AFC West Division Odds
(The Spread) – The Denver Broncos rolled to an AFC West Division crown last season and they’re favored once again heading into preseason this year.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Broncos are -400 money line favorites to win the AFC West in 2013-14, while the Chiefs have the next best odds at +550 and the Chargers are +600. The Raiders, meanwhile, have the worst odds to win the AFC West at +2000.
Barring injury, the Broncos will enter Week 1 with the most talent of any team in the AFC. Peyton Manning returns for his second season and he’ll have a new weapon to throw to in receiver Wes Welker (Patriots), as well as a new running back in rookie Montee Ball. While the defense lost pass rusher Elvis Dumervil to the Ravens and Von Miller is facing a possible suspension, Denver has enough on defense to make a run at the Super Bowl. The Broncos are the clear-cut favorite to win the AFC West and are a title contender heading into preseason.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, upgraded at head coach after hiring Andy Reid. They also upgraded at quarterback where Alex Smith was acquired from the 49ers as the team finally moved on from former starter Matt Cassel. The team also drafted Eric Fisher with the No. 1 overall pick and retained left tackle Branden Albert to ensure that both Smith and Jamaal Charles will benefit from a skilled offensive line. But while this team has talent, it remains to be seen if the Chiefs can overtake the Broncos in this division.
As for the Chargers, they have a new head coach in former Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, a new offensive coordinator in former Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt, and a new GM in former Colts personnel man Tom Telesco. The problem is that former GM A.J. Smith hasn’t had much success in the draft of late and the roster is largely devoid of talent. Philip Rivers’ play has also declined over the years and he could struggle lining up behind one of the worst offensive lines in football. It would be a long shot if San Diego were to win the AFC West this season.
Speaking of long shots, the Raiders are more likely to challenge for the No. 1 overall pick than they are the AFC West crown. The team traded Carson Palmer to Arizona this offseason and then acquired quarterback Matt Flynn from the Seahawks. This is one of the least talented teams in football and they’re likely to challenge the Jaguars for the worst record in the NFL, unless Flynn has a miracles season (which we don’t envision happening).
2014 AFC West Division Odds to Win
Denver Broncos -400
Kansas City Chiefs +550
San Diego Chargers +600
Oakland Raiders +2000
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