The NFL season is approaching quickly, and with that, EZB will be providing previews of each division in the league. Up today: the AFC West.

Denver Broncos

Why They Might Win the Division
Jay Cutler is coming into his own at the QB position, they have a number of talented defensive lineman who can get to the quarterback, and Champ Bailey and Dre Bly represent an upper echelon duo at cornerback. And let's not forget head coach Mike Shanahan's "anybody can run the ball" scheme.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
The Broncos run defense was atrocious last season, giving up more than 140 rushing yards per game, and they may not have done enough to significantly improve it. It should be somewhat better, but in a division where they face Darren McFadden/Justin Fargas, Larry Johnson and LaDainian Tomlinson six times, it still may not be good enough. Can they make a 40 yard per game improvement in one year?

San Diego Chargers

Why They Might Win the Division
San Diego has an ultra-talented roster. They bring the aforementioned Tomlinson to the table, along with Antonio Gates, Antonio Cromartie, Luis Castillo, Shawne Merriman and more. There aren't many reasons to think they can't win the West. Well, except for one.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
Injuries. Antonio Gates is still nursing a sore foot, and Michael Turner is no longer around at running back should anything happen to Tomlinson. And it certainly wouldn't hurt if QB Philip Rivers, also coming off injury, would perform better than his 2007 campaign.

Kansas City Chiefs

Why They Might Win the Division
Realistically, K.C. has next to no chance, unless QB Brodie Croyle suddenly gets much better protection from the offensive line and he learns to become a passer instead of a thrower. That and all of their rookies forget they are rookies and play beyond their years.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
Where to start? Their youth, their offensive line, their secondary, their quarterbacks ... take your pick. The Chiefs are still a couple of years away, as young teams don't often win in the NFL.

Oakland Raiders

Why They Might Win the Division
Oakland has great talent in the secondary, an offensive line that should be good enough to compete, and a deep backfield that has the skill to be one of the best in the game.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
JaMarcus Russell will be in his second year, and young QB's tend to struggle. He has the tools, but has to show that on the field. And the team's run defense, like Denver's, was hideous. They simply can't afford to allow 25 points per game this year, or they will wind up playing from behind, abandoning the run and making Russell throw more than he should.