadership. The silver and black have improved on both sides of the ball.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City will show a lot of regression in 2014. They’ve lost key players and will face the NFL’s seventh hardest schedule this year. Their o-line stood strong for Smith last year, but he struggled when under pressure, and with losing the majority of their offensive linemen, that is bound to be a problem.