2014 NFL futures betting: Breaking down the AFC West

12 years ago

Christopher Hanewinckel / Reuters

Entering the 2013 season, the four AFC West teams each ranked in the bottom-five in the league in strength of schedule.

The conference enjoyed a revival in 2013, standing alone as the only division in football to send three teams to the playoffs. Now, entering the 2014 season, each team ranks inside the top-seven in strength of schedule.

It was the Denver Broncos who stood atop the division at the end of the year, and oddsmakers consider them strong favorites to accomplish that feat again this season, as seen in the odds comparison below.

AFC West odds	BetOnline	Bovada	Pinnacle
Denver Broncos	-360	-300	-340
San Diego Chargers	+550	+500	+531
Kansas City Chiefs	+600	+600	+639
Oakland Raiders	+3000	+1800	+3172

Odds courtesy BetOnline, Bovada, Pinnacle.

Denver Broncos

Since Peyton Manning's arrival in Denver, the fate of the Broncos' offense has rested squarely on his shoulders. Manning will be 38-and-a-half years old come Week 1 and isn't likely to replicate last season's record-breaking output, but with that said, the Bronco offense could be just as explosive this season as it was last.

The big reason is the likely upgrade at running back, where Montee Ball, the Division I-FBS record-holder for most career rushing touchdowns, figures to be a greater contributor than Knowshon Moreno ever was. Emmanuel Sanders should fill in nicely for Eric Decker at wide receiver, and the return of Ryan Clady frees up Orlando Franklin to slide over to left guard, a move that should bolster the team's running game even further.

With the team's Super Bowl window closing quickly, general manager John Elway went out and re-tooled the team's defense. Denver's defensive front is as deep as any unit in football, and the secondary received a big boost in talent with the additions of Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward through free agency, and the selection of cornerback Bradley Roby, an Ohio State alum who had no business lasting until the 31st pick.

San Diego Chargers

Mike McCoy's passing scheme was like a shot of adrenaline for the career of Philip Rivers, who looked like his old self in 2013. Ryan Mathews owes McCoy some props as well, and a hat tip to Danny Woodhead while he's at it. The offense appears poised to take another step forward in 2014, with youngsters like Keenan Allen and Ladarius Green ready to take the leap.

Defensively, a group that finished the year as the league's 23rd-ranked unit should be much improved. The San Diego secondary was far too permissive a year ago, but the additions of Brandon Flowers and Jason Verrett will help in that department.

They also have the best fight song in the league, bar none.

Kansas City Chiefs

No AFC West team took advantage of its soft schedule last season the way the Chiefs did. Andy Reid's squad jumped out to a 9-0 start to the year while facing only one playoff team (Philadelphia) along the way. They then ended their season with losses in six of their final eight games, including playoffs.

Jamaal Charles was a major bright spot. Reid gave Charles his best opportunity yet to stretch out his legs and the six-year pro responded with career-highs in receptions, receiving yards, total yards and total touchdowns, all while finishing third in the NFL in rushing. That came at the expense of Dwayne Bowe and the team's passing game. That the Chiefs' offense is so one-dimensional will surely catch up with the team sooner or later.

Defensively, the Chiefs should have little trouble getting to the quarterback, with Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Dontari Poe and now 23rd-overall selection Dee Ford wreaking havoc up front. The issues will come in the secondary, where journeymen Husain Abdullah and Ron Parker figure to play key roles.

Oakland Raiders

Isn't it just like the Raiders to be talking about the Super Bowl in advance of a season in which they figure to have difficulty staying out of the basement? The team has brought in Matt Schaub and Maurice Jones-Drew - staples of any good fantasy football team circa 2009.

The defense added Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley, again, moves that come a few years late. Also, Charles Woodson will play in the secondary, adding further credence to the theory that this roster was assembled by a 13-year-old playing Madden 15 after not watching any football for five years, picking and choosing players whose names they recognize.

Where to put your money

No one will question anyone's decision to back the Broncos when betting the AFC West. They may be the class of the AFC, let alone the division, but this is by no means the kind of sure thing that a line of -300 or higher would indicate.

The Chargers have had the Broncos' number over the last two years, even if they only have a 1-4 record to show for it. San Diego's schedule will be a hair easier to navigate than Denver's and, at +550 on BetOnline, they offer too much value to pass up.