Monday, July 14
Here's my early prediction for the AFC West Division.
1. Broncos: Peyton Manning and an improved defense consisting of new additions DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward to go with Von Miller make Denver an easy choice.
2. Chargers: The Chargers returned to the playoffs for the first time in four years. It wasn't a coincidence that Mike McCoy was the coach and not Norv Turner, who was San Diego's head man the previous three seasons until last year. The Chargers look better this season with an upgraded secondary and Philip Rivers' confidence restored.
3. Chiefs: The Chiefs improved from 2-14 to 11-5 in Andy Reid's first season. Nice job Andy, but I see regression this season. I doubt Kansas City has another plus 18 turnover ratio season. The Chiefs beat only one playoff team - and that was the Eagles before they made Nick Foles their staring quarterback. Kansas City's defense got much worse surrendering nearly 26 points a game during the second half of the season. A 38-10 blown lead in the playoffs against the Colts could linger.
4. Raiders: My candidate for the worst team in the NFL. The last time the Raiders turned in a winning season was after winning the Super Bowl during the 2002 season. No team has gone longer without finishing above .500. Signing over-the-hill defensive linemen isn't the way to build a winner, nor is bringing in Matt Schaub to be your quarterback. Schaub doesn't have a good supporting cast either.
On the handicapping front, I am involved with this year's baseball All-Star Game with a two-star play. I enter Tuesday's matchup having won my last five paid/free MLB plays. The play can be found here: /pregamepros/pro-bettor/bettor.aspx?id=7746#capper.
As always, let's have no bad luck!