We're going straight to the wild, wild west for the final divisional preview here at VAVEL USA. Once again we are doing this in a roundtable format so you can see different opinions from different writers here that are a part of our team. Hopefully you enjoy seeing thoughts about the big teams as the west could very well be wild again during the 2015 NFL Season.
1. The Oakland Raiders gave up the most points in the regular season last year with 452 points. Can Jack Del Rio turn this defense into something more manageable and how many wins will Oakland have in 2015?
Thomas Buckley--I think Jack Del Rio has his work cut out for him, due to the fact that the AFC West is loaded with offense, but the Oakland Raiders did add some good pieces in the offseason. They sured up their linebacking cores by bringing in Curtis Lofton from the New Orleans Saints, but they also added safety Nate Allen from the Philadelphia Eagles, and Dan Williams from the Arizona Cardinals. Unfortunately, their young cornerbacks could be their Achilles heel in 2015. T.J. Carrie and D.J. Hayden certainly have the talent to play in the NFL, but they had a rough go of it last season. In what is now a passing league, Carrie and Hayden will be asked to cover some good talent, especially in their own division. The Raiders have to deal with the likes of Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Jeremy Maclin, Malcolm Floyd, and Keenan Allen, so the two young cornerbacks will certainly have their hands full.
Richard Sena--While Jack Del Rio’s defensive mind and head coaching experience will provide for a renewed emphasis on defense, the Raiders will lean heavily on second and third year players in 2015. Khalil Mack, T.J. Carrie, Justin Ellis, Sio Moore, D.J. Hayden, and others all played significant roles on the defense in 2014, and a years worth of experience will be an invaluable piece to the unit’s success this season. Apart from the growth of the younger players, the team added notable free agents in Dan Williams, Malcolm Smith, Nate Allen, and Curtis Lofton, who all should play key depth and starting roles throughout the year. If both the defense and offense can make the expected leaps in production and execution, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to see the Raiders reach six wins this season.
Norman Tall--I think The Raiders defense will not be as bad this year. This is because Del Rio has been a more defensive minded coach in his career. Also, the Raiders D was so bad last year I really don't think it can get much worse this year. After finishing with a lowly 3-13 record last year, they finished "strong" going 3-3 in the teams last 6 games in 2014. With some possibly easier games against teams like the Cleveland Browns, the Tennessee Titans, and the New York Jets, I think the Raiders finish 5-11 this year.
Colin Williams--No. The Raiders did not do much to change defense. While they added Mario Edwards Jr in the draft many experts had mixed emotions about this pick. The second round pick is versatile player capable of lining up inside or outside in a three- or four-man front. He could emerge as the base defensive end in the Raiders' scheme, enabling Khalil Mack to get after the quarterback from the back side. If Edwards can control his weight and plays with a consistent motor, he could be the linchpin that allows the Raiders' defense to attack at the line of scrimmage. With all that being said their is still not enough talent from the other positions. I believe the Raiders will go 3-13 with their only wins at Cleveland and home against The New York Jets and the San Diego Chargers. The Browns lack of a quality quarterback causes them to lose to the Raiders. They same thing is said for against the Jets, their lack of quality QBs while this also being in the Black Hole cause the Jets to lose this one. I have a feeling the Raiders jump one team and beat them was as clear underdogs. The San Diego Chargers are that team. It's the final home game of the season for the Raiders, the Chargers are already eliminated from the playoffs which leads to a demoralized team, I just have a feeling they drop a stinker and give the Raiders their final win of the season.
Caleb Wahlgren--The Raiders are going to be a lot of work, not only for Jack Del Rio, but for anyone who would have taken the reigns from Tony Sparano. I think the defense is going to make major strides, because I think that is where the team has the most talent, with players like Justin Tuck, Khalil Mack, Dan Williams, and Sio Moore. Amari Cooper has come to be a great receiver for the offense, and is certainly younger and better than James Jones, but that's not enough improvement on offense. Even if running back Roy Helu went to this writer's favorite collegiate team, it's not enough to make a major sway in how the Oakland Raiders will perform during the 2015 season. I see a slight improvement, but still have the Raiders picking early in the 2016 NFL Draft, as I can only go as high as 4 wins for the Silver and Black.
