2006 AFC West Preview

This division has one sure winner—Denver. The Broncos return a potent team that has a well balance attack and a fine defense. Mike Shanahan is a superior coach and despite longtime offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak’s departure to coach the Texans, the offense should purr along.

The Raiders are perhaps the most perplexing team in the West. Oakland, still controlled by Al Davis, has rehired former Oakland player and coach Art Shell. Shell has not coached in 12 years. Can he take a club that’s won 13 games in the past three seasons and mold them into a winner? With one of the worst offensive lines in the league and a veteran quarterback who has never performed well, the odds are against Shell.

Marty Schottenheimer’s Chargers have a tough road ahead, breaking in a relatively new quarterback in Philip Rivers. It will be especially tough since Rivers is attempting to fill the huge gap left by the departure of Drew Brees. Still, the Chargers have a lot of talent on offense and overall a very fine defense.

Kansas City possesses an offense that is accomplished in every aspect of the game, but they still lack an adequate defense. Coach Herm Edwards is at the helm after failing to lead the Jets to a title. Edwards’ ability to create the correct combination of coaches, especially on defense, will be as important as retooling the secondary, linebacking unit and defensive line.

2006 AFC West Predictions

The Chiefs look focused on second place and perhaps a Wild Card appearance, but that depends partly on how the Chargers’ new quarterback performs and if Oakland becomes competitive again. Denver is solid and should once again win the AFC West Division in the 06 season.

Predicted order of finish, click on the team name for a more in-depth look at the professional football club.

1) Denver Broncos
2) Kansas City Chiefs
3) San Diego Chargers
4) Oakland Raiders

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