With speculation that Philip Rivers could be traded leading up to the draft, I predicted an 8-8 record for the San Diego Chargers back in April. Of course, as the Chargers stated publicly all along, Rivers did not go anywhere and in fact signed a four-year contract extension. With future stability established at the all-important quarterback position, I like the Chargers' chance to compete for the AFC West title. However, San Diego still has a tough schedule, so I have the Chargers finishing at 9-7 for a third straight season.

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, Detroit, 4:05 p.m.

San Diego’s secondary will be tested by Detroit’s talented receiving duo of Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. But I believe the Chargers will put consistent pressure on Matthew Stafford, forcing a couple turnovers. Score: Chargers 30, Lions 27. Record: 1-0.

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Like the Week 1 matchup with the Lions, I’m taking the better quarterback here. But Cincinnati’s talented running back duo of Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard could cause problems. Score: Chargers 27, Bengals 20. Record: 2-0.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

The Chargers will struggle to bottle up Adrian Peterson, and second-year pro Teddy Bridgewater will do enough in the passing game to provide balance on offense. Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner should have some insight on his former team. Score: Vikings 24, Chargers 20. Record: 2-1.

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, Cleveland, 4:05 p.m.

Cleveland averaged just 18.7 points a game last season, and I don’t see the 2015 version of the Browns’ offense led by quarterback Josh McCown being any more explosive. Score: Chargers 24, Browns 10. Record: 3-1.

Week 5: Monday, Oct. 12, Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

The Chargers usually play well on Monday nights, but I’ll take Big Ben (Roethlisberger) over Rivers in the battle of quarterbacks from the 2004 draft class. Score: Steelers 24, Chargers 23. Record: 3-2.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.

San Diego could be catching the Packers at the right time, with Jordy Nelson out for the season and injuries along the offensive line. But the Chargers are 1-9 all-time against the Packers. Score: Packers 27, Chargers 23. Record: 3-3.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

The Raiders are much improved, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. And Oakland always seems to play San Diego tough. Score: Chargers 27, Raiders 24. Record: 4-3.

Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Rivers engineered some late-game heroics in a come-from-behind victory here last season, but I don’t see that happening a second time. Score: Ravens 27, Chargers 21. Record: 4-4.

Week 9: Monday, Nov. 9, Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

The Bears have more playmakers on offense, but the decision-maker, quarterback Jay Cutler, hasn’t changed. That means Chicago will continue to hemorrhage turnovers. Score: Chargers 30, Bears 20. Record: 5-4.

Week 10: BYE

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.

Adding a vertical threat like Jeremy Maclin helps Alex Smith create more explosive plays on the perimeter of Kansas City’s offense. But how San Diego handle’s Kansas City’s potent pass rush is the key to this matchup. Score: Chargers 24 Chiefs 21. Record: 6-4.

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

The Jaguars should be improved from last season with the addition of T.J. Yeldon as an every-down running back. Blake Bortles looks better in Year 2, but San Diego should take care of this one. Score: Chargers 31, Jaguars 21. Record: 7-4.

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, Denver, 4:05 p.m.

New Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak has done a nice job of installing the zone running scheme, and Denver’s defense is one of the best in the game. But San Diego wins at home. Score: Chargers 27, Broncos 26. Record: 8-4.

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

The Chargers could face the team’s first cold-weather game here in Kansas City. Perhaps San Diego leans on Melvin Gordon in this one. Score: Chiefs 20, Chargers 17. Record: 8-5.

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, vs. Miami, 4:25 p.m.

Miami’s defense, led by Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake, will create issues for San Diego’s offensive line. But the Dolphins will have a short work week to prepare and have to travel across the country. Score: Chargers 31, Dolphins 27. Record: 9-5.

Week 16: Thursday, Dec. 24, at Oakland, 8:25 p.m.

A short work week and having to travel during the holiday season leads to a letdown game for the Chargers. Score: Raiders 27, Chargers 24. Record: 9-6.

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

For a third straight season, the Chargers should have something to play for in the final regular-season game. Unlike the past two seasons, hopefully San Diego heads into this one healthy. Score: Broncos 31, Chargers 27. Record: 9-7.