Monday 5 September 2016 16:40, UK
What should we expect in the AFC West between the Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers? Sky Sports take a look...
Oakland Raiders
Head Coach: Jack Del Rio
Key Man: Khalil Mack (Linebacker) - the stand-out of a youthful Raiders generation, having ended last season in spectacular fashion he could compete with JJ Watt and Von Miller as the NFL's best defensive player.
Major Additions: Linebacker Bruce Irvin's arrival from the Seattle Seahawks strengthens an already talented and youthful defense that is predicted to have a real breakthrough year.
Last Season: A case of what could have been. Oakland went out to a 4-3 start thanks to that promising young defense, as well as quarterback Derek Carr and rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper developing a great relationship. But the Raiders lost their next three on the bounce and inconsistencies down the stretch saw them fade to a 7-9 finish.
Prospects: Along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Raiders are the trendy outside bet for the 2016 season. Some think it might still be a year too early for this talented group… but if the team delivers on such bold talk as Carr saying he expects monster linebacker Khalil Mack to earn a staggering 30 sacks, they'll claim the division title with style. That may be pushing it, but Michael Strahan's record 22.5 mark is likely to be threatened.
Prediction: 1st (10-6)
Denver Broncos
Head Coach: Gary Kubiak
Key Man: Von Miller (Linebacker) - contract issues have been put to one-side and with doubts over the QB position, Broncos will rely on a huge defensive effort and Miller will lead the way.
Major Additions: Following Peyton Manning's retirement and Brock Osweiler jumping ship to the Houston Texans, Mark Sanchez was acquired in an underwhelming trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Paxton Lynch arrives fresh from the first round of the Draft.
Last Season: Super Bowl champions! Denver provided the send-off Peyton Manning's storied career (but not necessarily 2015 play) deserved, beating out the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco - Von Miller putting in an MVP display of 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Prospects: Despite the arrivals of Sanchez and Lynch, neither won the starting job, with the former axed from the 53-man roster and winding up with the Dallas Cowboys. 2015 seventh-round pick Trevor Siemian will start at QB, but continued uncertainty at the position could hurt this team, but not enough to cripple their championship defence. They managed fine despite some questionable quarterbacking last year, riding their exemplary defence all the way to the Super Bowl title. Should still make the play-offs.
Prediction: 2nd (9-7)
Kansas City Chiefs
Head Coach: Andy Reid
Key Man: Jamaal Charles (Running back) - if he can overcome the ACL worries that mean he may not start the season, his offensive power will give the Chiefs a chance in a competitive division.
Major Additions: Signed reserve running backs Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware to three-year and two-year contract extensions respectively as insurance for starting RB Jamaal Charles.
Last Season: The Chiefs enter the 2016 season with a 10-game regular season winning streak, the longest active streak in the NFL. That came after a disastrous 1-5 start, but once they got going, they registered road victories off each of their division rivals, including eventual Super Bowl champs, the Broncos. It was the New England Patriots that ultimately spoiled the party - as they so often do - in the AFC Divisional Round.
Prospects: In the increasingly competitive AFC West, the Chiefs lack of activity in the off-season could be costly. The team will still be more than competitive though, and could still sneak a play-off spot as a wildcard.
Prediction: 3rd (8-8)
San Diego Chargers
Head Coach: Mike McCoy
Key Man: Philip Rivers (Quarterback) - a contender for the best QB in the division, much will depend on the weapons at his disposal if there is to be a huge Chargers turnaround.
Major Additions: Ohio State defensive end, Joey Bosa, arrives as the third overall pick of the draft and with equally high expectations. Having finally signed his rookie contract, Bosa will be under pressure to deliver.
Last Season: The team had its worst season since 2003, with a 4-12 record, though that belies the stellar performance of quarterback, Philip Rivers, whose consistency in production seems to improve year on year - a career-high 4,792 yards passing in 2015 is testament to that.
Prospects: With Rivers carrying the team on his shoulders once again, Chargers fans will be hoping that 2015 first-round draft pick, running back Melvin Gordon, can deliver after a poor first year in the league. Even if he can, they won't improve enough to lift them off the bottom spot in the ultra-competitive AFC West.
Prediction: 4th (6-10)
