Who wins the AFC West this year?

[Black Adam]

I like LAC and DEN too. It’s tough

Every team in this division is capable of a winning season...

Gonna be crazy...

 

[shopson67]

Every team in this division is capable of a winning season...

Gonna be crazy...

That probably hurts the Chiefs most, since they should have the toughest non-division schedule of the 4.

 

[Black Adam]

That probably hurts the Chiefs most, since they should have the toughest non-division schedule of the 4.

Meh, I get that, but teams are better or worse every year. We'll see how it plays out...

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Every team in this division is capable of a winning season...

Gonna be crazy...

Sure is and it's going to be fascinating to see it unfold. Injuries ( unfortunately ) will likely be the deciding factor.

 

[Black Adam]

Sure is and it's going to be fascinating to see it unfold. Injuries ( unfortunately ) will likely be the deciding factor.

Agreed. Injuries always suck...

 

[shopson67]

Meh, I get that, but teams are better or worse every year. We'll see how it plays out...

Yep, that's why I added probably. So much movement this year puts that even more in question.

 

[Chief Cola]

I can't just play "follow the QB" since Herbert has yet to even qualify for the playoffs.

If posting incredible passing numbers isn't enough, what are the other factors?

Coaching?

Roster management?

Team chemistry?

I voted for the Chiefs as a fan and I'm voting for them objectively.

 

[DJ]

I don't really get the Derek Carr negativity. I can se McDaniel being a bit of an unknown but I think Carr is every bit as good as the current Russell Wilson and the Raiders being a legit threat if the bounces go right. The Chiefs will be the favorite right up to the minute that they aren't but any one of the 4 teams could come out of this div on top.

The Denver OL will have RW wanting to be traded by year 2.....LOL.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

The Denver OL will have RW wanting to be traded by year 2.....LOL.

Really the big question for the Broncos will be do they resign a 35 old RW after making the playoffs and quickly being dispatched? We are talking huge money, this year the $ amount is 50 million next year maybe 55 or 60?

 

[DJ]

Really the big question for the Broncos will be do they resign a 35 old RW after making the playoffs and quickly being dispatched? We are talking huge money, this year the $ amount is 50 million next year maybe 55 or 60?

He's a FA soon?

 

[Fountain City Blues]

 

[Fountain City Blues]

Really the big question for the Broncos will be do they resign a 35 old RW after making the playoffs and quickly being dispatched? We are talking huge money, this year the $ amount is 50 million next year maybe 55 or 60?

Yes. More likely they go through a stretch like the last 6 seasons than not in a division with Mahomes and Herbert if they don't.

 

[pittpnthrs]

The Denver OL will have RW wanting to be traded by year 2.....LOL.

He's used to playing with garbage OL's though.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

I think Carr is pretty clearly the 4th best qb in the division.

I would say marginally. Him and Wilson obviously a tier below Mahomes and Herbert talent wise but Carr and Wilson pretty much equal.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Sure is and it's going to be fascinating to see it unfold. Injuries ( unfortunately ) will likely be the deciding factor.

Yep, injuries will be huge but also coaching. Staley can't make those same mistakes he made last year. McDaniel and Hackett need to be smart too. HC is a much different animal than coordinator.

 

[cincygrad]

I think we're all being programmed to believe in the Chargers.... But they'll need a good return on their FA investments and their coach still has to prove himself. Tough to do in a division with Andy Reid - Guy has won 12 division titles in his career. Oh, and they still have Mahomes.

 

[fishinabarrel]

As am I. I just keep reading and hearing that Carr isn't good enough but I don't buy it. And they also made the playoffs after a shitload of in house turmoil that might have sunk many teams. He beat the Chargers when he needed to the last week of the season and kept that team going. As I said, he's as good as Wilson. Other things might hurt the Raiders chances but it won't be Carr.

Fun facts- this will be Carr's sixth coach since 2014.

The highest ranked team defense they have had since 2014 has been 20, which happened twice. Also finished dead last twice.

He had Amari Cooper as his number 1 receiver for 3 full seasons and made the pro bowl in each of them. The rest of his time his top receiver has been Nelson Agholor, Zay Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Andre Holmes.

But yeah, it's Derek Carrs fault. I will agree that their are no excuses this year. His offense is loaded. The factor that will determine them as a legitimate threat will still be the defense.

 

[DJ]

But yeah, it's Derek Carrs fault. I will agree that their are no excuses this year. His offense is loaded. The factor that will determine them as a legitimate threat will still be the defense.

The coaching too.

And possibly injuries, but that goes for all the teams in the West.

In 2016 when they had the #7 defense? 12-4.

 

[DJ]

He's used to playing with garbage OL's though.

But, the OL is what caused him to want out of Seattle....

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Fun facts- this will be Carr's sixth coach since 2014.

The highest ranked team defense they have had since 2014 has been 20, which happened twice. Also finished dead last twice.

He had Amari Cooper as his number 1 receiver for 3 full seasons and made the pro bowl in each of them. The rest of his time his top receiver has been Nelson Agholor, Zay Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Andre Holmes.

But yeah, it's Derek Carrs fault. I will agree that their are no excuses this year. His offense is loaded. The factor that will determine them as a legitimate threat will still be the defense.

Yeah, my thinking too. The defense is the big thing. I think they might be good enough but hard to say. I also think we need to see what McDaniel brings. Good offensive mind but tbd on the HC part. Did he learn from past mistakes or not?