Here's something to consider...

[bombquixote]

If we don't win the division, Oakland does. They are the most balanced team in the AFCw and Kiffin has lit the sort of fire under their ass that hasn't been seen since Gruden left.

Personally, although I hate them, I love that the Raiders might be back. The broncs/raiders rivalry is one of the best in football, and it's been kind of sad to see them with a kick-me sign hung around their neck year in and year out. Like a once fearsome enemy lying drunk and homeless in the gutter...I loved those broncs/raiders games when you actually have NO IDEA who was going to win, and they go out there and play not for love the game, not to win, not for paychecks, but for pure hatred and the desire to kill each other. THAT's the sort of football I miss.

[That One Guy]

Originally Posted by bombquixote

If we don't win the division, Oakland does. They are the most balanced team in the AFCw and Kiffin has lit the sort of fire under their ass that hasn't been seen since Gruden left.

Personally, although I hate them, I love that the Raiders might be back. The broncs/raiders rivalry is one of the best in football, and it's been kind of sad to see them with a kick-me sign hung around their neck year in and year out. Like a once fearsome enemy lying drunk and homeless in the gutter...I loved those broncs/raiders games when you actually have NO IDEA who was going to win, and they go out there and play not for love the game, not to win, not for paychecks, but for pure hatred and the desire to kill each other. THAT's the sort of football I miss.

Even in their worst of years, the Raiders fought and scratched their way through Broncos games. It made for good competition but, I'll admit, I was a generally satisfied when I knew that the Raiders would find a way to mess it up by the end of the game.

[telluride]

Not quite ready to crown the Raiders yet. It's doubtful that Dante can last a full season. But anything's possible. Including the notion that the Broncs' defense starts to gel a bit in the second half of the season.

One certainty, though. No wildcard from the AFCW. If we want the playoffs, we have to win the division outright.

[boltaneer]

Oakland can't pass the ball to save their lives.

They're surviving because of their ability to run the ball this year but they haven't played any good run defenses yet. When they do, they're going to be in trouble unless Dante Culpepper magically gains an ability to read a defense.

[NYBronco]

I'm interested to see how long it takes good ole uncle Al to sour the relationship between himself and Kiffin.

[BroncoInSkinland]

I don't think the Raiders have risen from the grave just yet. They are on the way up, but they still stink on ice. Despite an early stumble, a home loss to the Chiefs, and a current last place standing, I think SD is still the team to beat in the division. If you take away the "Norvisation" of the Chargers, they have far more talent than the Raiders on both sides of the ball. A lof of ifs there I know, but I think at the end of the season the Chargers have a better record than both the Faid and the Chorfs.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

The most balanced? Sorry, I don't buy any bit of Oakland's resurgence on offense. Look at the crappy defenses they've faced:

Miami
Denver
Cleveland
Detroit

They're gonna have to do something against a good defense before I'm impressed. And their defense right now looks like it was way overrated last year. 27th so far.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Well, we know for certain that the Chefs ain't worth a turd, so that's something in the Raiders favor.

[jeffmatt007]

Originally Posted by Bob's your Information Minister

The most balanced? Sorry, I don't buy any bit of Oakland's resurgence on offense. Look at the crappy defenses they've faced:

Miami
Denver
Cleveland
Detroit

They're gonna have to do something against a good defense before I'm impressed. And their defense right now looks like it was way overrated last year. 27th so far.

Good post Bob, although i do disagree with you in that i think that its a four man race not a two man race.

[boltaneer]

No team in the AFC West is truly balanced right now. 2-2 wouldn't be leading the division if it was.

[Wes Mantooth]

For the love of God, we better win OAK away. If it is the only other game we win all year, we better win that game.

[Bronco Billy]

Originally Posted by yoakum3

For the love of God, we better win OAK away. If it is the only other game we win all year, we better win that game.

I'd settle for 11-1 and losing to Oak.

[Crushaholic]

Originally Posted by cah412

Even in their worst of years, the Raiders fought and scratched their way through Broncos games. It made for good competition but, I'll admit, I was a generally satisfied when I knew that the Raiders would find a way to mess it up by the end of the game.

Exactly. The Raiders game has been competitive for the last few years...

