NFL 2015: AFC West preview

BRONCOS

COACH: GARY KUBIAK

First season

LAST SEASON: 12-4, won division, lost to Indianapolis, 24-13, in divisional playoff

OUTLOOK: Peyton Manning did plenty of soul-searching after last year's late-season struggles and playoff failure, but he felt good enough to give it at least one more run. Won't be easy, though. Not only are there questions about whether Manning's game is on the downside, but he's adjusting to new coach Kubiak's run-oriented system. Defense should be fine, as long as pass rushers DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller stay healthy and DBs Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward (who is suspended for the opening game) play up to expectations.

CHIEFS

COACH: ANDY REID

Third season (20-12, .625)

LAST SEASON: 9-7, tied for second in division

OUTLOOK: One of the most disturbing stats of the year: the Chiefs had zero -- yes, zero -- touchdowns by a wide receiver the entire 2014 season. It was a big reason they regressed to 9-7 after getting to the playoffs the year before. Enter Jeremy Maclin, who was drafted by Reid when he coached the Eagles. It's a major addition for an offense that struggled getting down the field, and QB Alex Smith will be better for Maclin's presence. The defense is terrific, led by pass rushers Justin Houston, who just re-upped on a long-term deal, and veteran Tamba Hali.

CHARGERS

COACH: MIKE McCOY

Third season (18-14, .563)

LAST SEASON: 9-7, tied for second in division

OUTLOOK: The Chargers are still all-in with Philip Rivers, who was signed to a contract extension over the summer, despite his reservations about whether the Chargers will be moving to the Los Angeles market. Rivers remains one of the league's most dynamic passers, but it's the addition of first-round RB Melvin Gordon that should really help Rivers thrive. It presents the threat of a better play-action passing game. Defense is a question mark, with only Melvin Ingram a reliable pass-rushing threat.

RAIDERS

COACH: JACK DEL RIO

First season

LAST SEASON: 3-13, fourth in division

OUTLOOK: Del Rio gets another shot as a head coach, and he inherits a team with at least some promise. Second-year QB Derek Carr showed plenty of improvement last season, and he now has an elite receiving threat in Amari Cooper, the former Alabama star. LB Khalil Mack, last year's first-round pick, is one of the best young defenders in the game. Ageless S Charles Woodson provides good veteran leadership. Should be a better year in Oakland, even if it may not end with a playoff berth.

By Bob Glauber

Special to NewsdayBobGlauber

Bob Glauber retired in 2022 after covering the NFL for nearly 40 years. He was selected in 2021 for the Bill Nunn Career Achievement Award by the Pro Football Writers of America, and is a three-time winner of the New York State Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. President of the PFWA for the 2018-20 seasons, he is the author of “The Forgotten First” and “Guts and Genius.”