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Los Angeles Chargers: Belief Growing They Take the AFC West

By Erik Lambert

Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) signals before the snap during the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) signals before the snap during the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) signals before the snap during the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) signals before the snap during the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

There is no more balanced or tougher division in the NFL right now than the AFC West. The Los Angeles Chargers know that better than most.

Two teams went 12-4 last year from that group with another going 9-7. What makes it even crazier now is that the Chargers might be the most improved team of those four. Their crafty acquisition of Russell Okung at left tackle in free agency, along with a strong draft that landed two starting guards and a potential stud receiver has people believing this team is finally ready for a deep playoff run of their own.

Of course there are challenges ahead. They’re moving to a new city, and history shows that can really play havoc on the psyche. To say nothing of the fact they’re breaking in almost an entirely new coaching staff. Conor Orr of NFL.com explained the dilemma, but also why the Chargers should be the trendy pick to take the division.

"“This requires a certain amount of belief in the very trendy Chargers and their first-time head coach, Anthony Lynn. However, the team has an incredibly experienced overall coaching staff, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year and one of the five best quarterbacks in the league. Had it not been for the impending move to Los Angeles, this may have been the most desirable head-coaching job available this offseason (and it still might’ve been, regardless). Should Mike Williams be able to provide any relief for Philip Rivers, this is a 10-win team in the making.”"

Rivers and the defense lead the way

The exit of Peyton Manning really shifted the dynamic of the division. Now suddenly the Chargers of at least the second best quarterback in Philip Rivers. Give him better protection and more weapons than last year and logic dictates this team can turn things around fast. That’s exactly how the team operated throughout the offseason.

Upgrade the offense and bank on their young defensive standouts like Joey Bosa taking the next step towards becoming top notch players. All while improving the depth behind them with the occasional free agent here and draft pick there. As always health will play a huge factor in how this goes but if ever the Chargers were poised for a run, it feels like 2017 is their year.

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