2. Who is the MVP in the AFC West?
Thomas Buckley--Woof, picking an MVP in this division is going to be very tough because there is so much talent on the offensive side of the ball. Peyton Manning would be the easy pick, but I’m going with Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs. Charles has always been a victim of not having the support around him. Dwayne Bowe was good a few years ago, but he has been a threat to open up the field for some time. And not having a receiver that can do that, puts eight defenders in the box, making it even tougher for Charles to do his job well. But, the Chiefs were able to add Jeremy Maclin, who will be a legitimate threat out the outside, and he can certainly stretch the field.
Richard Sena--Because the AFC West appears to be one of the more closely packed divisions in the NFL, the most valuable player will likely go to the guy who can lead their team to the division title. As the Denver Broncos transition to a more run-focused scheme under Gary Kubiak, it wouldn’t be surprising to see C.J. Anderson, and not Peyton Manning, being the man who leads the Broncos over the threshold this season. Anderson proved his work in every phase of the offensive structure a season ago, and there isn’t any indication he can’t handle the same type of workload in 2015. Even with Montee Ball’s overtures that Denver will be a 1A/1B scenario, Anderson doesn’t give coaches a whole lot of reason to ever take him off the field.
Norman Tall--I think the AFC West MVP is Kansas City sack master, Justin Houston. After being underrated for the majority of his young career, Houston was finally paid the money he deserved this off season. Houston nearly broke the NFL's single season sack record last year and I think this year he will be just as dominant. Now going into the season at just 26-years old, Houston will likely be a force for years to come.
Colin Williams--I'm going to go with someone who may be a little under the radar in C.J. Anderson. Peyton Manning is more than likely in his last year in the league and his body is breaking down. December showed the world this when Manning had a 76.8 quarterback rating those final 4 weeks. The Indianapolis Colts gave the blueprint on how to be Manning. They shut downed the middle of the field and took away the short passing game which forced Manning to throw long outside passes. He didn't have the arm strength to do this successfully which led to Broncos loss. The Broncos hired Head Coach Gary Kubiak who likes to run the football. In 2014 C.J. Anderson rushed for 849 yards and 8 touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per rushing attempt. Kubiak is going to come in and take the ball out of Manning's hand in put in Anderson's which will lead to success for the Denver Broncos and increased production from Anderson. I never though I would ever write that but it has come down to doing what is needed for wins.
Caleb Wahlgren--It may be the easy answer, but it's the one that no one else actually chose. Until proven otherwise, Peyton Manning is going to be my man. For all of my colleagues who chose against him, I can certainly understand their logic, but Peyton Manning was revealed to have a leg injury after the playoff game against the Colts and this writer just wonders how much that injury had been slowing him down in the last few weeks of the regular season. Besides, we all know that if Brock Osweiler has to play significant game time, that we will be putting the Broncos out of the playoffs. I mean, just like another old gunslinger in Brett Favre, he was great until his final season, until I see Peyton slow down on the field, he's the man I'm going to choose.
3. San Diego has reloaded with former Wisconsin Badger Melvin Gordon in their backfield with Philip Rivers, can Mike McCoy lead them back to the playoffs in 2015?
Thomas Buckley--The San Diego Chargers are certainly the most interesting team in the NFL, year in and year out. It seems that they start each year off great and are one of the best teams in the NFL, then they fall back, and then they find themselves back in Wild Card race. I think 2015 will bring more of the same, just in a less dramatic way. They were able to add Melvin Gordon in the draft to what is already a strong offense, but I’m not sure Gordon gets them over the hump. I’m not saying they can’t get to the playoffs, but between their own division, and then other teams like the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins, it is going to be extremely tough to get a spot in the 2015 playoffs.
Richard Sena--After a hot start in 2014, Philip Rivers, Mike McCoy, and the Chargers took a sharp nosedive precipitated by a week 9 37-0 loss against Miami. In 2015, The Chargers will hope to avoid a mid season disaster by leaning more on a reliable running game. Last season, the Chargers only receiver six games from then starter, Ryan Matthews. The addition of Melvin Gordon should inject both youth and immense talent to an offense that has relied almost exclusively on veterans Rivers and Antonio Gates (who will be suspended at the start of season). With the return of Melvin Ingram and Jason Verrett from injury, the defense should also see more favorable week to week consistency. Injuries notwithstanding, the Chargers will likely compete for a playoff spot as they seem to always do.
