DENVER BRONCOS
Last year's record: 8-8
Head coach: Mike Shanahan (8th year with Broncos, 80-52 career record)
Offensive starters: QB - Brian Griese (6-3, 215, starting fifth year), RB- Terrell Davis (5-11, 210, 8), FB- Mike Anderson (6-0, 230, 3), WR- Rod Smith (6-0, 200, 8), Ed McCaffrey (6-5, 215, 8), TE- Shannon Sharpe (6-2, 230, 13), LT- Ephraim Salaam (6-7, 300, 5), LG- Lennie Friedman (6-3, 285, 4), C- Tom Nalen (6-3, 286, 9), RG- Dan Neil (6-2, 285, 6), RT- Matt Lepsis (6-4, 290, 6).
Offensive strength: McCaffrey and Smith form one of the league's better receiving duos. Davis, who had knee surgery, is embarking on yet another comeback attempt. If he comes up lame, the Broncos have the luxury of being able to turn to either Anderson or Clinton Portis .
Offensive weakness: According to Shanahan, Griese isn't a lock to be his team's starter. But expect him to be under center for the opener. Griese's biggest knock is his intangibles.
Defensive starters: DE- Trevor Pryce (6-5, 295, 6), Reggie Hayward (6-5, 255, 2). DT- Chester McGlockton (6-4, 334, 11), Lionel Dalton(6-1, 309, 5). OLB- John Mobley (6-1, 236, 7), Ian Gold (6-0, 223, 3). MLB- Al Wilson (6-0, 240, 4). CB- Deltha O'Neal (5-10, 196, 3), Denard Walker (6-1, 190, 6) S- Kenoy Kennedy (6-1, 215, 3), Izell Reese (6-2, 190, 5).
Defensive strength: The linebackers are solid, even with Bill Romanowski's defection to Oakland. On the line, Pryce has been shifted to end from tackle, but that shouldn't affect his Pro Bowl-caliber play.
Defensive weakness: The secondary. Walker and O'Neal are serviceable corners, but foes don't shy from challenging them. The safeties are also subpar.
Crystal ball: This is a make-or-break year for Shanahan. The luster of the late '90s has worn off and he must produce. The Broncos should challenge for a playoff spot, but are no postseason lock.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Last year's record: 6-10
Head coach: Dick Vermeil (2nd year with Chiefs, 82-83 career record)
Offensive starters: QB - Trent Green (6-3, 210, 9) RB- Priest Holmes (5-9, 213, 6), FB- Tony Richardson (6-1, 233, 8), WR- Johnnie Morton (6-0, 190, 9), Eddie Kennison (6-1, 190, 7). TE- Tony Gonzalez (6-4, 249, 6), LT- Willie Roaf (6-5, 312, 10), LG- Brian Waters (6-3, 315, 3), C- Casey Wiegmann (6-2, 285, 6), RG- Will Shields (6-3, 311, 10), RT- John Tait (6-6, 316, 4).
Offensive strength: Holmes established himself as an upper-echelon back last year. Vermeil would like him to be what Marshall Faulk is to the Rams. Morton is a nice acquisition and should team well with the incumbent receivers.
Offensive weakness: Green had a terrible first season with the Chiefs. He threw a league-high 24 interceptions and was frequently guilty of questionable decision-making. If Gonzalez continues his holdout, that could be a crippling blow.
Defensive starters: DE- Eric Hicks (6-6, 280, 5), Duane Clemons (6-5, 277, 7). DT- Derrick Ranson (6-3, 310, 5), Ryan Sims (6-4, 311, R). OLB- Lew Bush (6-2, 247, 10), Mike Maslowski (6-1, 243, 4). MLB- Marvcus Patton (6-2, 237, 13). CB- William Bartee (6-1, 196, 3), Eric Warfield (6-0, 198, 4). S- Greg Wesley (6-2, 208, 3), Jerome Woods (6-2, 207, 7).
Defensive strength: Kansas City was quick to grab Sims in the draft. He's expected to be a fixture in the middle for years.
Defensive weakness: The linebacking corps lacks Donnie Edwards, who was let go in the offseason. He was a stalwart for years. The cornerbacks are questionable as well.
