ODDS TO WIN THE AFC WEST

San Diego ran away with the division in 2007 with an 11-5 record. Denver was the runner-up at 7-9 after a very uneven season. Kansas City was 4-3 before dropping their last nine while Oakland actually improved their win total by 50% to also finish 4-12.

The Chargers have won three of the last four division titles and won easily last year despite a 1-3 start. They didn't add much in the offseason but really didn't need to. Antonio Gates and Nick Hardwick may miss time due to offseason surgeries but this team is really stacked at several positions. Philip Rivers has bounced back from his knee surgery and won his teammates' respect by playing in the playoffs with a torn ligament in his knee.

The Broncos had a tumultuous offseason; cutting starting RB Travis Henry and watching burgeoning star WR Brandon Marshall miss the offseason workouts after putting his arm through a TV. He is also suspended for the first few games by the NFL. They added several veterans in the offseason but many of them are on the downside of their career. They are hoping Jay Cutler really takes off this season but are also relying on a PK and punter with virtually no NFL experience.

The Raiders added Darren McFadden in the draft and hope to run the ball well enough so that JaMarcus Russell can ease in as the starting QB. There are big questions at wideout but the O-line should be better. The defense has to show they can stop the run after being run over last year. They face only one 2007 playoff team in their first 12 games so there could be rapid improvement in their win total.

The Chiefs had a vaunted draft and really needed it. They traded their best player (Jared Allen) and are relying on several rookies to make an impact. Questions at QB, WR and the O-line will keep the offense from sustaining drives. The defense looks improved but who will replace Allen's pass-rushing prowess?

This division is really a one-horse race with no team looking capable of challenging San Diego. The other three clubs all have major questions and barring ridiculous injuries, the Chargers should win the division by at least three games.

Our Pick - Pass

AFC West Betting Lines

San Diego Chargers 4-11
Denver Broncos 4-1
Kansas City Chiefs 8-1
Oakland Raiders 8-1

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