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Ranking the AFC West: Offense

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Carson Palmer #3 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears with Stefen Wisniewski blocking.
Carson Palmer #3 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears with Stefen Wisniewski blocking.

The offensive positions groups have all been ranked and now it is time to tally up the scores to see where each team's offense ranks on the whole. There was some stiff competition as there are some pretty good offenses in the division. Some teams already boasted good offenses while others have made some moves this offseason to shore up weaknesses and bulk up.

Coming into these rankings, I had little to no preconceived notions about where the position groups would rank. I also did not have any idea what the result would be once all rankings were tallied. I carefully examined each position group to rank them appropriately. I put extra emphasis on the quarterback position in these rankings.

Keep in mind, the lower score for each is better. All position rankings were scored 1-4 except the QB's which were scored as 0, 2, 4,and 6.

Here is the result of my findings for each AFC West team's offense:

1. San Diego Chargers

Score: 16

The Chargers topped the rankings for the interior offensive line and tight end. At tight end they have perennial All Pro Antonio Gates backed by former starter Randy McMichael and they have one of the best centers in the business in Nick Hardwick. The only position group they landed dead last was wide receiver which is an overall strong position in this division. What puts them at the top is Philip Rivers. He was second just behind Peyton Manning and has thrown for over 4000 yards each of the past four seasons and over 4600 yards the past two. Other standouts on this team include running back Ryan Mathews, and left tackle Jared Gaither.

2. Oakland Raiders

Score: 17

Though the Raiders only topped the rankings in one position group, they come in at number two in total offense. The one position they were the best was fullback where Marcel Reece creates his mismatches versus opposing defenses. However, they were runner up at offensive tackle, interior offensive line, wide receiver, and running back. The only area that had them landing in the cellar is tight end. Standouts on the Raiders' offense include running back Darren McFadden, quarterback Carson Palmer, left tackle Jared Veldheer, right guard Mike Brisiel, and a deep group of wide receivers who will offer Palmer a lot of targets this season.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Score: 18

After topping the defensive rankings, the Chiefs come in third on offense. They boast the only Pro Bowl wide receiver in the division in Dwayne Bowe which had their wide receiving corps ranked number one. Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis form the best backfield in the AFC West. Their offensive tackles of Brandon Albert and Eric Winston are two of the best in the NFL. The combo of Tony Moeaki and Kevin Boss at tight end is a good one. Their interior offensive line and fullback position are both very questionable. Their downfall is at quarterback where Cassel is clearly the worst in the division.

4. Denver Broncos

Score: 21

It says a lot considering this team will be led by Peyton Manning and they still end up ranked last here. Even with the special consideration given to the quarterback position, the Broncos are so bad at their other offensive positions, Manning's top ranking couldn't save them. And before you think Manning will make up for what the Broncos are lacking, consider they were dead last in both offensive tackle and interior offensive line. They were also ranked last at running back. They were next to last at all other offensive positions. He better be the Peyton Manning of old because the team around him is looking a lot like the Colts... of 2011.

View the rankings for each offensive position: QB I RB I FB I WR I TE I OG/C I OT

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