Unlucky Raiders could shine while Chargers may be a factor

Denver Broncos
Super Bowl odds 33-1
2016 record 9-7
Coach Vance Joseph
QB Trevor Siemian
RB CJ Anderson
Major ins G Ron Leary, OT Menelik Watson
Major outs LB DeMarcus Ware, OT Russell Okung
Top draft picks OT Garett Bolles (1), DE DeMarcus Walker (2)

Verdict The Broncos have concerns at quarterback and a weak offensive line but we have been here before and it didn't stop them winning the Super Bowl two seasons ago.

Trevor Siemian needs to prove himself and running back CJ Anderson must stay healthy if they are to take some of the burden off their defence.

Linebacker Von Miller remains a top performer and the secondary is as good as the league has, but they need to get things going offensively if they are going to have an impact in a tough division and it could be beyond them.

Other AFC divisions

AFC East

AFC North

AFC South

AFC divisional tips

Kansas City Chiefs
Super Bowl odds 28-1
2016record 12-4
Coach Andy Reid
QB Alex Smith
RB Kareem Hunt
Major ins RB CJ Spiller, DT Bennie Logan
Major outs DT Dontari Poe, RB Knile Davis
Top draft picks QB Patrick Mahomes (1), DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (2)

Verdict The Chiefs have got to the playoffs in three of the last four years but have not been able to progress further.

Their followers should have at least another year of quarterback Alex Smith as first-rounder Patrick Mahomes is considered a work in progress. Running back Spencer Ware has undergone knee surgery, which is a blow and while Tyreek Hill had an explosive first season, he will be busy after the departure of Jeremy Maclin.

Fortunately they have one of the best tight ends in Travis Kelce. Once again, it will be up to the talented defence to get them into contention and they should be in the divisional mix.

Los Angeles Chargers
Super Bowl odds 66-1
2016record 5-11
Coach Anthony Lynn
QB Philip Rivers
RB Melvin Gordon
Major ins OT Russell Okung, RB Kenjon Barner
Major outs RB Danny Woodhead, OT DJ Fluker
Top draft picks WR Mike Williams (1), G Forrest Lamp (2)

Verdict The Chargers will be playing in unfamiliar surroundings after 56 years in San Diego, but they can make a decent impression in LA.

Injuries ruined their chances last year and left Philip Rivers virtually having to fend for himself, but he will be delighted to have a receiver of Mike Williams' potential at his disposal.

The offensive line has also been upgraded and there is huge scope of improvement from running back Melvin Gordon and tight end Hunter Henry. Special teams is a weakness but the Chargers should be more competitive this year in a tough division.

Oakland Raiders
Super Bowl odds 18-1
2016record 12-4
Coach Jack Del Rio
QB Derek Carr
RB Marshawn Lynch
Major ins RB Marshawn Lynch, TE Jared Cook
Major outs RB Latavius Murray, DT Dan Williams
Top draft picks CB Gareon Conley (1), S Obi Melifonwu (2)

Verdict Any hopes of Oakland winning the Super Bowl last year were scuppered by quarterback Derek Carr's broken leg, but he's fighting fit now and should receive good protection from a fine blocking unit.

Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are excellent receiving outlets and new tight end Jared Cook should share the load. The signing of former Seahawk Marshawn Lynch is intriguing as he hasn't played for a year but he could still have a big impact.

Khalil Mack leads a strong defence and it would be no surprise if the Raiders proved to be one of the leading lights in the AFC this season.

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter@racingpostsport