AFC West

DENVER BRONCOS

One reason CB Champ Bailey has a career-best eight interceptions is the way he's being used. Bailey played mostly bump coverage last season but is being set apart from receivers more and more. That allows Bailey's superior instincts and unmatched ability to break on the ball to shine through.... LE Courtney Brown's combination of a strong upper body and powerful leg drive makes him an effective bull rusher. But Brown also can shed blocks and make hustle plays. Injuries have sapped Brown of some speed, but Denver's scheme doesn't require him to be a corner rusher. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER: TE Wesley Duke's TD catch on his first offensive play last weekend set the bar high. Before this season, he hadn't played organized football since high school. Instead, Duke was a slam-dunk specialist for Mercer University. Position coach Tim Brewster, who worked with former hoops star Antonio Gates in San Diego, is working with Duke, who is more raw than Gates was but has good speed and hands. His size (6-5, 225) and leaping ability should make him a great red zone target.--Lee Rasizer

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

MLB Kawika Mitchell finally is fulfilling the team's expectations for him. Mitchell, a 2003 second-round pick, has shown better instincts and play recognition and has become a reliable tackler. He also has improved enough in coverage to stay on the field in passing situations.... TE Kris Wilson has been a disappointment. The team thought Wilson (6-2, 251) would be a matchup problem because of his size and receiving ability, but opponents have brought in an extra defensive back when Wilson plays, which limits his impact. For Wilson to become a bigger part of the offense, he must improve as a run blocker; he doesn't block well enough to make teams pay for putting smaller defenders on the field. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER: An early-season toe injury kept RT Kevin Sampson from contributing this year, but he will get a chance to start in 2006 if RG Will Shields retires and RT John Welbourn moves to guard. Sampson's athleticism allows him to get downfield on screens and sweeps, a component of the offense that has been missing with Welbourn at right tackle.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

It is unlikely CB Charles Woodson (leg), who has been out since October 23, will play again this season. The team will have to decide whether to use the franchise tag on him for a third straight year, sign him to a long-term contract or let him become a free agent. ... TE Courtney Anderson likely is done for the season after injuring his knee in Sunday's loss. Zeron Flemister, his likely replacement, is a more accomplished blocker than Anderson but is not as adept at receiving.... Tyler Brayton still has not carved out a niche in Oakland's defense. Brayton has the talent to be a significant contributor but now is used only on obvious running downs and goal-line situations. He was one of the team's most effective pass rushers before being moved to linebacker from end. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER: Second-year FS Stuart Schweigert has it all--except experience. He is a hard hitter, has a nose for the ball and is adept at playing the run and the pass. By next season, he will be comfortable in the club's scheme and perhaps be the leader of the secondary. Look for Schweigert to be an above-average starter who develops a penchant for making big plays in nearly every game.--Steve Corkran

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

The team should throw downfield more to WRs Keenan McCardell, Reche Caldwell and Eric Parker. Throwing quick, short passes helps beat pressure, but the Chargers showed in the victory over the Colts that they are capable of the big play.... Clinton Hart has shown an instinct for the bail and the ability to make big hits. In limited play at both safety spots, Hart has made more significant plays than SS Terrence Kiel or FS Bhawoh Jue.... The offensive line has been woefully inconsistent, causing RB LaDainian Tomlinson to languish at times while his blockers get pushed around. Gs Mike Goff and Kris Dielman and C Nick Hardwick largely have been solid, but the tackles need an overhaul. LT Leander Jordan and RT Shane Olivea have been beaten for big plays, and Jordan seems to be wearing down. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER: ILB Stephen Cooper will take over for Randall Godfrey, who is retiring. In two starts this season, Cooper (6-1,235) showed a relentlessness similar to Godfrey's. Cooper also can play on third downs. He should thrive alongside ILB Donnie Edwards in the Chargers' 3-4 system, which frees up the linebackers to make plays.--Kevin Acee

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