2018 Season NFL Preview: AFC West

Los Angeles Chargers

Philip Rivers

Could this be the year? The Los Angeles Chargers team looks as complete as ever. The Chargers have been building this team for some time, the only familiar face that has stayed is Philip Rivers. Rivers is the face, the life, and the glue of the Charger franchise. He has been a productive quarterback for a long time. This season could be the year, and San Diego doesn't even get to see it.

Strengths: Let us start with the face of the franchise Philip Rivers. Rivers has been one of the most prolific passers of his generation, yet he never seems to get over the hump. This Chargers team is the best team fielded since Rivers started his career. The offensive line on the Chargers is top quality. Names like Mike Pouncey, Russell Okung, will lead young, up and coming guards in the league like Scott Quessenberry. The Charges receiving core lead by Keenan Allen is fantastic. Allen is a top 5 wide receiver in the league when he is healthy. Travis Benjamin, Tyrell Williams, and Mike Williams will round out one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. Melvin Gordon will lead the backfield for the Chargers. The beast we call Gordon will have another strong campaign. This play calling will make the job easier for Philip Rivers, who likes to throw the ball. Having a solid run game will open up the passing game. A healthy and pounding Gordon will have his way with defences again this year. The stacked Chargers defence led by the best edge tandem in the league in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. This duo will give nightmares to opposing quarterbacks as they did in the previous years. Corey Liuget and Brandon Mebane are rounding out the front four; this could be one of the best front fours in the league. The linebackers will welcome back Denzel Perryman after injuries last year. He will anchor an underrated linebacking group. Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward and rookie standout Derwin James will anchor the strong secondary. Casey Hayward will also be a great role model and tutor for James. Derwin James will be the playmaker that the Chargers have been dying for since Eric Weddle left for greener pastures. The coaching staff in Los Angeles is strong. Coordinators on the Chargers are some of the best minds in football. Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt has been with Rivers and the offence for a few years. If the weapons are healthy, then Whisenhunt is a mastermind and can work much magic with the attack in Los Angeles. Add to that the defensive mind of Gus Bradley. The former defensive coordinator of the mighty Seattle Seahawks and former head coach of Jacksonville will use the Chargers defence to blow up offences the way he did in Seattle. This job makes head coach Anthony Lynn's job much easier when you have two former successful coaches taking care of some great playmakers on both sides of the ball.

Weakness: Is there a weakness in the Chargers of 2018? Yes, it is at the tight end position. They lost Hunter Henry to injury and currently have Virgil Green as a replacement. Green is dependable, but he is no Hunter Henry. If they struggle in that position could they call their greatest tight end in team history back? Injuries to players come to mind with the Chargers. While Rivers has been mostly healthy, his comrades have not. Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry all have had significant injuries in the last couple of years. Chargers need to be a healthy team to be the best they can be. The mental aspect of the game has been hard for the Chargers for years. Anytime the Chargers get to the playoffs or any big game something goes wrong. The Chargers need to find ways to win those games, and it starts with Philip Rivers. The more Rivers controls his emotions during those games, the more the team will succeed. Speaking of hurting himself, the Chargers might want to consider getting a better backup to Rivers just in case he does get hurt. The names Geno Smith and Cardale Jones won't help just in case Rivers has an injury.

Players to Watch: Derwin Jones (S), Mike Williams (WR), Denzel Perryman (LB), and Joey Bosa (Edge)