Friday 9 September 2016 00:05, UK
Every year in the NFL there are competitive match ups across the country in every division. But there are some that stand out above all others as the one to watch throughout the season.
NFL expert Shaun Gayle believes that this year the division to watch is the AFC West. With the Denver Broncos, the reigning Super Bowl champions, as well as Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers all fighting for a place in this year's play-offs, Gayle is confident that the division has a lot to offer.
"My attention is on the Broncos and the Raiders. Everyone knows about the Broncos' fantastic defense, but the Raiders are much improved.
"They've got a young quarterback and a new attitude, so I really believe those two teams are going to represent the AFC West in the play-offs."
Gayle was impressed by the Chiefs' run to the play-offs last season, where they won 10 consecutive games to overcome a 0-4 start, but thinks that the organisation still has work to do before they're Super Bowl ready.
"When you talk about becoming a championship franchise, there are a couple more hurdles that the Chiefs need to address.
"There's consistency in their play, clock management has been an issue, and they have to solve these things."
The health of Jamaal Charles is also in question, as the first choice running back is battling to make it back for week one of the regular season.
"Charles is a supreme talent but we don't know if he's even going to show up this first week. It's going to be interesting to watch but I don't think they're going to have that much to say in the AFC.
"You win championships with defence, and as much as the Raiders have improved, if Denver can keep their players healthy, they'll be difficult to beat."
The Broncos kick off the defence of their Super Bowl title in the season opener at home to the Carolina Panthers in the repeat of Super Bowl 50.
Watch the game live on Sky Sports 1 on September 9 from 1:30am.