Norman Tall--I think the San Diego Chargers will make the playoffs this year. Last year they came up just short, and I think this year they will get it. After getting off to a slow start for the past couple years the Chargers need to play well throughout the whole season to make the playoffs this year. Now with the decline of Peyton Manning, I think the time is now for the Chargers to make a deep push into the playoffs.
Colin Williams--I like the addition of Melvin Gordon III. He was one of the most exciting players coming out of college last year, but even with this addition I don't believe the Chargers will make the playoffs. There are some many good teams that can take the Wild Card spots. The Chargers are not winning the AFC West, the Broncos and Chiefs are too talented. There are some question marks on the offensive line and the defense. This leads to them missing they playoffs barely and will be in great position for next year if then beef up their line and defense.
Caleb Wahlgren--The Chargers are almost always an enigma. With Gates suspended to start the season, they are already starting off in a bad situation. But, they do get back the small pass catcher Danny Woodhead from injury and then have Melvin Gordon to be their top back. For a team that got little to nothing production out of their running game, it will be intriguing to see just what type of production they get out of the former Wisconsin Badger. Personally, I thought that Gordon was a better pick than Todd Gurley, although I am one of few who had such an opinion. Running backs are picking up the game quickly, and I believe that 2015 will not be the year that the Chargers turn it around and make the playoffs, but they will in the near future as young running backs like Eddie Lacy and Le'Veon Bell are both providing lots of great running for playoff teams.
4. Justin Houston almost set the single season sack record last season, is he the most underrated player in the division? If not, then who?
Thomas Buckley--Justin Houston had an incredible year in 2014, but my underrated player has to be Eric Weddle. For the avid football fan, you know how good Weddle is, but for the average fan, you may not know who Eric Weddle even is. Not only is Weddle one of the best safeties in the NFL, but he is one of the best defensive players the League has to offer. The Chargers’ safety finished with 114 tackles last season, ranking him 16th best in the entire league, and he doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. In what is a passing division, Weddle brings some much needed help to the back end of a defense.
Richard Sena--Justin Houston had a phenomenal year last season, but he is far from underrated. Houston, who recently signed a $101 million contract, at least made the top half of the NFL’s top 100 list (although 27th is blatantly low for him). Chris Harris Jr., who didn’t even make the list, rated #4 on Pro Football Focus’ top 101, and isn’t often mentioned amongst the league’s best corners. Because Harris doesn’t play for one of the leagues marquee east coast markets and doesn’t boast about his successes, here’s a snapshot from PFF’s article on just how good Harris is: "If the season Darrelle Revis has in 2009 was the single best year we have seen from a cornerback in the PFF era – and it was – then Harris in 2014 got as close to it as anybody has come...He was thrown at 89 times during the season but did not allow a single touchdown. He allowed 46 receptions (51.7%), but those catches went for an average of just 7.7 yards per catch and he wasn’t beaten for a pass longer than 22 yards all season." If that doesn’t deserve top 100 consideration, I don’t know what does.
Norman Tall--I think Justin Houston is no longer the most underrated player in this tough division. I think Broncos CB Chris Harris Jr. is instead. After having an incredible season last year and earning his first trip trip to the pro bowl he kind of showed people he can be an elite corner back in the NFL. Last season he forced 1 fumble with 3 interceptions and 54 total tackles. I think Harris is becoming one of the NFL's biggest stars and at just 26-years old he should be a great player for years to come. I think he will have another great year in 2015.
Colin Williams--Yes. He is extremely underrated. At the end of the season it was absurd that Houston was not in the headlines. Most of the headlines were containing "Who is the MVP?", "Deflategate", "NFL Draft", etc. NFL.com writer Chris Wessling put it bests saying "Justin Houston had the quietest 22 sack season in NFL history" and I agree with him. Houston is second best pass rusher behind only J.J. Watt. Houston needed half a sack to tie the record set by Michael Strahan in 2001 at 22.5 sacks. While Houston did get paid this off-season, I still think he is underrated to the common fan because how he is kind of of a quiet guy.
