Team-by-team NFL capsules

A division-by-division look at the prospects for all 30 NFL teams (in order of predicted finish. Last year's record in parentheses):

AFC WEST

1. Kansas City (13-3)

LAST YEAR: Won the West and home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs for the second time in three years. But as in 1995, lost first playoff game, 14-10 to Denver, which went on to win Super Bowl.

KEY ADDITIONS: WR Derrick Alexander and DE Chester McGlockton (free agents), who both will play major roles - if McGlockton can be motivated to show up every week and his aching back improves.

KEY SUBTRACTIONS: RBs Marcus Allen (retired) and Greg Hill (not re-signed).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: McGlockton; RB Donnell Bennett, a four-year backup being counted on to carry the rushing load.

ROOKIES TO WATCH: The Chiefs tend to bring along rookies slowly. OT Victor Riley, the No. 1 pick, should be a future starter if he can keep his weight down.

NOTABLE NOTE: Coach Marty Schottenheimer's .644 winning percentage is second best of any active coach with 100 or more wins. His 5-11 playoff record is the worst of any coach with more than five playoff games.

OUTLOOK: The defense, which started four youngsters last year, adds McGlockton and could be the best in the league. QB Elvis Grbac will go deep a lot more to Andre Rison, Alexander and second-year TE Tony Gonzalez, a future star. Despite Schottenheimer's playoff failures, he could reach the Super Bowl - if the running game is half-decent.

2. Denver (12-4)

LAST YEAR: Finished behind Kansas City, entered playoffs as wild card and went all the way - beating Jacksonville at home, Chiefs and Pittsburgh on the road and Green Bay 31-24 in Super Bowl, the first victory in four tries for John Elway.

KEY ADDITIONS: None.

KEY SUBTRACTIONS: OT Gary Zimmerman (retired); G Brian Habib (free agent); MLB Allen Aldridge (free agent); DE Alfred Williams, out 3-6 months with arm injury.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Terrell Davis, the Super Bowl MVP, who has had brilliant first three years; Elway; RT Harry Swayne, who will take Zimmerman's numerical spot, with Tony Jones moved to LT.