The Chargers are now the favorites in the AFC West — Here’s why

The Los Angeles Chargers have not done anything yet since the 2017-2018 season came to a close. However, LA is now the favorites in the AFC West.

The Los Angeles Chargers overcame a slow 0-4 start last season to finish 9-3 with an overall 9-7 record. However, a December loss to Kansas City and a conference-record deciding threeway tie led to the Chargers narrowly missing out of the postseason. It is a shame, too, because LA could have done legitimate damage in the postseason.

Being so close, the Chargers did not need to add much heading into next season. Some defensive help up front and in the linebacking core is the teams only real need. Other than that, the Chargers must focus on re-signing key players like Tre Boston and Tyrell Williams and they are all set.

None of that has gone into motion yet, the NFL off-season officially won’t get underway until March 14. Thus, the Chargers have likely had internal discussions with players, but nothing serious.

Despite the inactivity, though, the Chargers now find themselves as the favorites in the AFC West, if they weren’t already, thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Eric D. Williams of ESPN did a nice piece on why the Chargers should be thanking the Chiefs for the Marcus Peters trade. He offered the same sentiment after the Chiefs traded Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins. I could not agree more with Williams.

Yes, Patrick Mahomes is a very promising young quarterback that can be very good in the future. Sure, the Chiefs have already been busy in replacing Peters with the likes of David Amerson. Peters seemed to be a bad locker room presence, so this move does make some sense for Kansas City.

But Peters still is an elite corner that has given the AFC West problems. Peters has 19 interceptions over the last three seasons including three against the Chargers this season.

However, I would not call the Chiefs the best-coached team in football. As great as Andy Reid is, he makes very questionable decisions in the biggest games of the season. The Chiefs are often hot and cold, they can win eight in a row and lose eight in a row in the same season.

Sure, the quick duo of Kareem Hunt and Tyreek Hill will help Mahomes develop. Travis Kelce is perhaps the best receiving tight end in the league. The Chiefs will not be bad, however, Mahomes has never faced a pass-rushing monster like the Chargers. His composure under pressure will be tested.

What about the Oakland Raiders? They did hire football mastermind Jon Gruden after all, right?

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Well, they did. Gruden is a good coach and will be an improvement from Jack Del Rio. However, Gruden is perhaps the most overhyped coach in NFL history and his addition alone will not be enough to turn Oakland around. The defense did not play well last season and I am not sold on the running game.

A high draft pick will help them, but this Raiders team is again trying to find their identity. The Chargers, who defeated them 30-10 in the final game of the season, have an identity. That will play a huge role.

Quite frankly, the Denver Broncos could be a scary team next year, however, they are nothing the Chargers cannot handle. Even a quarterback addition such as Kirk Cousins or Sam Darnold will not put them over the top. Plus, that defense is not as good as it has been in the past. LA did defeat Denver 21-0 in the two side’s last contest, after all.

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If LA can re-sign Boston and Williams and pick up a stout run stopper in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft they become one of the most complete teams in football. I would not just call them AFC West favorites, I would watch out for a Super Bowl run.