AFC West preview: Will Broncos stay dominant?

The countdown to kickoff is underway. As the NFL season approaches, we'll be breaking down each division and making wins projections for every team. Today: the AFC West.

1. Denver Broncos

COACH: John Fox
2014 PROJECTION: 11-5
2013 RECORD: 13-3
OVER/UNDER WINS: 11 1/2
ODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL: 6-1

First and goal: Peyton Manning has not left the building. Neither have Demaryius Thomas or TE Julius Thomas. The offensive line remains under strict orders to keep predators off the quarterback. RB Montee Ball will be counted upon to replace Knowshon Moreno. The return from injury of OLB Von Miller and signings of OLB DeMarcus Ware and S T.J. Ward upgrades the pass rush and adds much-needed toughness on defense. CB Aqib Talib was stolen from the Patriots. What No.1 pick CB Bradley Roby lacks in experience replacing Champ Bailey, he makes up for in physicality and athleticism.

Fourth and long: Wes Welker has three concussions since last November. Peyton will miss WR Eric Decker, who is more dependable than Emmanuel Sanders. Brandon Marshall (not that one) replaces ILB Danny Trevathan (fractured tibia) until Oct. 4 at least. There have been auditions for the kick-returner job. PK Matt Prater's big leg will be missed while he serves a four-game suspension.

2. San Diego Chargers

COACH: Mike McCoy
2014 PROJECTION: 9-7
2013 RECORD: 9-7
OVER/UNDER WINS: 8
ODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL: 33-1

First and goal: Philip Rivers was the Comeback Kid under Mike McCoy and the departed Ken Whisenhunt. Keenan Allen emerged as his Go-To Guy and Malcom Floyd, back healthy, joins TEs Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green as towering targets. And it sure is nice having little Danny Woodhead in reserve behind Ryan Mathews, who is a 1,200-yard back running behind T D.J. Fluker. No. 1 pick CB Jason Verrett has the quickness to cover slot receivers (think: Wes Welker) and Brandon Flowers bolsters a deep secondary (think: Peyton Manning). A healthy Melvin Ingram and Dwight Freeney, still hungry at 34, for an entire season should give quarterbacks agita along with Corey Liuget.

Fourth and long: The pass rush (35 sacks) and the run defense remain issues, and Manti Te'o, recovering from a toe woe, isn't making that up.

3. Oakland Raiders

COACH: Dennis Allen
2014 PROJECTION: 7-9
2013 RECORD: 4-12
OVER/UNDER WINS: 5
ODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL: 150-1

First and goal: Former Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano loves the continuity on his offensive line, with Donald Penn at left tackle replacing Jared Veldheer and ex-Jet Austin Howard making a seamless transition inside to right guard. WR James Jones headlines a deep-threat wide receiver group — if only Daryle Lamonica was the quarterback. Maurice Jones-Drew is motivated to prove there is still tread in those muscular tires, so all eggs don't have to be in injury-prone Darren McFadden's basket. No. 1 pick OLB Khalil Mack will help Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley and Antonio Smith get after Peyton Manning without defensive coordinator Jason Tarver having to blitz as much. The kicking game (Sebastian Janikowski) should be better if he recovers from the culture shock of punter Marquette King replacing Shane Lechler as holder. Strong safety Tyvon Branch returns from injury to complement wise old Charles Woodson.

Fourth and long: Matt Schaub's arm strength is a concern, not to mention his pick-six propensity. CB D.J. Hayden, the 2013 No.1 pick, can't stay on the field, so Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown are the starters. The return game is guilty until proven innocent. The schedule is murder (1st in strength of schedule, .578 opponents winning percentage).

4. Kansas City Chiefs

COACH: Andy Reid
2014 PROJECTION: 7-9
2013 RECORD: 11-5
OVER/UNDER WINS: 8
ODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL: 50-1

First and goal: Jamaal Charles, the 19-TD dual threat out of the backfield, is The Straw That Stirs Alex Smith's Measured Drink. Top pick OLB Dee Ford gives defensive coordinator Bob Sutton pass rush depth behind Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. Special teams under coordinator Dave Toub have traditionally been a strength. S Eric Berry better be recovered from heel tendinitis. TE Travis Kelce, a matchup nightmare, looks like a playmaker. Rookie RB/returner De'Anthony Thomas is electric.

Fourth and goal: The offensive line is a source of consternation following free agent departures and RT Donald Stephenson's four-game suspension. LT Eric Fisher, the top overall pick in the 2013 draft, is a work in progress replacing Branden Albert. WR Dwayne Bowe is suspended for the opener. Second-year CB Marcus Cooper must replace jettisoned Brandon Flowers, and does CB Sean Smith (offseason DUI) have his head on straight?