AFC West Breakdown: Best Players

I'm going to talk about the AFC WEST tonight. I'll select who I think is each teams best offensive player, defensive player, what rookie I think will make the most impact on both sides of the ball, and most underrated player that WILL make a difference.

Chargers:

-Offensive Player: Philip Rivers. Some will argue with me and say LT but he is getting old. In reality it could be a toss up between the two. Last year LT went down in rushing yards, YPC, and receptions along with TD's. Rivers is thier leader whom stepped up a ton last year. LT is their work horse.

-Defensive Player: Shawne Merriman. He is an impact player with a lot of years left. Chargers defensive just wasn't as good last year without him. He is just a strong, beast of a man(ask tila) haha had to throw that in. He is hungry and ready to come back to the team. He'll put up over 90 tackles this year and make it to the pro-bowl.

-Offensive Rookie: Louis Vasquez. He won't make an immediate impact but will be solid at Guard. He is a huge guy which will be hard for anybody to shove around.

-Defensive Rookie: Larry English. He will be a solid backup and will expect him to come in and play with rotation. He was their first choice for a reason. He is a solid Linebacker.

-Underrated Player: Malcom Floyd. I think he is overshadowed by Vincent and Chambers. He isn't the best receiver but is very underrated. I expect him to do much better this year after a decent last year.



Broncos:

-Offensive Player: Brandon Marshall. I hate to say it but with Cutler gone their isn't much to choose from. He might not have the character but he is proven to have the talent. Will he be as good this year without Cutler, new coach, and his on/off field tantrums? We'll see how it turns out.

-Defensive Player: Champ Bailey. He is getting old and has some injury issues but he is still an asset to this team. He will make some plays this year and help out the younger players on this squad. He has always made QB's think twice to throw his way.

-Offensive Rookie: Knowshon Moreno. He won't get too many reps as a rookie. He is listed as 4th on depth chart but when he is in the game watch out. He will be a solid runningback for years to come if not injured.

-Defensive Rookie: Alphonso Smith. He will learn a lot from Bailey and take over after injury or retirement. He will be a solid special teams player.

-Underrated Player: Peyton Hillis. He showed us some flashes last year on how talented he is. Let's see if he steps up and becomes a playmaker.



Raiders:

-Offensive Player:  Justin Fargas. This was slim pickens here. A lot of young players, not proven and a lot of has beens. Fargas had to step up for the Raiders. He did a fine job. He even won starting nods over McFadden. Even though he will split carries with Fadden he'll do just fine.

-Defensive Player:  Nnamdi Asomugha. I think everyone can agree with me here. He is the stand out on this sad defense. If he had a better cast around him he'd make the pro-bowl every year. What a Cornerback this guy is with little to no help.

-Offensive Rookie: Darrius Heyward-Bey. I'll go out on a limb and say he'll make over 1,000 yards. Just because he can get deep and Russel has the arm to launch it to him. Besides, he is really the only reciever they have.

-Defensive Rookie: Mike Mitchell. He'll do good as a special teams player. He is a decent backup safety and if proven may even take the starting job throughout the season. I really like this guy.

-Underrated Player: Michael Bush. He did good things in Louisville but can he stay healthy? He is behind a pretty good pair of backs but he may have to prove himself if Fargas gets injured or on special teams.



Chiefs:

-Offensive Player:  Larry Johnson. I know I'm gonna get bashed for this pick but it is really a toss up between Bowe, Cassel, and Waters. Johnson when healthy and focused can be a force and game changer. We've all seen how good he can be. I predict he has a pro-bowl year and no assaults off field.

-Defensive Player:   Mike Vrabel. He is older and probably won't get the most tackles this year but he brings leadership to this young defense. He'll set up plays for others around him and make clutch plays for us. He knows this game and always does his best. Flowers for honorable mention.

-Offensive Rookie: Quinten Lawrence. He has to be consistant when catching balls. If he does catch the ball and gets out in the open I feel sorry for the other team. He is speed demon who can score and make things happen. I expect a good career for him. Especially under Haley's wing.

-Defensive Rookie: Tyson Jackson. He might not do as good as we expect him to do this year but with time he will be a force. We needed a monster on the D-Line after Allen. Looks like we found him.

-Underrated Player: Corey Mays. I don't think too many will argue with me on this one. He has stepped up, got a starting spot and smashed Favre. He will get plenty of sacks with Dorsey's help. I expect big things for Mays. Let's hope he steps up in coverage.

I'll preview the AFC East tomorrow. Have fun discussing. Go Chiefs!