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NFL Betting Breakdown – Four Burning Questions about the AFC West by Eric Williams
No AFC West team has won five consecutive division titles since the Oakland Raiders accomplished the feat from 1972-1976, but the San Diego Chargers will be going all out in 2010 as they try to tie Oakland's division record – and keep from falling short in the playoffs for what seems like the umpteenth time since the new millennium started.
The Denver Broncos will likely represent the Chargers' biggest obstacle in accomplishing the rare 'five-peat' but San Diego, like every other team in the AFC West, must answer some tough questions before they can call themselves division winners for the upcoming 2010 regular season.
This look at each AFC West team and the main question or two surrounding each ballclub, will give devoted NFL gamblers the insight they will need in order to make wise, winning wagers on each franchise all season long.
With training camps set to begin in approximately two weeks and NFL betting enthusiasts getting set for another thrilling season, let me get started.
San Diego – Can the Chargers finally fulfill their potential and get over the proverbial playoff hump while improving their rushing attack and run defense?
The Chargers have been one of the most talented teams in all of football for the better part of the last five seasons, but haven't been able to win the big one or even reach the big dance despite having the best talent in the AFC on more than one occasion. Now, San Diego heads into the 2010 regular season looking to improve a rushing attack that ranked a poor 31st in rushing and a run defense that allowed an average of 117.8 yards per contest a year ago (20th).
The Chargers drafted running back Ryan Matthews with the No. 12 pick in the draft, so their rushing attack will likely be better than it was last season, but I'm not too sure the Bolts have addressed their run defense issues properly and don't have nearly as much confidence in San Diego's front seven that I had just two seasons ago.
Denver – Can Denver survive the loss of Brandon Marshall, score more points and stop the run better?
Denver drafted wideout Demaryius Thomas with its first overall pick and signed veteran running backs J.J. Arrington and Kolby Smith to shore up a rushing attack that ranked 18th overall a year ago, so I suspect the team will be able to overcome the loss of the divisive Marshall and score the ball better than they did last.
The Broncos singed four veteran defensive players that will likely start in cornerback Nate Jones, defensive end Jarvis Green and defensive tackles Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams, helping me to believe the Broncos to improve their run defense while playing at the same high level against that they did against the pass last season (3rd).
Oakland – Can Oakland improve its anemic offense – and stop the run better in 2010?
The Raiders ranked in the bottom third in every meaningful offensive category last season but will almost assuredly be better in 2010 simply because they will have a competent quarterback after releasing huge draft bust JaMarcus Russell in favor of veteran signal caller Jason Campbell. Defensively, Oakland ranked a phenomenal seventh against the pass. Unfortunately for the NFL fans and NFL gambling backers, the Raiders also ranked 29th against the run and 23rd in points allowed.
The Raiders acquired veteran defensive tackles Chris Cooper and John Henderson and added cornerback Joey Thomas and linebacker Kamerion Wimbley in free agency.
Oakland will have veteran defensive end Richard Seymour in the fold for an entire season but I think the team's other three defensive line positions are question marks at this point.
If the Raiders can run the ball better – and stop the run – with some sort of efficiency, they could actually approach 8-8 SU.
Kansas City – Can The Chiefs throw the ball better and improve across the board defensively?
The Chiefs ranked 25th in total offense and passing last season in their first year under former Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley but I suspect they will take a slight step forward offensively this coming season although I don't think they did nearly enough on this side of the ball.
The Chiefs were mostly inept defensively last season, ranking 29th in points allowed, 31st against the run and 22nd against the pass. The good news is that Kansas City added defensive tackle Shaun Smith in free agency and got a real gem in safety Eric Berry with the No. 5 overall pick in the draft before grabbing cornerback Javier Arenas in the second round.
Curtesy of BetUS.com |
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