Caleb Wahlgren--Sometimes it is difficult to spot a player that is underrated. For this writer, that player would be Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. When it comes to the top tight end people immediately gravitate toward Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, but as a rookie last year, Kelce had 67 catches for 862 yards and five touchdowns. Granted touchdowns mean a lot, but it's not like Alex Smith throws a lot of touchdown passes. Plus, if Kelce is tackled within the five yard line, Andy Reid is going to call for a handoff to mega-star Jamaal Charles.
5. Kansas City just narrowly missed the playoffs last year at 9-7, what do they need to do differently in order to make them in 2015?
Thomas Buckley--Personally, I don’t think the Chiefs need to change much, as they are my dark horse team for the 2015 season. They finally added a receiving threat in Jeremy Maclin, and their defense will be just as strong as they were in 2014. Kansas City does have some tough matchups during the season, as their schedule ranks the 7th toughest in League, but for the most part, they could see a high number on wins. I think the Chiefs have a very good chance of winning 10-plus games, and securing a spot in the 2015 playoffs.
Richard Sena--The obvious answer for Kansas City’s woes is that the team needs production from it’s wide receiver position in 2015. The addition of Maclin via free agency should immediately improve the dreadful corps that resulted in zero touchdowns a year ago. Still, at least some onus falls on Alex Smith’s ability to produce more effectively along with his patented efficiency. With the addition of Maclin and the emergence of Kelce, there’s not a whole lot of excuses Alex Smith has to not produce more prolifically in 2015.
Norman Tall--I think to make the playoffs in 2015 the Chiefs need to be more consistent. After beating some of the NFL's elite, including the teams played in the Super Bowl, in the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, the Chiefs lost to poor teams like the Titans and the Raiders, who both had top 5 picks in this years draft. Next year if quarter back Alex Smith can play very well I think the Chiefs can make a return to the playoffs. They will also rely on their defense with Justin Houston, Tamba Hali, and Eric Berry. If Smith and the D can step up the Chiefs should be poised for a big year.
Colin Williams--It's simple. Give Jamaal Charles the football. He is way to talented of a running back to not give the ball. In 2014 Charles only rushed for 206 times and picked up 1,033 yards for 5.0 yards per carry, 4th among running backs, he also picked up 9 rushing touchdowns. Charles was also good in the passing game catching 40 passes for 291 yards for 7.3 yards per reception. He also caught 5 touchdowns. The Chiefs will need better play from the offensive line and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin needs to show why he is worth the money.
Caleb Wahlgren--To have more success in the 2015 season, I think that Alex Smith has to be able to take more chances with the ball, because the Chiefs need to be more aggressive with the ball and more aggressive on defense. There usually is not too much of a concern as Smith has usually been a more conservative passer, but there is no reason to believe that he will start throwing the ball downfield right away. But Andy Reid does know just how effective Maclin can be with the ball downfield and will need to convince Smith to be able to use him often downfield instead of just relying on Jamaal Charles all season long, all play, every play.
6. Peyton Manning is 39 years old. Will this be his final season? What stats will he put up this year?
Thomas Buckley--Peyton Manning is one of, if not the greatest regular season quarterbacks we have ever seen, and there’s no reason to believe that he will slow down in 2015. Manning threw for over 4,700 yards and 35 TDs last season, and I expect him to be in that area again. But will it be the final time he does it? I’m not sure. Manning wants to win another ring, but as the season goes on, he begins to struggle. Whether it’s the arm strength, or the weather, Manning seems to fall off a little when the season winds down. It will be an interesting story to watch in this upcoming season.
Richard Sena--Regardless of the team success Peyton Manning enjoys (or endures) this season, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where this isn’t his last ride. That said, Manning has a very good supporting cast around him and less pressure for him to perform than he’s had in the past. With Denver securing Demaryius Thomas, Manning will still have one of the best targets he’s ever thrown to, along with some tantalizing young thoroughbreds in Emmanuel Sanders and Cody Latimer. If Manning is able to stay healthy for at least 15 games this season, he could easily put up somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Norman Tall--Peyton Manning is 39-years old but I don't think this will be his last year. I think Manning will continue to play until he possibly cannot. Even in his decline Manning is still one of the NFL's top passers and should still be in 2015. Unless Injury or really bad play force him out, I think Manning will play for another 2-3 years. I think his numbers this year will not be typically numbers that he puts up. I think his numbers won't be bad but for him, they will see, to be average. I think he'll have around 4,000 passing yards with 25-30 touchdowns and 10-12 interceptions. Overall I think Manning will have a pretty average year in 2015.
