Kansas City Chiefs: 2016 NFL Preview And Predictions

San Diego Chargers: 4-12 in 2015 (4th in AFC West)

The San Diego Chargers have fallen on hard times after dominating most of the early 2000s.  Phillip Rivers is still at the helm of this team, but much of the supporting cast is disappointing.  The Chargers seem to emphasize defense every offseason, but have yet to put together a functioning unit.  Meanwhile the offensive line has been unable to protect Rivers over the past few seasons.  This offseason saw a good bit of turmoil as the team threatened to move to Los Angeles (which it may still do).  That story line took a back seat to the contract battle between the Chargers and first round pick Joey Bosa, which was only recently resolved.  The Chargers need to find some stability to get back to being competitive.

BA: “I haven’t seen anything from the Chargers to make me think they have fixed their problems.  You need more than just an elite quarterback to win in the NFL.  We have already seen that Rivers can’t do it by himself.

Prediction: 5-11 (4th in AFC West)

CL:  “The Chargers have a lot of talent on offense. They’ve got Phillip Rivers, Keenan Allen and Melvin Gordon.  Unfortunately for them, the defense will lose a few more than the offense wins.”

Prediction: 5-11 (4th in AFC West)

JW:  “The Chargers may be better than half of the NFL but still finish last in the AFC West.  Defense is where the Chargers might lag behind their conference running rivals.”  

Prediction: 7-9 (4th in AFC West)

Next: AFC East