AFC west.(NFL)

DENVER BRONCOS

Rookie CB Domonique Foxworth's speed is his greatest asset, but he also has absorbed technique hints from CB Champ Bailey quicker than other young players the team has had. Foxworth plays extremely low, which helps him come out of his break explosively. He also doesn't shy away from contact.... The key to WR Rod Smith's continued success is that he sells every route the same. He smoothly accelerates out of his breaks and falls forward for yardage when he catches the ball, His experience and pregeme study habits allow him to read defenses expertly. He can make the acrobatic catch by timing his jumps well. His biggest weakness is that he lacks elite speed and doesn't possess the sheer strength to knock a defensive back off the ball. PROBLEM SPOT." The team has been able to lean on the rushing attack and use the controlled passing game off play-action successfully. But Denver eventually will have to stretch the field, and QB Jake Plummer will have to prove he can go vertical with accuracy after consistently being off-target with deep throws.--Lee Rasizer

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Brian Waters, who emerged last season as one of the league's top guards, has uncommon athletic skills for a player his size (6-3,318). He has the ability to get to the perimeter to lead sweeps and screens, and he can get downfield to block linebackers and safeties. Waters has exceptional strength, and when he uses his technique properly, he is an effective run blocker at the point of attack.... The return of John Welbourn from a four-game league suspension will provide some badly needed depth for the offensive line. Welbourn can play both guard and tackle, though the Chiefs believe he is more valuable at guard. PROBLEM SPOT: Despite four new defensive starters, the pass defense continues to be porous. Linebacker is the position that has shown the most dramatic improvement, and rookie OLB Derrick Johnson has tremendous coverage skills. But RE Jared Allen is the only player getting consistent pressure on quarterbacks. The Chiefs acquired DE Carlos Hall to improve the pass rush, but he hasn't been a factor because of injuries and ineffectiveness.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

RB LaMont Jordan rushed for 126 yards ...