Peyton's in town, and that could either huge one way or the other for the Broncos. Are the Raiders ready to turn it around without Al Davis? Did the Chargers miss their window? Are the Chiefs 2010'2 version, or 2011's? Here's my AFC West preview:

There's a lot to like about this Chiefs team. Jamaal Charles was a big surprise in 2010, then came the big injury last year. If he's recovered completely, that will go a long way in determining the Chiefs 2012 campaign. Matt Cassel is not going to prove he's an "elite" quarterback, but he does an adequate enough job that he's at least not going to lose you a lot of games either. Dwayne Bowe is still the #1 receiver, but the Chiefs drafted Devon Wylie and hope Jonathon Baldwin or Rodney Hudson step up. Tony Moeaki is a great tight end, and he, like Charles, is coming back from a season-ending injury last year. Dontari Poe was drafted #1 at defensive tackle, and that will bolster a front seven that still needs work, but is improving. All last year's defense lost was Brandon Carr at corner. A lot of key players are returning from big injuries last year, but if recoveries go well, the Chiefs will recover significantly as a team.

No Al Davis for the first time ever. I think that will be more significant than you think with this year's Raiders. It's all on Darren McFadden. If he can stay on the field, the Raiders have a chance to improve on back-to-back 8-8 seasons and even make a play-off run. If he can't, the offensive production will be spotty and another season hovering at or around .500 is probably. Carson Palmer looked decent last year when he took over, but does he still have the goods to be considered a top flight quarterback? Are his receivers better than second tier, with Darrius Heyward-Bey and Donnarius Moore as his main targets? Once again, it's all on McFadden. The offense will live and die with him this year. Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour make a great defensive line that can get at the quarterback, but if they don't, the secondary may be a problem. There were some key free agent losses on the defensive side of the ball, and how fast the replacements come along will dictate how much damage this team can do. There's not much depth on this team, so if starters don't stay healthy, the team will take a dive quick.

Do you get the feeling the window has closed for the current version of the Chargers? They did finish last season 4-1, that's the good news. They did go on a six-game skid before that though. Phillip Rivers took a step backwards last year, but he's still got Antonio Gates over the middle. Malcom Floyd is the main receiving target, and Vincent Jackson is gone. Adding Eddie Royal and Robert Meachem could be interesting to watch, but it looks more to me like a corp of #2s. Ryan Mathews is the featured runningback, but his durability is a major concern. He's been overrated so far in his young career. Last year's defense allowed opponents to convert 3rd downs nearly 50 percent of the time. There's a very obvious lack of serious playmakers on D, but they did attempt to shore up that deficiency by drafting defense with the first three picks in this year's draft. All three will get a shot to earn starting spots right away. I would be concerned if none of them develop into quality players early. They'll get tested by high-powered offenses right away, with Atlanta and New Orleans on the schedule, and then the first look at Peyton Manning as a division opponent right after the trip to New Orleans.

I'm stating the obvious here, but every time Peyton Manning takes a big hit, the city of Denver will hold their collective breath and pray. Manning's neck is going to be on everyone's mind, mostly defenses of their opponents. Assuming all is well with the neck, I think a major return is in order this year for him. Willis McGahee will be interesting to watch, because if he plays as well as he did last year, the Broncos have some firepower. He's getting up there in years, but he surprised last year. Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas are poised to be household names. The Broncos offensive line is ready to protect, and seeing as how they wont have to wonder where their quarterback is every time the ball is snapped like they did with Tim Tebow, they'll know exactly where Manning is, being that he's such a pocket passer. The Broncos defense is solid. Losing DJ Williams to a six-game suspension to start the season will hurt though. We should find out a lot about this year's Broncos right off the bat, because they'll take on the Steelers opening night.

FINAL PREDICTION:

1. DENVER

2. KANSAS CITY

3. SAN DIEGO

4. OAKLAND