Alex Smith

Let’s finish this up. The start of football that matters is upon us and here is the last in my series of previews. Today, we’ll take a look at the divisions that gave us our two Super Bowl teams from last season, the AFC and NFC West divisions. If you’ve missed the previews of the East, click HERE. If you missed the North, click HERE. If you missed the South, click HERE. So let’s get to the West.

 

 DENVER BRONCOS

LAST SEASON: 13-3, WON THE AFC WEST, LOST THE SUPER BOWL TO THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

2014 PREVIEW: Okay, so the Super Bowl was a little embarrassing, but the Broncos aren’t going away. The offense will be as potent as ever as Peyton Manning and company remain an overall favorite to win the whole thing. Even with Eric Decker heading to New York, the receiver position may be even better. Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker remain and are always consistent, and they’ve added Emmanuel Sanders. Throw in Julius Thomas and we may see yet another record-breaking season from the offense.

Not to be outdone, the defense added defensive end DeMarcus Ware, safety T.J. Ward, and cornerback Aqib Talib. And don’t forget that the Broncos made their run last year without Von Miller. He’ll return to an absolutely loaded defense. The Broncos are the easy favorite to win this division.

 

 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

LAST SEASON: 11-5, FINISHED 2ND IN THE AFC WEST, LOST WC ROUND TO THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

2014 PREVIEW: Running back Jamaal Charles has become arguably the best in the league, and he’ll need an outstanding season if the Chiefs want to repeat what they did last year. He’s lost some help up front on the line, but if anybody can make adjustments, it’s head coach Andy Reid. He still has conservative yet effective quarterback Alex Smith, but the receiving core is somewhat limited. Dwayne Bowe has lost a step, A.J. Jenkins is young, and Donnie Avery drops a few too many. Charles will be the workhorse here, but his effectiveness may open a few passing lanes for Smith.

The defense gave out a little towards the end of last season and there’s a little uncertainty that the Chiefs can do what they were doing to open last year. Eric Berry has shown a lot of versatility as he can roam from safety to linebacker, but they lost their best corner in Brandon Flowers and the ability to get to the quarterback may be an issue this year. Most people weren’t expecting 11 wins last year, and I wouldn’t count on a repeat performance.

 

 OAKLAND RAIDERS

LAST SEASON: 4-12, FINISHED LAST IN THE AFC WEST, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: At least the Raiders had draft picks this year. That’s about the only positive thing I can see coming from Oakland this year. After a battle in the preseason with longtime Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, rookie Derek Carr won the starting job. He’s got talent, but his inexperience will show, especially early in the season. But who is he throwing to? At least they’ve got a running game. Or do they? Darren McFadden just can’t seem to stay healthy. They did sign Maurice Jones-Drew and that may help matters a little, especially catching passes out of the backfield, but he’ll have a lot of work to do to get back to his leading rusher in the league form.

They’ve got big names on defense like Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, and Charles Woodson, but all three are just past their prime. Rookie Khalil Mack may be fun to watch, but in this division, no defense means very few wins. Another 4-12 may be in the works and that may be being nice.

 

 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

LAST SEASON: 9-7, FINISHED 3RD IN THE AFC WEST, LOST DIV. ROUND TO THE DENVER BRONCOS

2014 PREVIEW: The Chargers reeled off four straight victories at the end of last season to sneak into the playoffs, and even got a win over the Bengals before falling to Denver. They’ll enter 2014 with some confidence, especially quarterback Philip Rivers, who had a nice comeback season in 2013 to silence a few critics. He’ll need to be at his best to get San Diego into the playoffs again, but has weapons in the always consistent Antonio Gates, along with second year man Keenan Allen, who was thrown to in big spots last year and is looking to become the main target for Rivers.

The defense will get a few players back from injury this season as Dwight Freeney looks to get back to form, as does linebacker Melvin Ingram. San Diego also made a big free agent pickup in acquiring cornerback Brandon Flowers. The Chargers finished at 9-7 last year and an identical record may be in the cards.

