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Chiefs: Are Raiders team to beat?

By Nick Floyd

Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Are the Oakland Raiders really the team in beat in the AFC West in 2016, or will the Kansas City Chiefs step up the the plate?

During the off-season much has been said about who might take over the reigns from the 4-time AFC West champions The Denver Broncos.

One such team that has seemed to gain some traction, has not been the surging Kansas City Chiefs, but rather their hated rival the Oakland Raiders. This is a little shocking especially since the Raiders have not made the post-season  since 2002.  Could this actually be true? Will the Chiefs, who finally gained a playoff victory last season really lose out to the Oakland Raiders?

While there is no doubt that the Raiders had a great offseason by signing outside linebacker Bruce Irvin, and cornerback Sean Smith. They have made some bigger improvements on paper, and we will have to wait to see how it plays out on the field. This will also be the second year under new head coach and former defensive coordinator for Denver Jack Del Rio.

Usually the first year under a new coach is more of a transitional year, though Denver was the exception to the rule last year when they won the Super Bowl. So there will be a little feeling out of this or that under the new regime. Now that is no way guarantees that the second year will be better, but with the Raiders, it seems all the pieces will be in place to turn around.

Where does that leave the Kansas City Chiefs?

The Chiefs did not have the biggest offseason in terms of signing big names, however they did improve on their offensive line with the signing of Mitchell Schwartz at right guard. They also added an interesting piece to the offense with the signing of wide receiver Rod Streater. The Chiefs also retained defensive playmakers like Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali, while Justin Houston is recovering from his ACL surgery.

Jun 14, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running backs Darrin Reaves (24) and Jamaal Charles (25) take a break in between drills during the mini camp at University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running backs Darrin Reaves (24) and Jamaal Charles (25) take a break in between drills during the mini camp at University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

The also are getting their biggest playmaker Jamaal Charles back from his second ACL tear. You combine that with the running back tandem of Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware and the Chiefs could be looking at one of the best backfields in the NFL. KC is trending up in terms of where they could be headed for the 2016 season.

Yes the Raiders look better on paper with key additions this offseason. They have  up and coming defense and arguably their best quarterback since Rich Gannon. However, even with all that the Raiders always seem to have a solid roster but somehow end up on the losing end of their seasons. So while much has been said about the Raiders being the team to beat in 2016, only will time will tell if they truly are the biggest threat to the Chiefs this season.

What do you think, Addicts? Are the Raiders the team to beat in the AFC West or could it be the Broncos? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.

GO CHIEFS!!!

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