Ch-ch-ch-changes (sing that part)! The Chargers have decided to play in Los Angeles! Even more recently the traveling gypsies, better known as the Oakland Raiders, will be known as the Las Vegas Raiders soon.
Speaking of the Raiders, they were tied for the best record in the division (with Kansas City) in one of the more competitive divisions in football. Look for many experts to start saying things like – “Are the Oakland Raiders the team that will beat the Patriots?” This will happen if they get off to a fast start. Never mind that a team in their own division already did that – Denver, 2015.
This is a very strong division though with the Chargers clearly needing the most help. Let’s get into it!
Denver Broncos
Last season’s record: 9-7
Needs: OL, DT, TE
Defense is still the strength for Denver. It did drag Peyton Manning’s noodle arm to a victory two years ago. I still can’t believe it. QB is not their strength (two still very young players; Siemian and Lynch) and if they want to keep them healthy they will need to bolster their offensive line. Having Khalil Mack in your division is also motivation.
Gary Kubiak retiring and the loss of Wade Phillips means the Broncos have an uphill battle to reclaim the division. They will be picking in the middle so they should be able to get a good offensive lineman in the first round. Despite the shuffle, I expect the Broncos to be competitive. Von Miller can only do so much though.
Kansas City Chiefs
Last season’s record: 12-4
Needs: Defense, RB
The defending AFC West Champs! The Chiefs have Andy Reid as their coach which means that they have a good regular season, but never quite make it in the playoffs. Maybe this is their year? More importantly they need to acquire a CB or a pass rusher through free agency or the draft. I put RB as a need as well because Jamaal Charles has had several major injuries now and running backs seem to age more like milk and not wine.
That being said they can hold off on a RB until the middle rounds, as is typical these days, which leaves them time to draft a defensive end, OLB, or CB. Despite having a strong defense they really only have one star CB in Marcus Peters and unfortunately for them there are two sides of a defense. More unfortunately Justin Houston was injured so a good back up or replacement may need to be drafted for rushing the passer.
Los Angeles Chargers
Last season’s record: 5-11
Needs: OL (please OL), Defense
Facts are facts. The Chargers were a mess last year. Fact: Philip Rivers is 35. Keeping him healthy is key since he has at most three to five years left. We don’t know at what level he will be playing at, but he will be there for a bit.
They struggled on pass defense and though some teams in their division *cough*Alex Smith *cough* don’t really throw the ball down the field; they also have to play the high-flying Oakland Raiders with Amari Cooper. You can never have too good of a secondary in this league. Some help for Joey Bosa on the defensive line would also help.
Oakland (Las Vegas?) Raiders
Last season’s record: 12-4
Needs: OL (please OL), Defense
Derek Carr has been a god-send for them and is crucial to their success, as we saw they just fell apart once he got injured. Jack Del Rio, despite being a defensive-minded head coach, oversaw a team that was much stronger on offense. This was partly due to inherited players and I am sure that is something he and the GM will be looking to fix.
They rank poorly in both the run and pass defense (23rd & 24th, respectively). Their concentration will be in the interior of the defensive line and at cornerback. A big man at defensive tackle to help with run defense and pressure would compliment them well. Really though, they just need their defense to be just good enough as it will be paired with the 6th ranked offense.
This division is really up for grabs! I look forward to these match ups and it certainly seems that it has become a defensive arms race. Here we go!
