AFC West Odds

The Chargers easily cut their way through the AFC West last season, and according to the odds on Sportsbook.com, they're expected to do so again in 2010. Can anyone else in the West rise to the challenge?

Though there have been a few changes in San Diego, the team remains largely intact. Thus, after a 13-win campaign in 2009, the Chargers (-300) are still heavy favorites to win the AFC West at 5Dimes. The most notable departure is that of LaDainian Tomlinson; "LT" has been the face of the franchise for several years, but he's no longer an impact player. First-round draft pick Ryan Matthews should fill in as a very solid replacement.

The biggest question on offense will be at receiver. Talented reserve Kasim Osgood fled during free agency and Vincent Jackson-arguably one of the five best wide outs in the game-has been suspended, not to mention he's causing contract headaches. There will be added pressure on Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd this season.

Defensively, the Chargers will move ahead without Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie is a big name, but he hasn't played very well the past few seasons, so his trade to the Jets won't affect San Diego too much. The loss of nose tackle Jamal Williams might, though. Williams, who missed last season with an injury, has been the key to San Diego's run "D" for over a decade.

It hasn't taken Josh McDaniels long to leave his mark on the Denver Broncos (+300). Denver dominated draft headlines when it selected Tim Tebow in the first round. Tebow will see very limited action this season, however, as Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn will play to let the former Gator acclimate himself to the NFL. McDaniels will probably have to rely more on the run than he'd like-especially with No. 1 receiver Brandon Marshall being sent off to Miami-though you could do worse than the combo of Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter.

On the other side of the football, a few under the radar moves may help repair a leaky run defense. Former Chargers nose tackle Jamal Williams is a monster against the run; if he can bounce back from injury, he'll be a difference maker. Jarvis Green and Akin Ayodele are a few other unheralded free agent signings that could pay dividends.

The Kansas City Chiefs (+300) won just four games last season and are in the midst of a rebuilding process, but there are signs of progress. The offense may have found a star in Jamaal Charles, who rushed for 968 yards and seven touchdowns in his last eight games of the season. His efforts will be crucial, as quarterback Matt Cassel looks like a total bust. The "D" needs a lot of help, and it got some with fifth-overall pick Eric Berry. Berry is a potential superstar, and the playmaking safety should help produce a few more turnovers this season. His efforts will also be needed against the run, though, as K.C. finished second-last in rush yards allowed last season.

The Oakland Raiders (+700) struggled through another tumultuous season in 2009, but there's some hope that 2010 will be the beginning of better things to come. For starters, JaMarcus Russell was finally tossed onto the scrap heap. Russell will go down as one of the biggest busts in NFL history.

Normally the Raiders would have followed up such a move with something stupid, but they smartly acquired former Redskins pivot Jason Campbell. Many observers believe Campbell hasn't been given a fair shake in the pros, but he'll get plenty of chances in Oakland.

The Silver and Black also had a surprisingly strong draft. They spent their first two picks on defense, getting solid linebacker Rolando McClain and talented defensive tackle Lamarr Houston; that duo should help improve a "D" that surrendered 155 rushing yards per game last year. Oakland then spent a fourth rounder on offensive tackle Bruce Campbell. Campbell offers great value there, as many argue he has first-round talent. The Raiders have a long way to go, but they may finally be back on the right path.