It doesn't seem that long ago that the AFC West was considered to be the toughest division in football. The four teams, year in and year out, were likely to compete not only for their own division, but to rob other divisions of wildcard spots. Then, as was meant to be, the wind shifted. Just as the Chargers finally rose to the top, the world seemed to go topsy-turvy. It was suddenly all about gloating who was going to get the highest draft spot.

But as a Broncos fan, I want all teams to rise again, to become feared amongst other divisions, and to fulfill an ache for true rivalries that matter. What follows is what I see in the West now, and the biggest reason we need a rivalry to begin anew now.

San Diego Chargers - Without a doubt, they are the toast of the division at the moment, but... sadly, that's about as far as it goes. The talent has been there for years, and unlike many other teams, has maintained a large sense of consistency. There is no doubt that they should be capable to win a Superbowl... or multiple playoff games. Perhaps a second year with the coaching staff will put them over the top, but... I can't be sure. Chris Chambers being more ingrained in the offense will help too. They should be good again this year.
Reason for a rivalry: If you're not a Chargers fan, you likely hate Philip Rivers. He doesn't have the talent level of Tomlinson or Merrimen, but he makes up for it in unjustified sense of smack talking. I know several defensive players have put a large target on him.

Denver Broncos - Denver fans have been fortunate to have a very competitive team for many years. Even in some of the worst years the team has had recently, they still put together the second best record in the division. That being said, the true level ability seems in question. For every postive aspect of the team (Champ Bailey is the best corner in the game, Brandon Marshall is an unforeseen talent, The Denver run system) there is a negetive (Dre' Bly won't tackle and gets burned, Brandon Marshall wrestle with unforeseen objects, The line is as hard to get around as the boarder fence). While very strong acquisitions have been made in the off-season, addressing weaknesses on defense, O-line and special team, it remains to be seen whether the Broncs will treat Denver to another playoff trip, or whether we're rebuilding more than we thought. I'm hoping for the best, but... there is no promise.
Reason for a rivalry: Mike Shanahan. Like other coaches marked as "genius", if you're not a fan of the team, you want him to fail. Even the winning of two super bowl rings doesn't decrease this emotion, but rather pushes it further. The current theory is that Shanny won't win without Elway, and Elway couldn't have won without T.D. Every rival armchair quarterback loves to ask the question "who's a genius now?"

Kansas City Chiefs - KC has come upon hard times. Once the offensive line started showing their age, this often underrated but often competitive team started losing the ability to compete. This off-season, the coaching staff made the wise choice of calling this time what it was, and truly establishing a rebuilding process. The difficult choice to trade away top talent Jared Allen resulted in one of the mightest drafts of recent memory. The bold choice not to push competition on QB Croyle was also ingenious. Now, given time and consistency, the team is a few years out from having a truly scary team that will last years. But, don't expect a miracle this year.
Reason for a rivalry: Right now, it's Arrowhead. In a division that boasts both Mile High Stadium and the Black Hole, Arrowhead stadium has become the most difficult place to come to. As the talent on the team matures, I'm sure it will become a reasoning that follows the team on the road.

Oakland Raiders - Javon Walker. DeAngelo Hall. DMF. While major off-season gains for the team, it's left most of the league scatching their heads while the Raider-nation is loving it. To me, it looks like a series of moves I made when playing Madden Football's "Franchise" mode years ago. A lot of measureables, but not a lot of team. The plan may work. Or you might have found the fastest, strongest headcases, and locked them in a room, expecting to them to be victorious. I can't really say. But I don't have a good feeling about it.
Reason for a rivalry: Al Davis is pretty much the agreed embodiment of darkness in the NFL. The question is, do you follow that darkness, or not? Even some Raider's fans I've spoken with have wondered if the team will hit stride before he kicks the bucket. To his credit, he doesn't care what anyone thinks. He's as nuts as he wants to be, and that scariness is a reason to want them to be competitive. Every hero needs a villian... and it helps if the villian is completely cool with that casting.

Here's to hoping for top teams across the board (with the Broncs coming out on top, of course).