Let me just say that as much a fan of the Chargers that I am, I am equally a fan of the sport of football. I would love the NFL even if the Chargers did not exist. Looking around the league at the various divisions, which division is my favorite?

If for no other reason, the AFC West is my favorite division in football because my favorite team plays in it. But of course there are many reasons why the AFC West is such an exciting division. All four teams have made the playoffs in the past five seasons. The Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders (not so much, muwhahaha!) have been tough opponents for the Chargers.

The Broncos have become the Bolts newest biggest rival in the division. The Chiefs always play the Chargers tough. And although the Raiders have become the Chargers' lil biotches the past few years, their fans are still a dangerous bunch and when the Raiders come to San Diego, there is increased security at the stadium for a reason!

But outside the AFC West, what division stands out? What division has a group of good teams, all with potential playoff caliber?

I would say the AFC North is the best division in football outside of the AFCW. The Baltimore Ravens are an extremely good team with a dominating defense, led by Ed Reed and company. The Cincinnati Bengals have some of the best offensive playmakers in the game in Chad Johnson, Rudi Johnson, and Carson Palmer. The Pittsburg Steelers were Super Bowl champs in '05. And the Cleveland Browns are a young and talented team that is looking to become a contender.

Top to bottom, the AFC North has a group of solid teams; some you may even call 'elite'. It will be interesting to see how that division shakes up in 2007. The way those teams play each other in the division, you never really know who will be the AFCN champs.


san diego chargers

Baltimore Ravens

BREAKOUT - Willis McGahee

I know this selection might surprise some who might feel that McGahee has already arrived, but I think he has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of and has the potential to be a top 10 back. He has many advantages in Baltimore that he could of only wished for during his time in Buffalo. For the first time in career, he gets the chance to run behind a stellar left tackle in Jonathan Ogden. Another addition that should help McGahee will be first round pick, Ben Grubbs (Left Guard) who will pair with Ogden to form one of the better left sides in the NFL. McGahee will also have a steady passing game to help take pressure off of him. Up until last year, the Buffalo Bills passing game would be described as average at best, but in Baltimore he will have the reliable Steve McNair, who was a former NFL co-MVP. He will also have the drive-extending Todd Heap (21 3rd down catches) to help get him more carries. And much like in Buffalo, he has the deep threat to help keep safeties honest (Mark Clayton/Lee Evans). He should get many endzone carries and could once again become a double-digit TD guy (Not to mention that Brian Billick is a run-first Head Coach). Willis McGahee is a similar player to Jamal Lewis early in his career (Big, fast, strong tackle breaker) and could have similar success, maybe not 2,000 yards, but it wouldn't shock me to see McGahee gain 1,500 rushing yards, and 13 total TDs. Those kinds of projected numbers would make him a great option as a RB1 that you could probably get in the 2nd/3rd rounds.

BUST - Derrick Mason

In 2006, Derrick Mason had his consecutive 1,000 yard receiving streak snapped at 5. Mason has been an underrated player his whole career, but heis now at the point in his career where he is no longer the number one threat that he once was. With age finally catching up to him, it wouldn't be a surprise if he became a slot receiver this season. Mark Clayton took over the #1 spot from him midway through last year, and this year he could lose his #2 spot to 2nd year Demetrius Williams, who outgained Mason the final month of the season (192 to 128) with Williams catching 2 TDs in that span (Mason had 2 TDs all season). Williams also provides the size that is missing with Mason/Clayton, and has sneaky speed that allows him to get deep. Look for Mason to lose catches to Williams (who is also on the verge of breaking out this year) and become a situational player without much fantasy value.

MR. DEPENDABLE - Todd Heap

Over the past 6 years, Heap has averaged 4.5 catches per game. He has 3 750+ yard seasons under his belt in the past 5 years. He also has 13 TD's the past 2 seasons and has really been the most consistent offensive weapon the Ravens have had the past few seasons. He is right up there with Alge Crumpler, Kellen Winslow and Jeremy Shockey as the top 2nd tier TEs and a good start week in, and week out.

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