 

 

 

 

 ARIZONA CARDINALS

LAST SEASON: 10-6, FINISHED 3RD IN THE NFC WEST, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: Last season, the Cardinals were a casualty of the system. They finished with a better record by two games than the North-winning Packers, but didn’t make the playoffs. The chip on their shoulder could play a big part in the 2014 campaign. If Carson Palmer can play to his potential in his twelfth year, the Cardinals could be dangerous on offense. He’s still got Larry Fitzgerald to throw to, and if Michael Floyd can continue to improve, it could open up some running lanes for Andre Ellington, a second year back who averaged 5.5 yards per carry in a limited role last year.

The defense took a big hit when Darnell Dockett went down with an ACL injury and linebacker Daryl Washington was suspended for the year, but they’re still pretty strong. The hope is that Tyrann Mathieu can return from a torn ACL and LCL and be the player everyone thinks he can be. They signed cornerback Antonio Cromartie to play opposite All-Pro Patrick Peterson, who may be the best man-to-man corner in the league. If all goes well for Arizona, they could be a factor this season.

 

 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

LAST SEASON: 12-4, FINISHED 2ND IN THE NFC WEST, LOST NFC CHAMP. TO THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

2014 PREVIEW: Can a team that’s reached the NFC Championship three years in a row get better? When your head coach is Jim Harbaugh, you don’t really get a say in the matter. Play well or you’re off the field. The athleticism of quarterback Colin Kaepernick leads an offensive attack that includes the veteran Anquan Boldin and Kaepernick’s favorite target, the dangerous Michael Crabtree. You also can’t forget about tight end Vernon Davis, who still performs at a high level, as does running back Frank Gore, who will be mentoring Carlos Hyde. That’s a ton of players that can burn you.

The defense will have a different look this year as the Niners lost a few players, especially at cornerback. Last year’s freak injury to NaVorro Bowman won’t help matters any, but guys like Ray McDonald and Ahmad Brooks will be looking to pick up the slack. Throw in the immense talent and intelligence of safety Eric Reid, and the defense should still be better than average. Harbaugh won’t settle for anything less than the Super Bowl, and it’s a real possibility.

 

 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

LAST SEASON: 13-3, WON THE NFC WEST, BEAT THE DENVER BRONCOS TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL

2014 PREVIEW: There’s not much I can say about Seattle that you don’t already know. They’re the defending Super Bowl champs. They have the biggest home field advantage in sports. They’re loaded with talent. You know the names: Russell Wilson will only continue to get better. Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas have signed long-term deals and are basically the best at what they do at cornerback and free safety, respectively. Percy Harvin will be back healthy and Marshawn Lynch is a beast. Did I miss anything? The Seahawks have a solid chance to repeat.

 

 ST. LOUIS RAMS

LAST SEASON: 7-9, FINISHED LAST IN THE NFC WEST, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: Poor St. Louis. Just when things are starting to turn around under head coach Jeff Fisher, the 2014 season may already be lost. The season-ending injury to quarterback Sam Bradford has changed everything. What’s worse is that his huge salary is hindering the Rams’ ability to go out and get a comparable solution. They recently signed Case Keenum, but the starting job will go to Shaun Hill, but can he effectively get the ball to Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Brian Quick? I’m sure the quarterback situation will be a question all season.

If the Rams are going to win games this year, it’s the defense that’s going to do it. The strongest piece comes with the front line, which may be the best in football, anchored by defensive end Robert Quinn, who has become arguably the most feared end in the league. Unfortunately, it may not be enough. The Rams have been moving in the right direction for a few years now, but with yet another injury to the most important position on the field, St. Louis will likely find themselves at the bottom of this division.

 

Now you’re ready for some football….almost. I’ve previewed all 32 teams, but I haven’t yet given you my picks. Check back with Binge Media Sports as I give you my full season predictions leading all the way to the Super Bowl. Make sure to cast your votes (as soon as we get it fixed) in every division and check back each and every week to pick each and every game of the year. And as always, you can justify your picks in the comments section below or follow me and tell your friends to follow me and tweet @THElukenorris all season long.