NFL Quarterly Review: AFC West

AFC West

MVP: Peyton Manning

Manning has lived up to the hype in 2012

If it weren’t for the egg Manning laid against the Falcons (he was bad for 3 quarters, at least), he would have unreal numbers on the year. As it stands, his numbers are just really good instead of awesome. The Broncos can live with that. Heading into the year, I was one of the many who thought there was no way Peyton was going to come back and be the same player he was before his plethora of neck surgeries. Well, Manning has shut me up. Although, his arm does look a little weak, doesn’t it?...

LVP:  Darren McFadden

It seems like people are expecting big things out of McFadden every year. It seems like Run DMC disappoints every year, too. He’s averaging 3.5 yard per carry, and just plain doesn’t  look good. McFadden has to step his game up heading into the heart of the season, as so far the Raiders offense has put way to much pressure on Carson Palmer (4th in the league in pass attempts).

Player to Watch: Philip Rivers

Last year was a bad one for Rivers, as he set a career high in interceptions, while also seeing his touchdown total, completion percentage, yards per attempt, and QB rating all fall from the previous year. Going forward, though, I think Rivers will prove that last season was an anomaly. The Chargers are atop the division, and in a lot of ways its because of Rivers, and his quiet-but-really-pretty-good season.

Rivers is quietly putting together a great season

Division Winner: San Diego Chargers

I don’t know exactly what it is, but there’s something about this team I like. Usually terrible starters, Norv Turner has somehow got the Bolts to a 3-1 record after 4 weeks, looking back at the rest of the division. The Chargers have a way easier schedule than the Broncos–the other threat for the division title—and have looked passable on both the offensive and defensive side. If Rivers can maintain his high level of play, and the defense continues to show up every week, the Chargers could surprise a lot of people and take the division.

Division Dog: Kansas City Chiefs

Every time I see Matt Cassel play, I wonder how the hell Kansas City is still sticking with him under center. He’s just so obviously mediocre to me, I can’t understand how members of the Chiefs coaching staff don’t see it as well. It doesn’t really matter, I guess. The rest of the team is just as mediocre as Cassel, and won’t make much noise the rest of the year.