Bengals/Chargers/Broncos

The AFC seems wide open this year, as many teams have a shot. Through the first four weeks, a few teams have started to separate themselves from the rest. I will analyze the three teams I believe have the best chance to win the AFC.

Cincinnati Bengals (3-0)

The Cincinnati Bengals have been steadily improving over the last four years and they seem to be capable of competing for a title this year. They appear to be the most complete team in the league. They are seventh in the NFL in total offense (384 ypg) and sixth in ppg (26.7). They have one of the best collections of skill players in the league, featuring QB Andy Dalton, RB Giovanni Bernard, and WR A.J. Green. Dalton is not putting up astronomical QB numbers (722 yards, 2 TDs), but he only has one turnover. For a team built like this, protecting the ball is paramount. The Bengals are middle of the pack in yards allowed, but are first in scoring defense (11 ppg), and second in third down defense (32%). DE Carlos Dunlap has three sacks, which is tied for sixth in the league. They, however, are 29^th in 3^rd down offense. This could haunt them moving forward. Green has been banged up so far this year. He is a top three receiver in the NFL when healthy. When he feels right, his presence will bolster the offense even more.

San Diego Chargers (3-1)

The San Diego Chargers have looked impressive thus far, highlighted by their week 2 win over Seattle. Some thought QB Philip Rivers was washed up two years ago when the Chargers were struggling, but I thought otherwise. I did not believe that Norv Turner was capable of being a head coach, and the team suffered. When Mike McCoy took over, I felt that a new voice would erase some past demons. They finished last year 9-7, and they picked up where they left off this year. Rivers is sixth in passing yards (1,155) and fourth in touchdowns (9).  Keenan Allen has been doing a good job of leading the receiving core, and veteran TE Antonio Gates has looked healthier than he has in some time. The Charger defense is ninth in ypg and fifth in ppg. They are sixth in the league in sacks with 10. Their interior is led by MLB Donald Butler, DE Cory Liuget, and former UConn star Kendall Reyes. They bolstered their secondary this offseason when they added ex-Chief Brandon Flowers. The team appears to be very complete outside of one glaring hole; the running game. What was though to be a three-headed monster at running back is down to one at the moment. Danny Woodhead is out for the year, and Ryan Mathews is out for at least a few more weeks. This leaves ex-Husky Donald Brown as the only legitimate runner they have right now. Their 69.5 rushing ypg is second to last in the league. This needs to be cleaned up, but the Chargers have as much of a chance as anyone to win the AFC.

Denver Broncos (2-1)

The Denver Broncos are probably most people’s favorite to win the AFC, and it is obvious why. The passing offense that Peyton Manning orchestrates has been stellar his whole career. Their offense has been down statistically though. Their 339.2 ypg is way down from the 45.7 they finished wit last year. These numbers will improve, however, because they played two elite defenses in Seattle and Kansas City. This could also be due to the absence of Wes Welker, who became Manning’s safety blanket last year. The defense is improved. They still let up a lot of yards, but they only allow 22.3 ppg. This is good for a team who throws as much as Denver. Like San Diego, they have trouble running the ball (75.3 ypg). Montee Ball is improving in his second year, but a huge void was left by the departure of Knowshon Moreno. Denver will win a lot because of their high-flying offense, but they need to be more physical in order to beat a team like the Seahawks. The running game needs to get better for this to happen.