2011 AFC West Odds, Predictions and Picks – NFL AFC West Division Preview

2011 AFC West Vegas Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – NFL AFC West Division Preview and Forecast: Vegas oddsmakers have posted the 2011 NFL futures odds to win the 2011 AFC West Division and the odds and lines for the AFC West plus our AFC West predictions, free picks and preview are posted below courtesy of NFL blogger Brian Polking from NSAwins.com. Enjoy…

The AFC West hasn’t been a real factor to win the Super Bowl in quite some time. The last team from the division to play for the championship was Oakland back in 2003, and the Denver Broncos were the last team to hoist the Lombardi Trophy way back in 1999. Teams have taken turns jumping up and down the standings from year to year, and no franchise has been able to separate itself from the pack. While the division does contain some star power such as Philip Rivers and Jamaal Charles, the AFC West often takes a back seat to some other divisions in the conference. Overlooked or not, let’s take a look at how the teams stack up in 2011.

2011 NFL AFC West Divisions Odds, Expert Picks, Predictions and Preview:

1. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers have consistently been the best team in the AFC West for the last few years, but that hasn’t always translated into division titles. In 2011, the talent gap between San Diego and everyone else is so dramatic that even Norv Turner can guide this team to the top. Quarterback Philip Rivers is coming off a season when he led the NFL in passing yards, and with wide receiver Vincent Jackson in the mix for an entire season, he should be one of the best signal callers in the league once again. Ryan Matthews leads a quality running game, and the Chargers defense puts plenty of pressure on opposing QBs. San Diego should have no problem making a playoff run, especially in this division.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Led by running back Jamaal Charles and a solid offensive line, the Chiefs had one of the best running attacks in the NFL last season. Quarterback Matt Cassel flexed some muscle throughout the season as well, but the offense is lacking big play receivers. Rookie Jonathan Baldwin could become the deep threat the team needs in a few years, but the Kansas City offense will likely be one dimensional again in 2011. As for the defense, the Chiefs have had trouble against the pass in recent years and could have issues again this year. In the end, Charles and the ground game will help the Chiefs win some games, but a division title seems unlikely.

3. Oakland Raiders

Running back Darren McFadden finally lived up to his potential last season and should be one of the best all-around backs in the NFL this season. If Jason Campbell can remain healthy, the Raiders at least have a quarterback that can manage a game, which is a step up from the guys that have been under center. That being said, the loss of tight end Zach Miller will hurt an already shaky passing game, and the loss of cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will definitely hurt the defense. The Raiders can still get pressure with their front seven, but a good pass rush and explosive running back aren’t enough to win a division.

4. Denver Broncos

New coach John Fox inherits a train wreck in Denver, especially on defense. The Broncos were absolutely shredded on both sides of the ball last year, and while rookie linebacker Von Miller and the now healthy Elvis Dumervil will help the cause, Denver will still be giving up plenty of points. Although the AFC West isn’t the best division in the NFL by any means, scoring is actually one thing this division does well. Whether Tim Tebow or Kyle Orton ends up under center remains to be seen, but either way, the Broncos will likely be playing from behind most of the year.

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2011 Vegas Odds to Win the AFC West – 2011 NFL AFC West Division Odds
San Diego Chargers -205
Kansas City Chiefs +365
Raiders +345
Broncos +345