Posted on 5/25/2007 4:09:07 PM

NFL Betting - AFC West Divisional Odds

By Eric Williams

Unlike last season’s runaway division win by the San Diego Chargers, the 2007 race for AFC West supremacy could be closer than most people think.

As a matter of fact, I think more than one team will make a move for the better in this division, thereby altering the balance of power even if only minimally.

To win Outright the AFC West Division

San Diego Chargers -175

While the Chargers are the clear-cut favorites to win this division, I fully expect them to take at least one step backwards this season and possibly two. The Chargers draft this summer was so-so at best and with the loss of starters Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey, San Diego will be depending on their young backups to replace their veteran experience, a tough call for any newly named first-year starter.

While I think it is likely the Chargers will still win this division, I won’t be surprised at all if the Denver Broncos give them a real run for their money.

Denver Broncos +120

After a spectacular offseason, the Broncos have a legitimate chance towinning this division outright. Denver acquired a top-notch veteran cornerback in Dre Bly to replace the late Darrent Wiiliams and also added a new starting running back in Travis Henry who should flourish in Mike Shanahan’s perennially potent rushing attack. Quarterback Jay Cutler should be better with almost a full season of starting experience under his belt. He will be aided in his growth with the addition of former Indianapolis Colts sure-handed receiver Brandon Stokley and veteran David Terrell. They may fall just a tad short in the quest for a division title, but it won’t be by much.

Even so, bettors may want to take a good hard look at this +120 money line before wagering on the Chargers.

 

Year two under head coach Herman Edwards Should be a bit better than last season, but not much better. The Chiefs only helped themselves minimally by add Donnie Edwards from the Chargers and draft defensive tackle Turk McBride in the draft.

Wide receiver remains a problematic area and the offensive line is mediocre at best. Questions also surround the quarterback position where the Chiefs are expected to let go of veteran Trent Green,third place is absolutely perfect for the Chiefs in 2007.

Oakland Raiders +2000

While the Raiders added the super-gifted quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the first overall selection in this year’s draft, they still have far too many holes to compete with the best this division has to offer.

Having said that, there is absolutely no place to go but up for a team that went 0-6 in division play last season.

In addition to Russell, the Raiders also nabbed Quentin Moses. Mario Henderson and Michael Bush, three players who could all turn out to be first-rate players in the league and draft steals that will be remembered for years to come.

Of course, that’s looking into the future quite a bit but for now, one or two division wins on the way to maybe six total wins would be akin to reaching the Super Bowl for the Raiders right now.

2006 AFC West Division Standings

NFL Free Pick: Going against the Chargers here is probably not a real wise move, but don’t be surprised if the Broncos take this division race down to the final week or two and actually end up pulling it out.

The Chargers will soon find out that no matter how talented they are, head coach Norv Turner is better suited to being an offensive coordinator than a head coach.

The Chargers may not win Super Bowl XLII, but they will win the AFC West – by the slimmest of margins over the Broncos.

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