How the Los Angeles Chargers can make it to Super Bowl LIII

1. Capitalize on their experience advantage

It may sound strange, but the Los Angeles Chargers may be the most experienced team in the AFC West. Their talent alone will carry the team to a contending record in the division, the experience is what breaks them free from the other three teams out west.

Again, it sounds strange, but the AFC West is experiencing a major shake-up. Let’s start with the top-down with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kansas City was a roller coaster last season. They started the year with the longest winning streak at 5-0 and finished 5-6 for a 10-6 overall record. Then, in the first round of the playoffs, the Tennessee Titans completed a 19 unanswered points comeback to win 22-21. Now, with Alex Smith traded to Washington, the Chiefs are relying on rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Then there is the Oakland Raiders. I will give them credit, they did sign perhaps the most sought-after head coach in John Gruden. However, it has been ten years since Gruden has picked up the playbook and he was never really that great to begin with. Oakland is still mediocre on both sides of the ball.

Then there is the Denver Broncos, who realistically, are not a threat to begin with. Signing Kirk Cousins could make things interesting. However, the defense let up a lot of points (22nd-most in the league) despite allowing the third least yards. Head coach Vance Joseph has awhile to go.

Philip Rivers is the only quarterback with playoff experience. The Chargers are the only team entering next season with stability, something that has lacked the franchise in the past. While the rest of the AFC West tries to figure out their identity, the Chargers will coast to a great start.