AFC WEST Oakland Raiders And San Diego Chargers

Oakland Raiders

Fantasy Studs -- You'd figure at least one recent high draft pick would emerge as a fantasy stud by now, but that's not the case. Like Denver, Oakland doesn't have anybody worth deeming a fantasy stud.

Breakout -- Zach Miller is the only Raider jerseys football jersey I want on my fantasy team. Because this year's batch of TEs is deep, you could potentially wait a bit in your fantasy draft and grab someone like him. He figures to lead Oakland in almost every receiving category. Finishing as one of the top 10 TEs in fantasy football is not only within reach, but it's expected.

Sleeper -- I don't believe Jason Campbell has the supporting cast to help him emerge as a consistent fantasy QB, but he doesn't turn the ball over a lot and change of scenery could help him have a career year. At the very least, he could be a decent spot starter.

Player to Avoid -- Where do I begin? Whether it's Darius Heyward-Bey or Louis Murphy, none of Oakland's WRs project to be in line for a big statistical boost. Also, take a pass on the RB situation as well. Darren McFadden and Michael Bush are probably going to split time and the Raiders aren't good enough for both of them to put up quality fantasy numbers. Instead, they'll likely hold one another back from achieving fantasy success.

Rookie -- The Raiders focused on their offensive line and front seven in the draft. That's good for the team, but bad for us fantasy players looking for that extra edge.

Defense -- Despite the presence of Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland didn't generate a lot of turnovers last season, and they gave up over 23 points per game. Drafting talents like Rolando McClain and Lamarr Houston could help them in the long-term, but the immediate impact doesn't figure to boost this unit's value that much.

San Diego Chargers

Fantasy Studs -- Over the course of the last two seasons, Phillip Rivers jersey has emerged as an elite fantasy QB, with his 62 touchdown passes in that span. That trails only former teammate Drew Brees. However, Rivers didn't have to go at it alone. The presence of Antonio Gates certainly made his rise to the elite easier. Over the last decade, you can argue he's been one of two elite fantasy TEs. Since his breakout year in 2004, only Tony Gonzalez has more receiving yards. With all due respect to the situation in Indianapolis, Gates and Rivers form fantasy football's most lethal QB to TE combination.

Breakout -- San Diego has one of the most well-established rosters in the league. The chances of someone breaking through their establishment is unlikely right now.

Sleeper -- Someone will have to pickup the slack of Vincent Jackson, who is set to miss at least three games because of suspension. All indications are Malcolm Floyd will get the first crack at it. In 2009, he set career highs in receptions and receiving yards. An opportunity to be the No. 1 WR for a few weeks could help escalate his fantasy output.

Player to Avoid -- Avoid might be too harsh, but Darren Sproles jersey hasn't proven he can shoulder the load. Unless Ryan Matthews struggles as a rookie, which I feel is unlikely, Sproles is someone you shouldn't rely on.

Rookies -- The Chargers want to be a more balance offense in 2010, which only increases the expectations for Ryan Matthews. It's also worth noting that teams will be unable to stack the box for fear of the Chargers' potent passing attack. This will make life easy for Matthews, who is primed to make a run at rookie of the year.

Defense -- No longer elite, this unit is now an above average fantasy option entering 2010. It starts with Shawne Merriman, who isn't his former dominate self. After notching three consecutive double-digit sack seasons, he has only four in his last 15 games. Former first-round pick Larry English hasn't shown yet that he can pickup that slack. Most importantly, the loss of Jamal Williams creates a huge void along the defensive line. But thanks to a division lacking offense, the Chargers jerseys' defense will have opportunities to score fantasy points.