[Hogan11]

Originally Posted by bombquixote

Personally, although I hate them, I love that the Raiders might be back. The broncs/raiders rivalry is one of the best in football, and it's been kind of sad to see them with a kick-me sign hung around their neck year in and year out. Like a once fearsome enemy lying drunk and homeless in the gutter...I loved those broncs/raiders games when you actually have NO IDEA who was going to win, and they go out there and play not for love the game, not to win, not for paychecks, but for pure hatred and the desire to kill each other. THAT's the sort of football I miss.

I disagree..the last few years of Oakland futility have been savored by me like a fine wine. I hate that franchise soooooo much that I'd like to see it blown up in the morning. The hatred has always existed between the franchises....but to me, I like to think of this Oakland down period as Karma for the early years when the Broncos were Oakland's doormat season in and out.

Screw them...I hope they suck for the next 50 years.

[SoCalBronco]

The AFC West Champion will most likely be a sacrificial lamb either at home in their first round playoff game, or on the road in their second round playoff game, if they were to somehow win a playoff game, so ultimately it is unlikely to be a big deal, anyway. These four teams are very,very flawed. The gap between whoever is the best of them and the AFC's likely third best division champion (the AFC Central winner, most probably, Pittsburgh) is huge (even though Pitt lost last week), to say nothing of the gap between that AFC West team and Indy/NE.

[tsiguy96]

i still think its amazing what a team who is basically improved in all aspects as far as PLAYERS is worse. crazy what losing a MLB and a DT can do for ya huh?

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by tsiguy96

i still think its amazing what a team who is basically improved in all aspects as far as PLAYERS is worse. crazy what losing a MLB and a DT can do for ya huh?

It has more to do with the scheme changing than anything else.

[Beantown Bronco]

Looking at Oakland's schedule after Thanksgiving, there is no way I can see them winning the division. They're 2-2 after a pretty easy stretch.....what will that record be when they actually face the cream of the crop?

[BroncoInSkinland]

Originally Posted by Beantown Bronco

Looking at Oakland's schedule after Thanksgiving, there is no way I can see them winning the division. They're 2-2 after a pretty easy stretch.....what will that record be when they actually face the cream of the crop?

Bingo. I Said elsewhere I can see them somehow lucking into 3 of the next six for a 5-5 record, but I dont think they will win a single game of the last 6. Oh well, 5-11 is much better than 2-14.

/chuckle at the Faids continuing struggles

[tsiguy96]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

It has more to do with the scheme changing than anything else.

or maybe it has to do with needing a more aggressive head coach.

[bombquixote]

Originally Posted by BroncoInSkinland

I don't think the Raiders have risen from the grave just yet. They are on the way up, but they still stink on ice. Despite an early stumble, a home loss to the Chiefs, and a current last place standing, I think SD is still the team to beat in the division. If you take away the "Norvisation" of the Chargers, they have far more talent than the Raiders on both sides of the ball. A lof of ifs there I know, but I think at the end of the season the Chargers have a better record than both the Faid and the Chorfs.

You might be right. Certainly the Chargers have real talent. But imo you simply can't, as you say, take away the "Norvisation" of that team. The guy's a great O cooridinator, but clearly implodes when he's got too much on his plate. And I sincerely doubt the added pressure that comes with letting your team fall to 1-3 is going to help his performance, and...I don't know, just whole vibe of the weepy Ladanian interview and a befuddled Gates makes me think this is a team that has let defeat lead to self-doubt instead of anger and determination. They are imploding, and Norv is not the vocal sort of leader who's going to get them focused and back on track.

I think it will be a tough game for us this weekend, but I think we probably win. If we do, that's all she wrote for San Diego. They're done.

And the Raiders, I see them as contenders by virtue of the rest of the division's weakness (just like the Broncos, actually). The Raiders have solid D (admittedly overrated, but solid), and their O is starting to come alive. They've got some talent, they just have to believe, and unlike San Diego, it seems they're beginning to.

As for Kansas City...HAHAHAHAHAHA!

[AtlantaBronco]

It is early in the season. Give it some time and the Faiders will do something stupid to ruin their season. Always have; always will.

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by tsiguy96

or maybe it has to do with needing a more aggressive head coach.

No. The scheme isn't the problem.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Why are people laughing at the Chiefs?

With Kennison back we have great weapons in the passing game. Bowe, Gonzalez and Kennison will force teams to remove extra men from the box. We've already seen how much improved the offensive line is. The offense is ascending.

Everyone here can acknowledge our defense is a force of nature.

I see the Chiefs winning the division.

[Bronx33]

Have another donut..