It’s pretty safe to assume that the AFC West will have more interest than in the past couple of seasons. Though Tim Tebow definitely brought some intrigue to the Broncos and the AFC West race, albeit an 8-8 Denver team won it in 2011. It was pretty exciting.
But that pales in comparison to the 2012 season, with Peyton Manning coming to Denver, as Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. in essence, no matter how compelling Tebow might have been for Denver that is nothing compared to what the organization believed that Manning could do.
Mainly, produced championships.
It’s evident in the fact that Manning and the Broncos have been set as the favorites to win the AFC West and contend for the Super Bowl.
What about the rest of the division?
The San Diego Chargers enter the season in an unfamiliar role not pegged as the favorite. But Philip Rivers and company have not won the AFC West since 2009. Still though, we expect the Chargers to be improved from a poor 2011
And when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs, the big question will be the status and health of Jamaal Charles. Charles suffered the season-ending ACL tear very early in 2011, and has been rehabbing for nearly a year. He was one of the top rushers in the NFL, but with the jury still out on his recovery, we simply don’t know what to expect. If Charles returns to his old ways, the chiefs can play with anyone in the division.
The Oakland Raiders are still trying to find an identity as well. the Raiders are expected to finish behind Denver and San Diego at the top. But we think this could actually be one of the closest division races for the second straight season.
But of course all eyes will be on Manning and the Broncos this NFL Season. The nation will get to see the Broncos in prime time each of the first two weeks on sunday Night and Monday night football. It will be clear how the season will look for Denver early, with games against Pittsburgh and Atlanta.