NFL Season Preview: AFC Dark Horse Playoff Contenders

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tom Brady
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tom Brady /
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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) /

AFC West Dark Horse: Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers were on the doorstep of the playoffs last season. This season may be the year they kick the door completely in.

An offense that was fourth overall last season has a productive nucleus in quarterback Philip Rivers, running back Melvin Gordon, and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Tyrell Williams.

Development from second-year receiver Mike Williams will go a long way to the Chargers having next to an impossible offense to defend.

On the other side of the ball, defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram create an elite pass rushing tandem that totaled 22.5 sacks in 2017. The first round selection of Derwin James gives the Chargers defense an ace in the hole in the secondary as a difference-making playmaker.

Second-year head coach Anthony Lynn may not possess the coaching experience/pedigree but there is more than enough talent in his possession for his young team to be a force in the AFC West.

Each team in the division made significant improvements but these Chargers are close to being mainstays in the playoff picture for years to come.