The AFC West was arguably one of the NFL’s worst divisions during the 2008 season. This fact alone led to one of the most wild offseasons in division history. The Chargers re-signed Sproles, the Raiders brought in an impact receiver, the Chiefs made a huge splash at QB, and the Broncos fired a legendary coach and ran their franchise quarterback out of town.

Will these wholesale changes be enough to make the AFC West relevant come playoff time, or will 2009 be another year of infamy for fans of this once great division?

1. San Diego Chargers

San Diego’s re-signing of Darren Sproles (85 OVR, 94 SPD) means that the Chargers offense will once again be far better eye candy than the Chargers cheerleaders. Sproles, along with LaDainian Tomlinson (94 OVR), Antonio Gates (95 OVR), Vincent Jackson (84 OVR), Philip Rivers (89 OVR) and Chris Chambers (78 OVR, 88 SPD) headline one of the best offenses in recent memory. Add in the fact that the Chargers offensive line is extremely strong -- Kris Dielman (92 OVR), Marcus McNeill (89 OVR), Nick Hardwick (89 OVR) -- and you have a multi-faceted offense that should score in bunches via the air and ground.

As if San Diego’s offense was not dominant enough, the defense could give even the most high-powered offenses fits come Sunday. Luis Castillo (89 OVR) and Jamal Williams (93 OVR) will anchor the line, while Shaun Phillips (89 OVR) and Shawne Merriman (89 OVR) will handle the linebacking duties with ease. There is some question about whether Merriman will be available come the start of the season because of his shot at love (or should I say choke at love) with Tila Tequila (OVR unknown). If he misses any time, it could potentially hurt the Chargers ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks until he returns -- the Chargers ranked 10th in the league in sacks in 2008 without Merriman (knee injury). Finally, Quentin Jammer (88 OVR) and Antonio Cromartie (84 OVR, 95 SPD) should shut down even the most dangerous wide-receiver tandems in the league.

The Chargers will run away with the AFC West this season, and don’t be surprised to see them playing come February -- this could be the team to beat as the season progresses.

2. Denver Broncos

The Broncos offseason was a complete train wreck. Mike Shanahan was let go, Jay Cutler was essentially let go, top pick Knowshon Moreno (81 OVR) and new starting QB Kyle Orton (74 OVR) went down with injuries during preseason, and Brandon Marshall (92 OVR) decided to go Manny Ramirez (-15 OVR) on the team, which led to an indefinite suspension. With all of these issues, how could anyone possibly think that the Broncos could finish second in this division? The answer: The Broncos always find a way to make the most out of what they have.

There’s a reason why the Broncos running backs, even no-name backs, have been consistently near the top of the NFL total yards list year in and year out: the Broncos offensive line. Ryan Clady (88 OVR), Casey Wiegmann (87 OVR) and Ben Hamilton (81 OVR) will all make life easier for whomever the Broncos decide to give the rock to. New head coach Josh McDaniels love for the pass will only help slot receiver Eddie Royal (82 OVR, 93 SPD), so look for him to have a great year if the team can find a QB that can stay healthy.

Denver will be tolerable on defense, and both Champ Bailey (96 OVR, 96 SPD) and Brian Dawkins (92 OVR) will make throwing downfield a gamble. The defensive line and linebacking corps are pretty average, with the lone bright spot being linebacker D.J. Williams (86 OVR).

I don’t see any reason why the Broncos can’t scrounge together at least six wins this season -- six wins should be enough to secure the second position in this division.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason when they acquired QB Matt Cassel (83 OVR), and also one of the biggest splashes of the preseason when Cassel went down with a MCL sprain. Aside from Cassel, the Chiefs are going to have to rely on Larry Johnson (88 OVR) and Dwayne Bowe (86 OVR) to avoid another year filled with anemic offensive performances. Brian Waters (94 OVR) and Branden Albert (84 OVR) solidify the left side of the offensive line, with Mike Goff (80 OVR) holding down the right side. The O-line will hopefully provide enough protection for Cassel, otherwise he may find himself being carted off the field.

There’s really not too much to say about the Chiefs defense other than that it is terrible. I almost feel bad for Mike Vrabel (81 OVR), who was traded from the Patriots to head up this rag-tag bunch in KC. Youngsters Glenn Dorsey (75 OVR) and Tyson Jackson (77 OVR) have the potential to create one of the better defensive-end combos in the league, and Brandon Flowers (77 OVR) brings some decent speed to the defensive backfield. Even with the veteran linebacker, young defensive ends and speedy cornerback, opposing teams have to be salivating while awaiting a chance to take a shot at the Chiefs defense. It’s too bad that the Saints don’t get a crack at KC, Drew Brees could break every single-game passing record.

At their best, the Chiefs are a four-win team in 2009. Look for Dorsey and Jackson to blossom in the next few years, making Kansas City a contender within five years.

4. Oakland Raiders

Last but not least, the Oakland Raiders should once again find themselves in the division's cellar. As much as I love this team on paper, the Raiders never seem to be able to get it together, and I place a lot of that blame on JaMarcus Russell (72 OVR) and his questionable work ethic, which dates back to his days at LSU. Look for Bruce Gradkowski (N/A) to be starting by mid-season, and for the Raiders offensive free fall to begin shortly thereafter. Darren McFadden (79 OVR, 94 SPD) is poised to have a solid season, Darrius Heyward-Bey (76 OVR, 97 SPD) could be the impact receiver the Raiders have wanted since the departure of Randy Moss, and Zach Miller (86 OVR) has become one of the best tight ends in the AFC. If the Raiders could get a solid QB on their roster, they could have a rock-solid offense.

Defensively the Raiders have some talent, led by Kirk Morrison (87 OVR) and Thomas Howard (85 OVR) at linebacker. The one superstar on the Raiders defense is Nnamdi Asomugha (99 OVR). Look for Asomugha to have a monster year and become one of the sole reasons to tune into a Raiders game this season.

But exciting players like Asomugha and McFadden unfortunately can’t save a team with no QB and the second worst owner in all of professional sports (I’m looking at you Mr. Ford Sr.), so the Raiders will be lucky to win three games this season. But don’t complain if you are a Raiders fan, your team needs Colt McCoy or Sam Bradford more than you know.

So what are your predictions for the AFC West? Sound off below.