Crystal ball: Vermeil will make some strides, but this team is still a way's from being a contender. They could, however, be a spoiler.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Last year's record: 10-6 (1-1 in playoffs)
Head coach: Bill Callahan (1st season with Raiders)
Offensive starters: QB - Rich Gannon (6-3, 210, 15), RB- Charlie Garner (5-10, 195, 9), FB- Jon Ritchie (6-1, 250, 5), WR- Tim Brown (6-0, 195, 14), Jerry Rice (6-2, 196, 17). TE- Roland Williams (6-5, 265, 5). LT- Barry Sims (6-5, 295, 3), LG- Frank Middleton (6-3, 330, 6), C- Barret Robbins (6-3, 320, 7), RG- Mo Collins (6-4, 335, 5), RT- Lincoln Kennedy (6-6, 340, 10).
Offensive strength: Rice and Brown may have played Methuselah in high school, but they haven't lost anything with age. Gannon is another Raider who's aged gracefully.
Offensive weakness: The running game doesn't have a true lead horse. Garner is probably best suited to handle the role, but he's somewhat on the smallish side.
Defensive starters: DE- Regan Upshaw (6-4, 260, 7), Trace Armstrong (6-4, 275, 14). DT- John Parrella (6-3, 300, 10), Roderick Coleman (6-2, 265, 4). OLB- Bill Romanowski (6-4, 245, 15), Gerald Dixon (6-3, 250, 10). MLB- Greg Biekert (6-2, 255, 10). CB- Charles Woodson (6-1, 205, 5), Tory James (6-2, 185, 6). S- Johnnie Harris (6-2, 210, 4), Rod Woodson (6-0, 205, 15).
Defensive strength: The secondary is good, and will get better with the development of top pick Phillip Buchanon and Rod Woodson's arrival. Romanowski adds snarl and attitude to the linebackers.
Defensive weakness: The line is good, but lacks depth. How Armstrong recovers from an Achilles tendon injury is critical. He's a critical team leader.
Crystal ball: The Raiders saw their season end in controversy (remember the "Tuck rule?") and bad blood that led to Jon Gruden's exit as coach. Callahan inherits a veteran outfit, one that should challenge for AFC supremacy again.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Last year's record: 5-11
Head coach: Marty Schottenheimer (1st year with Chargers, (153-93-1 career record)
Offensive starters: QB - Doug Flutie (5-10, 180, 9), RB- LaDainian Tomlinson (5-10, 221, 2), FB- Fred McCrary (6-0, 235, 6), WR- Curtis Conway (6-1, 196, 10), Tim Dwight (5-9, 180, 5). TE- Stephen Alexander (6-4, 246, 5), LT- Damion McIntosh (6-4, 325, 3), LG- Bob Hallen (6-4, 305, 5), C- Cory Raymer (6-3, 300, 7), RG- Toniu Fonoti (6-4, 349, R), RT- Vaughn Parker (6-3, 300, 9).
Offensive strength: Tomlinson had a strong rookie season, becoming the first Charger to crack 1, 000 yards in seven years.
Offensive weakness: Flutie is old (40) and is nearing the end of the line. But he's unwilling to give up the reins. Drew Brees is the team's future and Schottenheimer must make a decisive move at quarterback.
Defensive starters: DE- Marcellus Wiley (6-4, 275, 6), Raylee Johnson (6-3, 272, 9). DT- Jamal Williams (6-3, 305, 5), Jason Fisk (6-3, 295, 7). OLB- Junior Seau (6-3, 250, 13), Donnie Edwards (6-2, 227, 7). MLB- Orlando Ruff (6-3, 250, 4) CB- Quentin Jammer (5-11, 204, R), Ryan McNeil (6-2, 192, 10). S- Rodney Harrison (6-1, 218, 9), Rogers Beckett (6-3, 205, 3)
Defensive strength: Seau remains one of the league's most fierce linebackers. Edwards is a nice addition to the unit who'll add speed. McNeil and Jammer are good cover corners and Harrison remains one of the league's nastiest safeties.
Defensive weakness: The line's starters are quality, but its depth isn't.
Crystal ball: Schottenheimer leaves one mess in Washington for another in San Diego. The defense will keep the team in games, but the offense is lacking. The coach needs to decide between Flutie and Brees - and quickly.
