Jerry Rice will turn 41 in October. Rod Woodson is 38. Rich Gannon, Tim Brown and Bill Romanowski each are 37.

How can any team with so many key players born in the '60s possibly challenge for another Super Bowl berth?

Still, nobody is dismissing the Oakland Raiders - who lost to Tampa Bay in last season's Super Bowl - in a division in which none of the four teams in the AFC West was under .500 last year.

This season, the major challengers seem to be Denver, with Jake Plummer newly installed at quarterback, and Kansas City, where a defense that allowed more yards last season than any other team has been upgraded and Priest Holmes' ailing hip seems sound.

Even San Diego, which lost seven of its last nine to finish 8-8, could be competitive.

1. RAIDERS

Coach: Bill Callahan (13-6, second year)

2002 record: 11-5, first place, lost to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Key newcomers: DT Dana Stubblefield, rookie RB Justin Fargas, rookie TE Teyo Johnson.

Key losses: Regan Upshaw (Washington), Sam Adams (Buffalo), CB Tory James (Cincinnati), FB Jon Ritchie (Philadelphia).

Overview: QB Rich Gannon knows the Raiders system inside and out and was second in passer rating last season. WR Jerry Porter had nine TD catches last season and gives Gannon a legit deep threat. It's a veteran group with an offense that can control the clock and make big plays. But is this team getting too old?

Super stat: WR Jerry Rice owns 13 NFL records.

2. BRONCOS

Coach: Mike Shanahan (88-49, ninth year)

2002 record: 9-7, second in division.

Key newcomers: QB Jake Plummer, DT Daryl Gardener, rookie OL George Foster.

Key losses: QB Brian Griese (Miami), RB Olandis Gary (Detroit), seven defensive free agents and defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes (resigned).

Overview: Plummer wasn't a winner in Arizona, but that may have had more to do with the talent around him than anything else - or did it? RB Clinton Portis has an Empire State Building-sized chip on his shoulder, which should mean another good season. Second-year WR Ashley Lelie has big-play potential and a better understanding of playing in the NFL, which could mean a breakout year.

Super stat: Steady K Jason Elam is coming off a career-low field goal percentage (.722, 26-of-36).

3. CHIEFS

Coach: Dick Vermeil (14-18, third year)

2002 record: 8-8, fourth in division.

Key newcomers: LB Shawn Barber, DE Vonnie Holliday, rookie RB Larry Johnson.

Key losses: DE Duane Clemons (Cincinnati).

Overview: RB Priest Holmes was the best back in the league until he hurt his hip last season. The offense can really put up points if Holmes is healthy. TE Tony Gonzalez is the best in the league. Barber is a big part of the team's defensive rebuilding process.

Super stat: KC had just seven fumbles all last season, an NFL record. It only lost two of those, also a record.

4. CHARGERS

Coach: Marty Schottenheimer (8-8, second year)

2002 record: 8-8, third in division.

Key newcomers: WR David Boston, FB Lorenzo Neal, rookie CB Sammy Davis.

Key losses: LB Junior Seau (Miami), WR Curtis Conway (NY Jets), S Rodney Harrison (New England), CB Alex Molden (Washington).

Overview: RB LaDanian Tomlinson is a stud, but his recent heel injury may be a concern. Boston's size and speed make him a tough matchup. LB Zeke Moreno will move to middle linebacker with Pro Bowler Donnie Edwards shifting to weak side to replace 12-time Pro Bowler Seau.

Super stat: The defense ranked 30th overall and 32nd vs. the pass last season.

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