SI AFC West predictions

[Quesadilla Joe]

Chargers 12-4
Broncos 9-7
Raiders 8-8
Chiefs 6-10

Here is their writeup on the Chiefs....

Kansas City Chiefs

What the Chiefs do best: Run the ball.

Jamaal Charles, a speedy big-play threat, came out of nowhere last season to rush for 1,120 yards and seven TDs. He took off over the final eight games, during which his 968 yards rushing and 1,126 yards from scrimmage trailed only Tennessee's Chris Johnson, who had 1,047 and 1,388, respectively. Also, Charles' five rushes of 40 yards or longer ranked second to Johnson's seven for the season.

This year Charles will be complemented by Thomas Jones, a 32-year-old grinder who led the Jets last year with 1,402 yards rushing and 14 scores. The Chiefs have had to rely on the run because their passing game is so inconsistent, particularly the vertical passing game. Matt Cassel struggled in his first year in Kansas City after being acquired in a trade and signing a potential $63 million deal. He threw only 16 TDs and had 16 interceptions with a 69.9 passer rating. Not coincidentally, wideout Dwayne Bowe had the worst season of his career, though Bowe had a strong offseason and exhibition season.

What the Chiefs need to improve: Pass rush.

The Chiefs traded end Jared Allen to the Vikings after the 2007 season, and their pass rush hasn't been the same since. They averaged just 16 sacks the past two seasons, and only outside linebacker Tamba Hali recorded more than 4.5 in a season during that time. The secondary isn't bad, but its ability gets overshadowed when quarterbacks have so much time to throw.

Maybe linebacker Andy Studebaker will be the complement that Hali needs. Studebacker impressed during the exhibition season and was pushing starter Mike Vrabel for playing time. "We're all excited about him," says coach Todd Haley. "He's got the work ethic, the toughness, the athletic ability to be a good player. And he's working real hard trying to do that."

Which Chief needs to step up: Defensive end Tyson Jackson.

Jackson was the third pick of the 2009 draft, but the former LSU defensive end didn't play up to expectations. He made little to no impact as a rookie, and was not demonstrably better this preseason. The Chiefs don't need him to be great --3-4 ends rarely put up big stats -- but they do need him to be good. Consistently good.

Defensive ends in a 3-4 scheme are asked to occupy blockers and hold the line so the linebackers can flow to the ball. Jackson has the size and strength to do it, but he tends to disappear at times. That becomes an even bigger problem when the end on the other side, fellow LSU top-five pick Glenn Dorsey, does the same thing. These two have to step up for the defense to become formidable.

Predicted record: 6-10.

The additions of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will accelerate a return to respectability. Weis' arrival allows Haley to focus on managing the team instead of worrying about what play to call on offense. The record might not show it, but the team is headed in the right direction in Year 2 of the Haley/Scott Piolo regime.


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...iew/index.html

If you click the link there is a video of Peter King talking about each AFCW team