NFL Western Division Outlook

This week I will be breaking down all eight divisions, and what I see in store for all 32 NFL teams in the 2011 campaign. To start off the week I will be looking at the AFC and NFC West divisions. The west coast doesn't get much love from the national media so I thought I'd show some love by starting off the week with them. These two divisions have been the two weakest in the NFL for the past three seasons. One of the reasons this is the case is because the quarterback play has been weak. This year shouldn't be much different if you ask me. Why don't we dive right in starting with the AFC West.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: 3-13

I'm not high on the Broncos at all this season. They've had a controversial offseason with all the Tim Tebow drama, but now it looks like they've settled with Kyle Orton as their starting quarterback. Is Orton a serviceable quarterback? Yes. Is Orton a winning quarterback? No. He'll put up decent numbers but when it comes time to make winning plays he simply cannot do it. I'm also not a fan of their defense. Last season they gave up way too many points to give themselves a chance to win. I do like that head coach John Fox will try and establish a running game, but that won't be enough to prevent the Broncos from picking in the top 5 in April once again.

San Diego Chargers: 11-5

I like the Chargers to bounce back this season and return to the playoffs. Last season was a humbling process for them. The key for them is start fast. Every year they stumble out of the gates and try to make up for it in November and December. I'm expecting Philip Rivers to elevate his game into the elite class of quarterbacks this season. Their defense quietly made some good moves this offseason like picking up safety Bob Sanders in free agency. In my opinion this is a do or die season for head coach Norv Turner. If he can't lead the Chargers deep into the playoffs he may be canned at the end of the year. With that said, they're my favorite to win the division.

Kansas City Chiefs: 9-7

The division champs from last season will be a good football team this year. Many people think what they did was a fluke, but I'm a believer in what they're selling because they have great coaching. Although they will feel the loss of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, I think head coach Todd Haley can still develop the passing game with quarterback Matt Cassel. The key to this Chiefs team is running the football and playing good defense. Running back Jamaal Charles is the primary playmaker on offense while outside linebacker Tamba Hali is the playmaker on defense. Overall, this is a well-coached ball club that will win the games they should.

Oakland Raiders: 5-11

Last season I predicted that the Raiders were going to be in the playoff race deep into the season and they ended up there. This season I'm not too high on them at all. With a tougher schedule and not much improvement I feel that they'll take a few steps back. This offseason they lost star corner back Nnamdi Asomugha to free agency. Now they'll have to rely on younger corners in that man-to-man scheme they play. One thing I do like about the Raiders is that they can run the rock on virtually any team. Rookie head coach Hue Jackson is trying to instill some confidence in this team, but I think he's up against too much this season. The best the Raiders can hope for is to develop their young talent.


Now onto the NFC West

San Francisco 49ers: 5-11

The 49ers organization is looking at the next few years with an optimistic view because they now have a young head coach in Jim Harbaugh. Ultimately I think Harbaugh will bring hope back to the Bay Area, but I don't see it happening this season. Don't get me wrong, this is a talented football team, but the major problem is at the quarterback position. Right now there is a camp battle between Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick. Both of them have looked terrible this preseason. The defense is led by All-Pro middle linebacker Patrick Willis who will have another stellar season. I liked the acquisition of wide receiver Braylon Edwards because he may be able to help out the passing game. In my opinion this doesn't look like a great year for the Niners.

Arizona Cardinals: 4-12

This offseason head coach Ken Whisenhunt and the front office went all in to get former Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb. I believe they did it because they were feeling pressure to please wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. It's a very risky move because Kolb is an inexperienced quarterback who is now expected to be the savior of a hurting franchise. The Cardinals drafted corner back Patrick Peterson to sure up their secondary. I think he'll do better in this league as a free safety, but that's a topic for another day. Their defense should be average at best, but with a tough schedule ahead I don't see too many bright says for the Cardinals this season. At the end of the year I feel like they'll regret trading for Kolb.

St. Louis Rams: 7-9

If were to pick an early favorite to win this division right now I'd have to go with the St. Louis Rams. They have the best quarterback in the division and they have the best offense as well. I absolutely love that they hired Josh McDaniels to be their offensive coordinator. He's an elite play caller and will have quarterback Sam Bradford looking sharp throughout the season. That quick strike passing attack will open things up for running back Steven Jackson. I also think the defense will begin to get comfortable with head coach Steve Spagnuolo's high-pressure defense. In this weak division there's no reason the Rams shouldn't come out on top.

Seattle Seahawks: 4-12

When the Seahawks went to the playoffs last season I knew it would work against them the next season. They ended up not being able to draft one of the quarterbacks in this class. Aside from that I actually liked what the Seahawks did in the offseason. They picked up some quality players in free agency who will be able to contribute. The reason why I don't think this team will go anywhere near the playoffs is because they have no quarterback. Tarvaris Jackson is the starter right now according to head coach Pete Carroll. I'm predicting he will be benched after five starts and then we'll get to see Charlie Whitehurst. That smells like trouble to me especially when eight of the Seahawks games are against the NFC East and the AFC North. At the end of the year I think Seattle fans will be crying in their beers...I mean coffee.

Check out the blog tomorrow for the Southern division outlook...