ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

The following is a look at why I placed the AFC West teams where I did in the NFL power rankings.

San Diego Chargers

• Power ranking: 7

• Where I ranked them: I had the Chargers ranked eighth. The Chargers showed late in the season that they are a team to reckon with. This can still be an elite team.

Denver Broncos

• Power ranking: 25

• Where I ranked them: I had the Broncos 25th. They lost their three final games and underwent  major changes this offseason. This is a new-look team with new leadership. There are many question marks in Denver.

Kansas City Chiefs

• Power ranking: 29

• Where I ranked them: I kept the Chiefs at 29th. Kansas City has new leadership and a new quarterback. The team will make strides, but I'm just not sure if it will be right away.

Oakland Raiders

• Power ranking: 30

• Where I ranked them: I had the Raiders ranked 27th. The Raiders didn't make many changes but they may not have made many significant improvements, either. Oakland has talent but it has to show it can win.