AFC West: Predictions For Each Team

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Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) reacts after a catch during the first quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

San Diego Chargers: Offense will have three receivers with 60 or more receptions

San Diego placed fourth by season’s end in pass offense with the always entertaining quarterback, Philip Rivers. What made it impressive at least was that Rivers had to operate without his #1 receiver (Keenan Allen) for eight games in 2015 due to Allen obtaining an injury to his kidney. Rivers had to rely on the pass catching ability of RB Danny Woodhead as well as TE Antonio Gates. WR Stevie Johnson missed six games also, which left very little for Rivers to work with.

Now Allen is back healthy, as is Johnson, and free agent pickup WR Travis Benjamin gives the offense a legit threat in the deep passing game for San Diego. Given that Allen and Johnson missed considerable time, the talented receivers still were able to haul in 67 and 45 receptions, respectively. Given that Benjamin racked up 68 receptions in a limited offense in Cleveland, the odds of matching that total are sizable, especially given that he’s about to catch passes from the best QB he has played with in his NFL career.

Rivers made it work in 2015 and he will make it work again with Allen, Johnson, and Benjamin each hitting the 60 reception plateau.

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