5 Reasons the Oakland Raiders Can Win the AFC West

Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52), cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) and cornerback David Amerson (29) at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52), cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) and cornerback David Amerson (29) at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 7, 2016; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) during mini camp drills at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) during mini camp drills at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Denver Broncos got worse

Last season the Broncos rode a historically great defense to the Super Bowl. However, that defense lost some key pieces this offseason. Defensive tackle Malik Jackson signed with the up and coming Jaguars and Linebacker Danny Trevathan signed with the Chicago Bears. The Broncos are also expected to start some new bigs on the offensive line.

Denver starts their season with three tough opponents in a row: at home vs. Panthers, home vs. Colts, and at Cincinnati to play the Bengals. That’s potentially a 0-3 start right there. On top of that, the Broncos might have the worst QB in the division. Scratch that, the Broncs might have the worst QB in the whole league. That’s right, folks. Mark Sanchez will probably be the starter for Denver come week 1. Mark. Sanchez. Mr. Butt fumble.

With the reigning AFC West champions going through a major overhaul, the division crown is up for grabs. Expect the Raiders to be right there in December with a chance to win the AFC West for the first time in over a decade.

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