The AFC West is set to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL in 2017. Two teams made the playoffs a season ago while all four teams have their eyes set on the postseason this year. The Kansas City Chiefs are the defending AFC West champions but the Oakland Raiders are the favorites to win it this season. The Denver Broncos still have a dominant defense while the Los Angeles Chargers are hoping to avoid more bad injury luck and remain in contention. It should be a knock-down, drag-out fight throughout the season to see which team comes out on top. The Raiders hope to be that team and have a good chance.
AFC West Odds at BookMaker.eu
Oakland Raiders +150
Kansas City Chiefs +255
Los Angeles Chargers +296
Denver Broncos +432
Why the Oakland Raiders Will Win the AFC West
The Raiders went 12-4 last season and only a late injury to star quarterback Derek Carr could derail a promising season. Oakland secured a wild card berth but without Carr weren’t competitive in a loss to the Houston Texans.
Carr is back in the fold and the expectations are high. Star wide receiver Amari Cooper and elite pass-rusher Khalil Mack are entering their prime along with Carr, and with the core back, it’s easy to see why the Raiders are the favorites.
Oakland is getting a boost after it signed Marshawn Lynch to be the running back. “Beast Mode” retired before the 2016 season and didn’t play but is now back on the field. He is from Oakland and wanted to wrap up his career with the Raiders. He seems to be in line for a big year running behind one of the best offensive lines in football.
The Raiders had seven Pro Bowlers and three All-Pros a season ago and with so many key players back more success is expected. Oakland does not have an easy schedule but if Carr continues to improve the Raiders should have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball to remain competitive week in and week out.
Why the Oakland Raiders Won't Win the AFC West
There is no doubt the Raiders will be in the mix, but it doesn’t mean they are a slam dunk to win the division. Oakland may have won 12 games a season ago, but it had a lot of close wins and based on its point-differential, Oakland outperformed expectations.
If the Raiders don’t do as well in close games in 2017, they may not win as many games even though the roster is arguably more talented than a year ago. They are also facing some stiff competition in the division.
The Chiefs return an elite defense and enough pieces on offense to once again make a push for the postseason. The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl two seasons ago and have a great defense. Denver has some issues at quarterback, but if Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch can step up, the Broncos will be right back in the race for the AFC West. The San Diego Chargers have not had much success of late but Philip Rivers is still one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL and the defense is getting better.
The Raiders’ trio of Carr, Mack and Cooper is impressive, as each has blossomed into a star. The presence of Lynch helps and there are a lot of good pieces around them. However, a lot went right for this team in 2016 until Carr went down with the injury.
Even if Carr stays healthy this year, a division title is not in the bag. The AFC West is competitive and Oakland wasn’t as good as its record a season ago. The odds are too favorable for this to be an attractive wager, as the Broncos are better value.
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