This period of the NFL season where the Draft has come and gone, and training camp doesn’t come for another one is the Worst! So, while we are waiting for camps to start we might as well look at what each division will look like! Today, we focus on the AFC West.

San Diego Chargers (2015 record: 4-12): I keep hearing that the Chargers are actually going to be able to compete with in the AFC West, but I just don’t see it. I see a better than average QB in Phillip Rivers, an average passing game, and a below-average defense. They seem like an average team (circa 2011-13 Cowboys), but with such a tough division, they become the worst team in the West. Projection: 6-10 (4th place)

Denver Broncos (2015 Record: 12-4): The defending Super Bowl champions have really only lost two pieces from their playoff run last year. Those two pieces just happen to be both of their quarterbacks from last year. With Manning retired and Osweiler in Houston, the Broncos are down to rookie Paxton Lynch and “Mr. Butt Fumble” himself, Mark Sanchez. Luckily, they still have the league’s best defense, including Super Bowl MVP, Von Miller. I am BIG on Lynch, but I think he needs time to develop and I believe that Denver fans will push GM John Elway into forcing Lynch into a starting role; therefore, I believe that the Broncos will struggle. Projection: 8-8 (3rd place)

Oakland Raiders (2015 Record: 7-9): Can I be honest? I’m in love with how the Raiders are managing their team. I’m in love with this roster. I’m in love with basically everything about this team. I think that they are going to surprise a TON OF people and make the playoffs not as the division winner, but as a wild card team. Projection: 10-6 (2nd place)

Kansas City Chiefs  (2015 record 11-5): Las Vegas is currently predicting that the Chiefs are going to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this upcoming year, but I disagree. Alex Smith and Jeremy Maclin have another year to continue gelling, Jamaal Charles comes back from injury, their great defense stays the same (barring injuries), and they were the hottest team in the league going down the stretch last year.  I believe that this team has the potential to be the number one seed in the AFC, let alone the west. Projection: 12-4 (1st place)