2012 AFC West Preview

AFC West

Reviews are in order of final standings for 2011

1. Broncos (8-8): - Last year was Tebow-mania, this year its Peyton's Place. This year's Broncos made the playoffs and won a thrilling OT game against the Steelers. This year, the expectations of this team could mirror those of 2009 Minnesota Vikings, reason I use this example is because they brought in a future Hall of Fame QB to help with their dismal QB play. This season could be a good one for the Broncos, but all of this depends on the health of one Peyton Manning.
2. Raiders (8-8): - After the death of the man whom the Raiders are famously connected with, Owner Al Davis, this will be the first time ever for this franchise to go into a season without Mr. Davis. This team made huge strides in 2011, but fell short at the end to win the division for their fallen owner. This season should be the same, in the fact that the Raiders are an up and coming team who could be hanging around for the playoffs in December.
3. Chargers (8-8): - Is the window of this once championship-hopeful team closed? Could this be the final stand of the main crew for the Chargers, who's been chasing a Super Bowl title for the last 5 seasons? The pressure could be very high for this Chargers organization this season. This was suppose to be a team under the Norv Turner/Philip Rivers era that should of had a championship already, but playoff disappointments and lately regular season collapses may have cost this once powerful team and trust them into soon-to-be rebuilding mode if this season doesn't go well this year.
4. Chiefs (7-9): - With a change in coaching last season, the Chiefs finished the season strongly, despite coming one game short of winning this division and going to the playoffs. Injuries hurt this team as year and this year having an healthy Cassell and Charles back should allow this team to contend for a wild card spot at the least.

2012 AFC West Champion: Denver Broncos

1. DEN (11-5)
2. OAK (9-7)
3. KC (8-8)
4. SD (7-9)