Denver Broncos
The Broncos will intimidate opposing defenses this year with 1,000-yard running backs Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson, and Olandis Gary, last year's most efficient NFL quarterback Brian Griese , and Pro-Bowl wide receivers Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey. The Broncos will also score their points, as they were the second highest scoring team in the NFL behind the St. Louis Rams last year. But the question is whether new defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes can solidify the defense. Under the old system, Denver's defense was a blitzing, gambling unit that specialized in both creating turnovers and giving up huge plays. Rhodes brings with him a cautious attitude that should allow the defense to keep the team in games while the offense does the rest. Other than the defense, the team's Super Bowl chances could hinge on a few limbs, the legs of Terrell Davis, who hasn't run in perfect health in two years, and the shoulder of Brian Griese, which underwent off-season surgery. If coach Mike Shanahan's team can hold opponents on defense, and hold themselves together physically, the division should be theirs.
Oakland Raiders
Winning the AFC West and making it to the AFC championship game last year proves the Raiders have talent. Adding a pair of San Francisco 49ers could be enough to send the Raiders to their first Super Bowl since 1980. Running back Charlie Garner, who will take the spot of the retired Napolean Kaufman, and wide receiver Jerry Rice will compliment quarterback Rich Gannon's offense nicely. The pair will join incumbent Raider stars Tyrone Wheatley and Tim Brown to make an explosive offense. Coach Jon Gruden's team is solid on defense as well, led by cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Eric Allen, and middle linebacker Greg Biekert. Oakland should be strong in the kicking game, as Sebastian Janikowski boasts one of the strongest legs in the league. The Silver and Black will be competing all year with the Broncos for first in the West, which means when the two meet in the final week of the season, the stakes should be high. That could bode poorly for the Raiders, who lost twice last year to the Broncos.Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs' coach Dick Vermeil has won everywhere he has been, but this project could take a while. Vermeil built the St. Louis Rams into the most prolific team in NFL history two years ago, but will not have the same weapons at his disposal in KC. The coach will install his version of the West Coast offense, and rely on quarterback Trent Green, who also came from St. Louis. Green will have a trio of reliable targets to throw to in receivers Sylvester Morris and Derrick Alexander and tight end Tony Gonzalez. However, running back - Vermeil's strength in St. Louis - is a problem for the Chiefs, as they will be forced to rely on the unproven Priest Holmes. The defense is average, but has the advantage of playing in Arrowhead Stadium, one of the loudest and coldest, and thus most difficult to score in. The Chiefs will be in a rebuilding period this season, but could break even.Seattle Seahawks
In the past, Seahawks' coach Mike Holmgren has developed quarterbacks Brett Favre and Mark Brunell, and now he has a new project. The coach/general manager of the Seahawks brought in former Boston College quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to lead his team, and so far the reviews are mixed. Though Hasselbeck is talented and already knows Holmgren's complicated offensive system from their days in Green Bay, he has only thrown 29 passes in his pro career. Hasselbeck won't have to do it alone, though, as his supporting cast includes veteran Ricky Watters and two young receivers, rookie Koren Robinson and second year man Darrell Jackson. Outside of cornerback Shawn Springs, one of the best in the league, the defense is full of players who were stars a few years ago, like John Randle, Levon Kirkland, and Chad Brown. None are at the end of their careers, but their best years are all in the rearview mirror, which could be problematic for Seattle, which will have to face Denver and Oakland twice each.San Diego Chargers
For the first time since the Chargers went to the Super Bowl in 1995, the team's fans have something to be excited about. Quarterback Doug Flutie is finally a team's number one quarterback, and will keep the spot warm for a few years until second round draft pick Drew Brees takes over. San Diego first year coach Mike Riley is even more excited about his first round pick, running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who will start right away. Tomlinson better pan out, as he is only the second first round pick the Chargers have had since 1996. The other was Ryan Leaf, now a backup quarterback with the Buccaneers. Flutie will also have veteran receivers Curtis Conway and Jeff Graham, though his favorite target could become fifth-year tight end Freddie Jones. Junior Seau will lead the defense for the 13th season, and this year's unit is underrated, as Marcellus Wiley anchors a strong line. The Chargers might not finish last in the division, but they are still a ways from their '95 Super Bowl form.
