They Are Who We Thought They Were: AFC West - Week 11

Denver Broncos (6-3, 1st)
Last week: Lost to Washington 24-14 on the road
Next up: San Diego at home
We thought: Reeling, exposed, primed to get beat against the Skins.
They are: Tough to totally kill Chris Simms, as there have been many times when a backup failed to impress in relief of an injured starter, but was solid with a week of preperation running with the first string. That being said, we still hold it against Simms that Major Applewhite didn't get a fair shake in Texas, and actively root against him and therefore retract the previous excuse. If he's the starter, the Broncs are screwed.

San Diego Chargers (6-3, 2nd)
Last week: Def. Philadelphia 31-23 at home
Next up: Denver on the road
We thought: Simmering, on the verge of officially becoming dangerous, if they weren't already.
They are: About to go into Denver, whip the Broncs, and take the lead in the West for good. Even if the NFC East is overrated, that's two excellent wins in a row over the G-Men and Iggles.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-6, 3rd)
Last week: Def. Oakland 16-10 on the road
Next up: Pittsburgh at home
We thought: The game against the Raiders was the least anticipated game of the year.
They are: At least Jamaal Charles has some explosion? At least they didn't get swept by the Raiders? Anyone?

Oakland Raiders (2-6, 4th)
Last week: Lost to Kansas City 16-10 at home
Next up: Cincinnati at home
We thought: See Chiefs, above.
They are: Part of me wants to see JaMarcus Russell get benched for good (never thought he should've sniffed that #1 pick). Part of me wants him to keep playing so see how bad he can play and still claim he didn't play that bad. There really isn't a ceiling (basement?) for his sucktitude.

They Are Who We Thought They Were: AFC West - Week 10

Denver Broncos (6-2, 1st)
Last week: Lost to Pittsburgh 28-10 at home
We thought: Still skeptical despite a 6-0 start, a lopsided final score in Baltimore didn't help matters. The defense is tough, but seems like a team that needs to have most or all of the breaks go their way.
They are: Not a team that can fall behind a blitzing Steelers team and hope to come back. A couple weeks ago, you might've felt safe giving the West to the Broncos. Now, it feels safer to call the Chargers the favorites. But cupcakes like Oakland, KC, and maybe Washington should help Denver sneak in.

San Diego Chargers (5-3, 2nd)
Last week: Def. NY Giants 21-20 on the road
We thought: Dangerous but not trustworthy. A Giants blowout or a Chargers comeback - neither would have been surprising.
They are: Zero production from Tomlinson, and still not sure about that run D, but Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson are suddenly becoming indestructible. Still kind of shocked that a Norv Turner team executed a two-minute drill so well.

Oakland Raiders (2-6, 3rd)
Last week: Bye
We thought: Jamarcus Russell felt he played well over the bye week.
They are: Of course the Raiders were one of the first teams you heard expressing interest in Larry Johnson. Of course they were/are.

Kansas City Chiefs (1-7, 4th)
Last week: Lost to Jacksonville 24-21 on the road
We thought: At the time, getting only a 2nd rounder for Matt Cassel seemed a bit weak for the Pats. Now? Maybe they got a steal.
They are: Bad team, might be able to put up a fight at home. Not a real good representation in the 50th anniversary of the AFL, huh?