NFL PREVIEW \ AFC WEST

A look at teams in the AFC West, in order of last season’s standings:

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (13-6)

Open camp: July 20, San Diego.

Last year: Chargers were slow to take off in Norv Turner’s first season as coach, going 1-3 and 5-5. But they rebounded to win AFC West for third time in four seasons and reach AFC championship game, where they lost 21-12 at New England. Chargers won thriller at Indianapolis in divisional playoffs before injuries to RB LaDainian Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates cost them against Patriots. QB Philip Rivers drew raves after revealing he played final game on injured right knee that needed major surgery.

Important additions: C Jeremy Newberry; LB Derek Smith; PR Mark Jones; T L.J. Shelton.

Important losses: RB Michael Turner; FB Lorenzo Neal; S Marlon McCree; T Shane Olivea; CB Drayton Florence. LB Stephen Cooper will be suspended for first four games after testing positive for banned substance.

Camp needs: Find out how healthy Gates (toe) and C Nick Hardwick (foot) are after offseason surgery. Hardwick didn’t have surgery until mid-March, meaning he might not play at all in September. Chargers hope to have Gates back by opening day. Tomlinson and Rivers participated in minicamp and are expected to do so in training camp. L.T. might even take some snaps in exhibition games.

Expectations: Chargers think they can win Super Bowl and their fans certainly will expect nothing less.

DENVER BRONCOS (7-9)

Open camp: July 25, Englewood, Colo.

Last year: Broncos sat out playoffs for second straight year, losing four of last six games.

Important additions: RB Michael Pittman; LBs Boss Bailey and Niko Koutouvides; DT Dewayne Robertson; WR Darrell Jackson.

Important losses: PK Jason Elam; WR Javon Walker; RB Travis Henry; OT Matt Lepsis.

Camp needs: Broncos have to replace reliable right leg of Elam after he bolted for Atlanta in offseason. Matt Prater will get first crack. Presence of Koutouvides at inside linebacker will allow team to move D.J. Williams to weak side, where he excelled as rookie.

Expectations: It’s been turbulent offseason for Denver as WR Brandon Marshall cut an artery, nerve, two tendons and three muscles in right arm while horsing around. He’s also dealt with some legal issues. In addition, QB Jay Cutler was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes this spring. Cutler lost 35 pounds and some zip on his passes last season. How well those two playmakers bounce back will dictate Denver’s season.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-12)

Open camp: July 25, River Falls, Wis.

Last year: Won four of first seven and transition from old to young in Herm Edwards’ second season appeared to be going swimmingly. But with RB Larry Johnson out with broken foot and fragile QB Brodie Croyle getting abused behind weak offensive line, Chiefs lost last nine games. Offense was one of weakest of any KC team and defense seemed to give up big plays at worst time. Nearly invisible owner Clark Hunt promised to become more involved and hinted of decreased personnel role for GM Carl Peterson and expanded authority for Edwards.

Important additions: First-round draft picks DL Glenn Dorsey and OT Branden Albert; CB Brandon Flowers; TE Brad Cottam; RB Jamaal Charles; LB Demorrio Williams; WR Devard Darling.

Important losses: DE Jared Allen; CB Ty Law; OL John Welbourn; WR Eddie Kennison; TE Jason Dunn; C Casey Wiegmann.

Camp needs: Chiefs had 12 draft picks, and 10 or 11 could make what’ll be one of youngest teams in league. Key will be finding way to replace NFL sacks leader Allen and developing third-year quarterback Croyle. He struggled last year in first season starter, but without running game or offensive line, he never had a chance. Disgruntled Allen, who led league with 151‚Ñ2 sacks in only 14 games, was dealt to Minnesota for draft picks. The most prominent was Albert, who will be central to revamped line.

Expectations: If Hunt’s angst over 4-12 and diminished attendance was genuine, Chiefs will need to show tangible progress. He may not have his late father’s famed patience. If Croyle proves he’s not long-term QB solution, Chiefs will be set back another couple of years.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-12)

Open camp: July 24, Napa, Calif.

Last year: The Raiders doubled their win total in coach Lane Kiffin’s first year, but still ended up with fifth straight double-digit loss season. There were signs of improvement, especially in running game and on offensive line, but it wasn’t enough to get Oakland out of last place in AFC West.

Important additions: RB Darren McFadden; CB DeAngelo Hall; WRs Javon Walker and Drew Carter; S Gibril Wilson; OL Kwame Harris; C John Wade; DL William Joseph.

Important losses: DT Warren Sapp; WR Jerry Porter; DE Chris Clemons; CB Fabian Washington; QB Josh McCown; OL Barry Sims.

Camp needs: JaMarcus Russell needs to take control of offense at quarterback after starting only one game as rookie following contract dispute. Walker must show he’s healthy and can be big-play receiver after he received concussion and facial injuries following a robbery in Las Vegas last month. DTs Tommy Kelly and Terdell Sands will be counted on to solidify leaky run defense after getting big contracts past two offseasons.

Expectations: Schedule is favorable, with only one of first 12 games coming against team that finished .500 or better last season. After spending big bucks in free agency, owner Al Davis will be counting on some on-field results or Kiffin’s job could be in jeopardy.

Associated Press

XComing Saturday/NFC East