No. 12 Lions | No. 14 Chiefs | AFC West | Full List
No. 13: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Last Season: 9-7
Third place, AFC West
Philip Rivers, now 33, may not have the big-time arm, but he anticipates throws as well as anyone. He played like an MVP through the first half of 2014, with an 86.3 QBR and a TD-to-INT ratio of 20-5. So why did San Diego start 5-3? The main culprits were the team's mediocre D (23rd in EPA) and inept run game (the Chargers ranked 30th in total yards rushing, at just 85.4 per game). That stands to change this year thanks to first-round pick Melvin Gordon. Also, newly signed guard Orlando Franklin should take some of the heat off Rivers. But question marks remain with the front seven, which contributed to San Diego allowing 1,986 yards rushing (26th) and 4.5 ypc (29th). -- Mike Sando
When the San Diego Chargers have balance on offense to go with quarterback Philip Rivers' playmaking ability, they are hard to beat. San Diego averaged 102 yards a game on the ground in the team's nine wins in 2014, and just 65 rushing yards a contest in the team's seven losses. The Chargers anticipate upgrades along the offensive line, and the addition of first-round selection running back Melvin Gordon will provide the balance San Diego needs on offense to control the tempo of the game and keep opposing offenses off of the field.
According to Football Outsiders, the Chargers were second to only the New York Giants in adjusted games lost due to injured players. San Diego used five different centers last season, and even Rivers limped through the year with back and rib injuries. Although the Chargers improved their depth up front on both sides of the ball, injuries to players like guard Johnnie Troutman on offense and the loss of defensive tackle Tenny Palepoi for the season with a fractured foot have cut into that depth. The Chargers are still a year or two away from building enough talent throughout the roster to withstand a rash of injuries for a second straight season.
Chargers' percentage chance to win each game
Sept. 13 vs. Detroit: 57.1
Sept. 20 @ Cincinnati: 38.9
Sept. 27 @ Minnesota: 44.1
Oct. 4 vs. Cleveland: 66.8
Oct. 12 vs. Pittsburgh: 50.3
Oct. 18 @ Green Bay: 25.9
Oct. 25 vs. Oakland: 68.6
Nov. 1 @ Baltimore: 35.2
Nov. 9 vs. Chicago: 63.3
Nov. 22 vs. Kansas City: 54.3
Nov. 29 @ Jacksonville: 54.8
Dec. 6 vs. Denver: 42.3
Dec. 13 @ Kansas City: 36.2
Dec. 20 vs. Miami: 51.7
Dec. 24 @ Oakland: 57.1
Jan. 3 @ Denver: 31.0
Eric D. Williams' game-by-game predictions
The Chargers have more speed and playmaking ability on defense, built mostly through the draft. Eight of San Diego's 11 projected starters were selected in the first three rounds of the NFL draft, starting with veteran safety Eric Weddle in the second round in 2007. It's the first offseason the entire group was healthy and played together, and that chemistry and cohesion has been evident during preseason play. With a healthy Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu, the Chargers should be more effective rushing the passer, and that will benefit one of the more underrated defensive backfields in the NFL.
With uncertainty on where this franchise will be located, alongside the possibility of foundational players like Weddle and tight end Antonio Gates playing their final season with the organization, players want to take advantage of a possible final season in San Diego at Qualcomm Stadium. "We have more depth in key areas than we had in the past," Rivers said. "But there's so many things involved. And things like injuries that are out of our control that you can't predict. We just have to play better. But I do feel that we have the pieces in place to win the division." .
The Chargers have a daunting schedule, facing five playoff teams from 2014 in their first eight games, including three on the road. San Diego also finishes with three of its last four games on the road. However, with an efficient quarterback in Rivers, and if Gordon performs up to expectations, the Chargers will be explosive on offense. They should once again compete for an AFC West title. And if they can remain relatively healthy, they could make a deep playoff run. A third straight 9-7 season is a realistic expectation for San Diego.
No. 12 Lions | No. 14 Chiefs | AFC West | Full List
