The Los Angeles Chargers haven’t won the AFC West since 2009, but this could be the year that changes.
Philip Rivers and Co. finished second in the division last season with a 9-7 record. If it weren’t for some missed late-game field goals, however, the Chargers likely would’ve surpassed the Kansas City Chiefs and claimed the division in their first season in L.A.
So, will the Chargers, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2013, finally get over the hump? Or is this new-look division truly up for grabs?
Here’s our AFC West preview:
DIVISION ODDS
Los Angeles Chargers +150
Kansas City Chiefs +265
Oakland Raiders +325
Denver Broncos +400
DIVISION FAVORITE
Los Angeles Chargers — The Chargers don’t just have the best roster in the division — they have perhaps the best collection of all-around talent in the AFC. The Bolts’ sole weakness on offense was their offensive line, but the additions of veteran center Mike Pouncey and 2017 second-round pick guard Forrest Lamp, who missed last season with a torn ACL, should fix all that. Couple the revamped line with some of the best skill players in the division, and the Chargers offense should be a force to be reckoned with.
As for the defense, the Chargers are led by elite pass rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. They also should benefit from the addition of rookie safety Derwin James, who L.A. took in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Assuming defensive coordinator Gus Bradley fixes the team’s run-stopping woes, the Chargers could be…
