The Kansas City Chiefs are going through a big transition right now also, and I just don't see them challenging for the division crown either. Although Trent Green was a good pick up, I'm not convinced that Priest Holmes is going to be the type of running back that can carry an offense.

The Seattle Seahawks made a lot of headlines with their free agent signings, but this team needs too many things to go right if they are to make a run at the playoffs. Although Matt Hasselbeck appears to have all the tools, he is completely unproven as an NFL starting quarterback. You also have to wonder how much longer guys like John Randle, Levon Kirkland, and Marcus Robertson can continue to make a significant contribution.

The Oakland Raiders are a quality team with one of the best, young coaching staffs in the NFL. The biggest concern I have with the Raiders is at quarterback. Until last season, Rich Gannon had been very unspectacular and inconsistent. Has Rich Gannon arrived as a top-notch quarterback, or was last season a fluke? If he does not play somewhere near last year's level, the Raiders will not repeat as division champs.

The Denver Broncos are looking very much like a team that will make a serious run in the playoffs. They have the best running game in the league and, by far, the deepest group of quarterbacks. An injury at either of these positions will not mean a significant drop in production. The addition of Ray Rhodes as the defensive coordinator, along with several key free agent signings, should go a long way toward shoring up a defense that was inconsistent against the run last year.

My prediction for the AFC West…