There has been a lot of talk on who will be wearing the “AFC West Champions” t-shirts.

I’ve heard that the Chargers have the best chance because they are the deepest.

I’ve heard that the Raiders will win the AFC West because they have a lot of young talent with incredible potential.

I’ve heard the Chiefs will win because they, well, because there are Chiefs homers everywhere.

I’ve heard that the Denver Broncos are going to win because they have a talented offense, as well as a lot of draft picks.

I wish that there was a clear-cut favorite in one of the worst divisions in the NFL.

Unfortunately, there is not.

The San Diego Chargers won the AFC West last year with an 8-8 record, same as the Denver Broncos, who had a three-game lead with only three games to play.

San Diego defeated the Colts in the opening round, and then was crushed by the Steelers in the divisional round.

Since then, a lot has happened.

Jay Cutler was traded to the Chicago Bears for quarterback Kyle Orton and multiple draft picks.

LaDainian Tomlinson was on the brink of being released if he didn’t renegotiate his contract.

The Chiefs acquired Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel from the Patriots for only a second-round pick.

Oakland released Gibril Wilson and virtually signed nobody that will make a major difference on their team.

I’m going to give my top reasons why each team will win, and also why they won’t win.

Kansas City Chiefs

Why They WILL win:

The Kansas City Chiefs will win the AFC West because of their weapons on offense. Matt Cassel has finally become a good quarterback in the NFL. Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez are great targets for Cassel, as well as Bobby Engram.

Larry Johnson is also still a Kansas City Chief. He could be on his way out if he doesn’t learn how to become a “team first” kind of player.

The Chiefs also improved on defense. They traded for Mike Vrabel, and signed Zach Thomas to play at linebacker.

They also have a very good, young secondary. Brandon Flowers had an impressive rookie campaign. The other Brandon, Brandon Carr, had 73 tackles, along with two interceptions. Bernard Pollard has become one of the best safeties in the entire league.

Why They WON’T Win

The Chiefs offensive line is average at best. They signed Mike Goff to potentially start at guard. Kansas City likely won’t spend a first-round pick on an offensive lineman.

They lack chemistry on the offensive side of the ball. Two of their top players, Tony Gonzalez and Larry Johnson, want to be traded as soon as possible. Matt Cassel might have a tough time in his first season in Kansas City.

Kansas City’s defensive line needs a true pass rusher. Glenn Dorsey and Tamba Hali are good, but the other two positions need serious help.

Predicted 2009 record: 5-11

Oakland Raiders

Why They WILL Win

Oakland’s offense is full of young talent. Jamarcus Russel went 3-3 in his last six games during the 2008 season.

The Raiders running game should also get better with Darren McFadden getting more carries than he did in ’08. Justin Fargas is also a good change-of-pace back.

Oakland has a young secondary with a surprise player named Chris Johnson. I’ve heard from many Raiders fans that they are very intrigued by how well he’s played.

Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are good linebackers whose best years are ahead of them.

Why They WON’T Win

Jamarcus Russel is a very inconsistent quarterback. They signed Jeff Garcia because they don’t have faith in Russel as a star QB.

Oakland has no real star at wide receiver. Yes, they have potential in Johnnie Lee Higgens and Chaz Schilens, but they can’t be trusted as real threats to a defense.

Their offensive line has needs at both tackle spots. Kwame Harris failed miserably, and he was cut due to his crappy-blocking ability.

The Raiders front office is also a cause for concern. Tom Cable hasn’t proven whether he is a good coach or not. Also, the walking dead-man, Al Davis, makes all the wrong draft decisions. Don’t be surprised if Oakland messes up and drafts a linebacker in the first round.

Predicted 2009 record: 6-10

San Diego Chargers

Why They WILL Win

The Chargers have one of the better quarterbacks in the league, his name is Philip Rivers. He made the Pro Bowl last season, his first ever.

San Diego has several good targets that Rivers can throw to. Antonio Gates, when healthy, is one of the best tight end’s in the league.

Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson are good targets. Vincent Jackson needs to stay out of legal trouble if he wants to remain on the team, though.

San Diego’s defense is normally good. They suffered last year when Shawne Merriman went out for the season. When he is on the field, the Chargers have a defense to be reckoned with.

Why They WON’T Win

LaDainian Tomlinson is in his 30s now. Most running backs hit their decline at this age. He should still be a force for defenses, though.

San Diego’s offensive line is inconsistent. They often let up easy sacks that most lines wouldn’t give up. Mike Goff is also no longer on the team.

The Chargers secondary is one of the worst in the league. Antonio Cromartie had a very disappointing season compared to 2007. Clinton Hart was also off his game all year long.

Can Norv Turner actually lead this team? He’s been known as a coach that fails when the game is in the clutch. If the Chargers don’t succeed this year, he will be fired.

Predicted 2009 record: 9-7

Denver Broncos

Why They Will Win

Josh McDaniels is a great offensive-minded coach. He obviously has faith in Kyle Orton to start, because he traded Jay Cutler.

The Broncos have six running backs on the roster. None of them have great starting potential, but they have good potential to be superstars in the future.

Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal are one of the best wide receiver duo’s in the entire league. Both receivers had great seasons last year. I expect Royal to be a 100-catch receiver next year.

They have 10 picks in this year’s draft, including two first round picks at No’s. 12 and 18. Denver has the chance to fix the defense with these early picks.

Why They WON’T Win

Kyle Orton and Chris Simms have had limited starting opportunities. Neither one are near as good as former Bronco Jay Cutler.

Who will start at running back? Denver needs to find that one true starter. Will it be Correll Buckhalter? How about second-year player Ryan Torain? Or will it be a rookie like Knowshon Moreno?

Will the defense actually improve? The Broncos signed Andre’ Goodman, Renaldo Hill, and Brian Dawkins for the secondary.

Denver also signed Andra Davis to start at middle linebacker. The Broncos will have mostly new starters on their defense. How will the chemistry be between them all?

Predicted 2009 record: 9-7

I see Denver winning the division, despite tying with the Chargers. They will be a much  improved team compared to last year.

The defense will be able to stop the opposing running backs from running all over them. The secondary is also going to be able to control the passing game. Champ Bailey hardly ever lets up a catch to the receiver he is covering.

Do you agree or disagree? Feel free to let me know! Thanks!

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