1. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS:

3 KEYS ENTERING 2008

1. GET HEALTHY: On paper the Chargers are talented as any team in the league but for the bolts to get back to the AFC Championship game, they need to get Phillip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates healthy. The depth was better two years ago so them being on the field is imperative.

2. DEFENSE MUST BECOME AN ELITE GROUP: Defensively the Chargers have the talent to win the Super Bowl but this unit has not played up to that level. There is no question the defense took a step back under Ted Cottrell so it important that they get back to the level they were playing at in 2005-06. If they, do this team should 13 games and at the very least stay in the conversation as a Super Bowl contender.

3. COACHING: There were question marks as to whether or not Norv Turner was the right guy for the job heading into 2007. Well Turner silenced his critics after leading the Chargers to the AFC championship game but there is still doubt as to whether or not he can get this team to a Super Bowl. Well, this is the year to prove it and if Turner doesn’t get them there, his tenure could be a failure.

IN THE END: The Chargers are as good as anybody on paper but paper as we know doesn’t win games so this team needs to prove that they belong in the elite team conversation. The running game and defense will be good but until the passing game evolves and Philip Rivers takes the so-called next step, this team can’t be a lock to get to Tampa.11-13 wins are obviously in the cards but can they win 16 and hold up the Lombardi trophy.

2. DENVER BRONCOS

3 KEYS ENTERING 2008

1. RUNNING GAME QUESTIONS MARKS: With Mike Bell and Travis Henry gone, the Broncos are going into the season with Selvin Young and Andre Hall as their two tailbacks. Young proved he can lug it last season but did he do enough to prove he can be the starter. Gray is a better fit the zone the dominant system the Broncos run because of his size. Either way you look at it, Mike Shanahan is placing a lot of faith in his system and is banking on two unproven commodities getting the load of the carries.

2. DEFENSE NEEDS TO IMPROVE: The Broncos defense was terrible last season and if the broncos are to return to the playoffs, they are going to have to play better defensively. New DC Bob Slowik has had success in the past and he will use his pieces well. The line backing corp. is radically different with the additions of free agents Boss Bailey and Niko Koutouvides. Both add athleticism and they should be faster as a whole. The key will be can a small, undermanned defensive line provide enough of a pass rush for a loaded secondary?

3. CONSISTENCY: The Broncos need to develop some consistency on both sides of the ball. As good as Jay Cutler was last season, tried to fit the ball too much at times and threw picks. With Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler emerging as his top two targets, he should have more confidence and make better decisions. The running game will be a question mark and as previously mentioned, the defense will be the focal point heading into the season.

IN THE END: Believe it or not, this is a big year for Mike Shanahan. Although he has the trust of owner Pat Bowlen, the pressure of starting to mount and not making the playoffs is not an option. The roster is not as talented as in years past, so making the playoffs in a crowded AFC with a subpar roster will be tough. 9-7 is a realistic record but I doubt that’s going to get it done.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

3 KEYS ENTERING 2008

IN THE END: I hate to say it, but Al Davis is sensing the end is near and he decided to shoot his proverbial load into free agency and try to buy a contender. That’s all good but football is the ultimate team sport and good chemistry is the key. Free agency upgrades your roster but it doesn’t bring chemistry necessarily. There is no question the Raiders will be better but with a young quarterback and a lot of new pieces along with a coach on the hot seat, 7-9 is about as good as they’ll do.

4. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

3 KEYS ENTERING 2008:

1. BRODIE CROYLE MUST EMERGE: The Chiefs have put all of their eggs in Brodie Croyle’s basket and now he must prove that he can stay healthy and become the starting quarterback of this team. Croyle has an NFL arm and comes from a quarterback family but size, decision making and his health are all question marks. If they can run the ball effectively with Larry Johnson and the offensive line can do a better job than last season, Croyle could develop into a good starter but not great.

2. YOUTH IS SERVED: The Chiefs claim they aren’t rebuilding but they could potentially be starting five rookie including OG Branden Albert at left tackle, DT Glenn Dorsey, CB Brandon Flowers, OT Barry Richardson and possible DaJuan Morgan at free safety. Notr for nothing but if your not rebuilding, than why are so many rookie going to play? Its one thing to lie to yourselves but you won’t fool a seasoned fan base like this!

3.GET LJ BACK HEALTHY: If the Chiefs are going to do anything in 2008, they need a healthy Larry Johnson. Johnson missed the last five weeks of the season with a broken foot and his return is essential if this team is going to emerge as a dark horse competitor in the AFC.

IN THE END: In the end, the Chiefs will be bad to mediocre at best. The offensive line is a mess, the quarterback situation is uncertain and the defense isn’t good enough. Although both GM Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards aren’t admitting that this is a rebuilding situation, it is! If K.C goes 5-11 or 6-10, I hate to say it Chiefs fans, but that’s a good year with the talent they have!