Colin Williams--I do believe that no matter what happens this will be Peyton Manning's year in the NFL. I believe he is going all the way in and surrendering how he is normally I'm control of the offense over to Gary Kubiak to win one last championship. Kubiak has always been a run first coach and I believe that will continue with running back C.J. Anderson there. I think he'll pass for around 4,000 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
Caleb Wahlgren--Peyton Manning is now and will forever be an NFL legend. Right now it is clear that Brett Favre and Peyton are two of the best quarterbacks with only 1 Super Bowl ring in their career. Obviously, Peyton would like to at least catch his brother in his efforts to be know much more than just a regular season quarterback. Will this season be his last? That's a really tough question. I simply think it comes down to whether or not he has injury issues during this season. If he were to get a concussion, tear an ACL, or have another serious neck injury, then I'm 100% certain that he would not come back to play in the NFL in 2016. With that being said, if Peyton stays healthy, I expect him to throw for 3,900 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
7. The Denver Broncos have won the last 4 AFC West Division Titles. Will anyone knock them off this year? Will Denver go to Super Bowl 50?
Thomas Buckley--I may be the only one here, but I think this is the year that the Kansas City Chiefs finally take the Denver Broncos down in the division. As I mentioned earlier, the Chiefs are my dark horse pick, and I think they have the talent to make some noise in the AFC. The Broncos will certainly be in the playoff mix, and should eventually make it to the postseason, but I think their window to win it all is closing, and very quickly. I just don’t see the Broncos mowing through the playoffs like they have, because there are more than a handful of teams that are very good, and are poised to take the next step. The Broncos will certainly have their work cut out for them in 2015, and don’t be surprised if they are one-and-done in the year’s playoffs.
Richard Sena--Over any season over the past three years, the division hasn’t been as “up in the air” as it is this year. As Peyton Manning’s career wanes, the Chargers, Chiefs, and Raiders inch closer to taking the divisional crown. Still, Manning still has his unparalleled football mind and the Broncos still have one of the most formidable defensive rosters in the league. If each team is at their best, the Broncos still have the best quarterback, receiver, and overall defense amongst their group, making them the favorites to win the division and seriously contend in the playoffs—the Super Bowl is another story, entirely. The Broncos will likely be facing tough opposition from their contemporaries within the conference, and with the team’s playoff fate resting in the shaky health of Peyton Manning, I don’t see the Broncos are representing the AFC in the Super Bowl.
Norman Tall--The Denver Broncos have won the last 4 AFC West Division titles, but I think that ends here. I think one way or another they will still make the playoffs, but I think the Chiefs and the Chargers are both in good positions to dethrone them as AFC West champs. With Manning struggling in the end of last season, I think some of those struggles will continue and Manning won't be the same quarter back he always is. I think while the Broncos will make the playoffs the San Diego Chargers will finally have their year and win the difficult AFC West.
Colin Williams--I'm going to say their time as the AFC West kings comes to an end at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs. I have a feeling the Broncos take a step back this due to Peyton Manning's age. The Chiefs will have one of the leagues best defenses with Justin Houston and Tamba Hali coming of the the edge, an improved secondary with Marcus Peters, who was my favorite player in the draft, and the return of Eric Berry. The Chiefs will have a better offense with Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis in the backfield, Jeremy Maclin should give them a legitimate receiver and improved offense line will push the Chiefs past the Broncos.
Caleb Wahlgren--Denver has been the class of the AFC West for several years now. This writer expects them to win the division again, and possibly even get home field advantage in the playoffs. While everyone expects an offensive revolution from Gary Kubiak, does anyone really think that Peyton Manning won't be calling the shots when he is audibling at the line of scrimmage? Exactly. Peyton is going to be playing chess with his opponents and it's his brilliance on the field that is going to lead Denver to another AFC West Title. Now beyond that, it is simply going to be a matter of team health. This writer sees it as a race between Denver and New England as who is going to Super Bowl 50, and if Denver is healthy and at home, then that is exactly who I think will go to the Super Bowl.