Quote:
Originally Posted by MagicHef
I see them tripling their wins from last season. They certainly won't be starting out 8-1, though.
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Agreed... KC is only 3 seasons from having 10 wins, but much has changed. I think that for the last 8 years, there has been at least one team go from last place in their division to first place. So, it's not impossible, but it's not likely that KC will be that team in 2013. Denver would have to crater in order for that to happen.
SD has the chance to hover in that 7-9 win range. OAK ... who knows, but they could play spoiler in a few games. Either way, I wouldn't be shocked with divisional splits by every team in the AFCW.
At this point, I definitely see Denver being in the best position to pass 10 wins and win the division. I see KC coming in second... there could be as few as 2-3 games difference between the two teams, but my guess is that the gap will be 3-4. Again - barring major injuries, anything can happen and completely change the dynamics and then all bets are off.
I also put very little into preseason wins and losses... teams are tinkering with new players and rarely playing the stars.
There's no doubt that Smith is an upgrade at QB and at CB, KC has good depth. But, is he enough?
Smith has 6.5 years of starting experience and overall is 38-36-1 ... not stellar. Smith only has 1 season with greater than 2,900 yds passing and that was 2011 when they won 13 games.
Smith is a bit of a caretaker QB... he'll have some bright spots, he likely won't make brain dead decisions that cost you games, but he also likely won't put the team on his back and carry them - he really hasn't done it ever. Overall, he's the 3rd best QB in the division... nothing wrong with that, but they really need players around him to step up, he's not necessarily going to raise the game and effort of those around him.
Strong ground game and top notch defense is why SF won those games and you saw them take it to another level when they replaced Smith late last season.
Questions - is the DLINE sound? WR depth behind Bowe seems spotty and inconsistent. TE - Fasano... doesn't do much for me.
I think the following teams are going to give KC fits:
Broncos (2), Cowboys, Texans, Colts, Redskins, Eagles ... I don't know that the early trip to PHI is going to be a fun one for Reid, they'll be ready.