Big changes have been afoot in the AFC West over the past few months. Jay Cutler clashed with new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and was traded to the Bears for Kyle Orton.

Brandon Marshall is unhappy and wants out of Denver, where rookie Knowshon Moreno will be counted on to improve the running game.
The Chiefs brought in a new coach in Todd Haley and a new quarterback in Matt Cassel.
The Raiders passed on Michael Crabtree in the draft (which might have been a smart move), but that story was overshadowed by coach Tom Cable allegedly punching out an assistant.
Despite Shawne Merriman’s recent domestic dust-up, the Chargers had the most serene off-season of the bunch, which probably means San Diego has a clear path to repeating as division champion. Eight wins might be enough again to win the West, but the Chargers can and likely will do better in 2009.
Next-level players
Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos: He came on the scene last season as a rookie and proved to be an excellent possession receiver, posting 91 receptions for 980 yards and five TDs. He’ll surely miss Jay Cutler some, but he looks to be Kyle Orton’s go-to receiver because of his promise and Brandon Marshall’s petulance.
Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers: The focus of San Diego’s offense has been on LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates for years, but Jackson became a key component last season. He had 59 catches for 1,098 yards and seven TDs, and he showed excellent ability to stretch the field, averaging 18.6 yards per reception.
Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders: The fifth overall pick in 2008, the former Arkansas star had a subpar rookie season, rushing for only 499 yards as he was perpetually slowed by injuries. He didn’t have a great preseason, either, but considering his explosiveness, his potential to break off big gains and his high draft status, McFadden should be much better in his second season.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: The former Texas speedster performed well in the preseason and looks to begin the season as Larry Johnson’s backup. But Johnson’s production has been steadily declining as the wear and tear has accumulated, and he’s not much of a receiver. Charles should be the third-down back and his role in the offense should increase throughout the season, especially if Johnson is banged up.
Elite game
Chargers at Titans, Dec. 25: Playoff positioning, and possibly home-field advantage, could be on the line in this Christmas meeting of defending division champions.
Elite player
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers: He has thrown for more than 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in each of his three seasons as a starter, and last year he became a top-five quarterback, posting 4,009 yards with 34 TDs and only 11 interceptions.