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Los Angeles Chargers Are the Sleeper Team of the AFC

By Erik Lambert

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers shake hands during the first half of the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers shake hands during the first half of the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 31: Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers shake hands during the first half of the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 31: Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers shake hands during the first half of the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

The Los Angeles Chargers found their mojo a little too late in 2017. Their 0-4 start to the season put them in too steep a hole despite a valiant rally.

While it was a disappointing finish, there was a buzz around the L.A. area. One that hinted this team might be ready to win. Looking at their roster it’s hard to argue. They’ve assembled talent everywhere, and not just among the players. Even their coaching staff has a number of quality names in the mix on both offense and defense. Anthony Lynn has shown himself to be a coach who isn’t overwhelmed by adversity.

It’s hard not to feel excited about this team. Philip Rivers is still at quarterback. Mike Pouncey and Forrest Lamp will bolster their offensive line. Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and Mike Williams make a formidable receiving trio. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram might be the most lethal pass rush duo in the NFL. Casey Hayward is a top five corner and now they add a thumper with huge upside at safety in Derwin James.

Not just the media have taken notice of the Chargers’ improvement. One of their biggest rivals has too.

John Elway admits Chargers can’t be ignored anymore

Denver Broncos GM John Elway is never one to mince words or play coy. He tells it like it is. So when Peter King talked with him about the state of the AFC West, the Hall of Famer revealed admiration for what the Chargers have done.

"“It’s the wild, wild West. I thought the Chargers did a really nice job with the draft. They’ve got the settled quarterback, even though the Raiders do too. Looking at it, [the Chargers] may be the ones to beat. As I stand here, looking at it, the Chargers might be the team to beat.”"

Hard as it may be to believe, the Chargers suddenly have the most stable-looking situations. Denver and Kansas City will be starting new quarterbacks in 2018. Oakland will be trying to revive Derek Carr in a completely new system under Jon Gruden. Rivers is the only proven commodity with everything in place. Throw in that defense and it’s suddenly easy to see the optimism. Nevermind the fact they played good games against both Super Bowl participants last year. With one more push, this could be their time.

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