2007 AFC West Division Preview by Marc Lawrence Two new coaches, one a rookie and the other a retread, join the shootout in the AFC West in 2007. Meanwhile, a gnarled veteran will be on ‘mission’ to return his team back to the playoffs after barely missing out for the first time in four years last season. Who will be the last team standing in the wild, wild West? Stay tuned. Here is my take of teams in the AFC West Division for 2007. Be sure to check out the rest of my 2007 NFL Previews updated throughout the summer. Enjoy! Denver: Amazing, but true. With RB Tatum Bell traded to the Lions, Bronco boss Mike Shanahan has dumped his leading rusher four years in a row (Mike Anderson ‘05, Reuben Droughns ‘04, Clinton Portis ‘03). It’s no wonder new RB Travis Henry (Titans) is not looking to buy property in the greater Denver area. Shanahan brought QB Patrick Ramsey (Jets) in as insurance to Jay Cutler, and WR Brandon Stokely (Colts) to aid the passing attack. He didn’t stop there, though. After releasing DE Courtney Brown, in a purge of ex-Browns defensive linemen, Shanahan targeted the trenches in the NFL draft, selecting DE Jarvis Moss (Florida), DE Tom Crowder (Texas), OT Ryan Harris (Notre Dame) and DT Marcus Thomas (Florida) with his only four picks. Running backs? They don’t need no stinking running backs. Play on Denver as a home underdog vs. San Diego. Kansas City: Despite making the playoffs in his first year with the Chiefs, Herm Edwards realizes that his offensive and defensive woes are mounting and he needs to purge an aging roster. The offense, especially the OL, needs retooling (Willie Roaf and Will Shields retired; Jordan Black opted out as a free agent, and John Welbourn was suspended last season), and QB Trent Green’s salary and age are no longer appealing. On the defensive side of the ball, starting DE Jared Allen is suspended for the first four games of the season (substance abuse). In addition, the Chiefs are terribly thin at cornerback behind aging Ty Law and Patrick Surtain. Surprisingly, they failed to address this need on draft day. Instead, they snagged WR Dwayne Bowe (LSU) in the first round. Bowe reported to camp tardy and overweight. Sheesh! At this rate Edwards may wash out before his players do. Play against Kansas City at home vs. Oakland. Oakland: One of seven new head coaches in the NFL this season, Lane Kiffin is also the youngest at 32 years of age. The son of former coach Monte, Kiffin made his mark developing wide receivers at USC before taking over offensive coordinator responsibilities. Although failing to win a national championship, the Trojans were 23-3 under his lead. As bad as the Raiders were last season (and they were awful) the bright spot was a Top 10 ranked defense. Because of it, that defense managed to out-stat seven opponents despite winning only two games. The league’s No.1 overall draft choice, QB JaMarcus Russell played in a pro-style offense at LSU but will likely bide his time behind Andrew Walter. Meanwhile, underachieving WR Mike Williams (Lions) is the best option to replace underachieving WR Randy Moss. Sometimes, things never change. Even when they do! Play on Oakland vs. Miami. San Diego: So long Marty, we hardly knew ye. We’re not sure what it is about Marty Schottenheimer but it’s apparent he’s become the Larry Brown of NFL head coaches. He goes into a program, takes over, turns it into a winner, and then disappears. It happened in a one-year stay at Washington in 2001 and it happened again after four good years with San Diego. Taking his place is Norv Turner, a former retread with the Raiders and Redskins (we’re still having a hard time figuring this one out). Turner has been a chalk-eating money burner in his career, having gone 1-10 ATS as a division favorite of more than five points; a role in the Chargers will frequent this season. We don’t question the level of talent, just the coaching switch. Pass. Remember to get Marc Lawrence’s Guaranteed NFL Football Winners this year right here at Vegas Experts, where you only pay after you win! And don’t forget to check out Marc’s 2007 College Football Previews, with free College Football Picks on nearly every team!