2013 NFL Predictions: AFC West Division Odds and Picks – Broncos the Favorite

2013 NFL Predictions: AFC West Division Odds and Picks – Broncos the Favorite: For the second year in a row, the Denver Broncos won the AFC West in 2012. That being said, the consecutive division crowns didn’t exactly come in similar fashion. In 2011, Tim Tebow and company back their way into the title with an 8-8 record. Last year, Peyton Manning and company dominated the division and tied for the best record in the entire NFL. Meanwhile, the rest of the division finished below .500 with 2010 AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs finishing with the worst record in the league in 2012. The Broncos definitely put the rest of the division on notice last season, but San Diego and Kansas City in particular didn’t stand idly by during the offseason. With that in mind, here is a closer look at how the AFC West stacks up heading into the 2013 NFL season.

1.      Denver Broncos (Prediction: 12-4)

In his first season removed from neck surgery, all Peyton Manning did was lead the Broncos to the best record in the NF and lead the league in completion percentage. His follow-up campaign should be equally fun to watch, especially since pass-catching machine Wes Welker was added to an already-explosive receiving corps. Meanwhile, Denver made even more upgrades on the defensive end. The Broncos added defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, linebacker Shaun Phillips and corners Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Quentin Jammer to a unit that already features Von Miller and Champ Bailey. As long as Manning stays under center, the Broncos should steamroll the rest of the division.

2.      San Diego Chargers (Prediction: 8-8)

The Norv Turner era is finally over after San Diego had a losing record for the first time since 2003 last year. However, injuries played a big part in the team’s lack of success. Running back Ryan Matthews, receiver Malcolm Floyd and tight end Antonio Gates all missed team, leaving the offense without its main playmakers. All three will be back in 2013, and quarterback Philip Rivers’ numbers should rebound as a result. Meanwhile, the Chargers were able to do some much-needed upgrading to the offensive line by signing Max Starks and drafting D.J. Fluker in the first round. On the defensive side of the ball, Dwight Freeney was signed to bolster the pass rush for a unit that features an excellent nose tackle in Corey Liuget and safety Eric Weddle. If the Chargers stay relatively healthy, they should at least get back to the .500 mark.

3.      Kansas City Chiefs (Prediction: 8-8)

Coming off a year that saw Kansas City land the No.1 pick in the draft and score less than 14 points per game, 8-8 may seem like a big leap. However, the Chiefs made some big moves in the offseason, most notably, bringing in head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Alex Smith. While Smith may not be a superstar, he is a major upgrade under center. He should at least give the Chiefs a threat of a passing attack to take some pressure of explosive running back Jamaal Charles. Resigning offensive tackle Brandon Albert and drafting tackle Eric Fisher No. 1 overall should also help the ground game. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s defense was already solid with the likes of safety Eric Berry, defensive end Tamba Hali and linebacker Derrick Johnson serving as playmakers at every level. An offense that can actually put points on the board and sustain drives will do wonders for the entire team, and while the playoffs might be a reach, respectability should be achieved quickly.

4.      Oakland Raiders (Prediction: 3-13)

While Carson Palmer may not have been great as Oakland’s quarterback, it is safe to say that Matt Flynn isn’t going to do any better, especially with a terrible receiving corps. Meanwhile, running back Darren McFadden is basically a lock to go down with an injury, leaving the leg of Sebastian Janikowski as the Raiders’ most potent offensive weapon. On defense, lineman Lamarr Houston is the only proven playmaker, and while corner Tracy Porter and safety Charles Woodson were brought in, the best days for both are behind them. Even if McFadden happens to stay healthy, the only thing the Raiders will likely contend for is the first pick in the 2014 draft.

Odds to win the AFC West
Denver Broncos win AFC West -410
San Diego Chargers win AFC West +790
Kansas City Chiefs win AFC West +700
Oakland Raiders win AFC West +2800

Check the odds to win 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII plus daily NFL vegas odds and lines updated daily throughout the year at NSAwins.com!

Need Expert Winning NFL Predictions and Picks? Be sure to check out NSAwins.com’s award-winning NFL Football Season Picks Packages for expert winners against the vegas spreads and totals in NFL Football this season including 2013 NFL Football Picks and Predictions to beat the vegas point spreads and totals!