Division Winners: American Football Conference

AFC West

Many people are picking Denver to take the West but in my opinion, any of the division’s four teams can make a run for the top.

Denver Broncos (+100)

As the Broncos’ starter, Jake Plummer has led Denver to the playoffs in each of his years in the Mile High City. Even though, the Broncos still drafted Jay Cutler with an eye to the future, but that shouldn’t hamper Plummer’s performance as he has said he will have no problems tutoring the first rounder even though he may take his spot earlier than later.

That aside, the Denver Broncos look pretty solid across the board and are a safe AFC West futures bet.

San Diego Chargers (+250)

Much was made of the departure of QB Drew Brees, but let’s be honest, he had offseason shoulder surgery on his throwing arm and that, in all likelihood, would have hampered him this year. Philip Rivers has looked very impressive in exhibition action, completing close to 70 percent of his passes. Rivers may have limited playing experience but has been learning offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s system for the past three years and with Antonio Gates, L.T. (LaDainian Tomlinson) and sophomore Vincent Jackson in the mix, Rivers might not be a deer in the headlights.

Kansas City Chiefs (+200)

The 2006 season will see the winds of change blowing through Arrowhead Stadium. Gone is offensive minded and tear jerking coach Dick Vermeil, in is no-nonsense defensive loving Herm Edwards—acquired from the NY Jets for a draft pick.

Offensively the Chiefs remain largely unchanged with most of the big guns returning, including offensive coordinator Mike Solari. As if having Larry Johnson and Priest Holmes wasn’t enough, KC also added scatback Quentin Griffin to the roster, who will probably thrive as a change of pace back. The loss of FB Tony Richardson will hurt, but the Chiefs have a strong o-line so good rushing numbers from L.J. et al. are still possible. Many experts are fearful of the Chiefs’ backup QB situation, but former CFL standout Casey Printers is more talented than most think and could come through if given the chance.

The defense remains unchanged as well, much to the chagrin of Edwards, but the offense still has a lot of weapons in the arsenal, allowing KC to run and gun with the best in the AFC West.

Oakland Raiders (+1200)

Picking Oakland to win the West may seem like a risky proposition indeed, but with risk can sometimes come reward.

The Raiders’ ability to win their division will hinge largely on the ability of new QB Aaron Brooks and Randy Moss’ ability to gel.

If the Brooks and Moss dynamic develops, it will open up a number of options on offense. Defenses will more than likely focus their secondary on Moss, leaving Jerry Porter ripe for Brooks’ picking. Consistency in the passing game will then open things up for RB Lamont Jordan.

The defense is a work in progress, but the Raiders have a decent defensive line and a consistent pass rush could open things up for the rest of the ‘D.’ The return to form of Warren Sapp will be key in this area, as Sapp is a big body capable of stuffing the run and pressuring the QB.

AFC East North South West

NFC East North South West

NFL prop bets