The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to bring the AFC West title to their new fans in LA and they just might be closer to doing that than you think.
The 2016 San Diego (Los Angeles) Chargers had an extremely disappointing season. Having a 5-11 record never sits well, especially with dedicated and loyal fans. However, a move to Los Angeles, a new coach, and young superstars could be the recipe to take the Chargers back to the postseason in 2017.
Obviously, there are serious concerns when we start talking about a team that only won five games the year before winning the division the following year. That being said, it's not totally impossible.
Los Angeles will open eyes this season and it all starts with winning close games. If you can win the games you play at home and the majority of nail-biters, then you'll be sitting pretty come December.
Let's take a look at five reasons why the Los Angeles Chargers will win the AFC West Title in 2017.
Feb 22, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; General overall view of Los Angeles Chargers logo on the scoreboard at the StubHub Center. The venue will serve as the home of the Chargers for 2017 and 2018 seasons as part of owner Dean Spanos (not pictured) relocation of the franchise from San Diego. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
5. Favorable Late-Season Schedule
When the 2017 NFL schedule was announced in April, Chargers fans everywhere should have been rejoicing. This has traditionally been a team that struggles down the stretch run of the season, but I don't see that happening this year.
If you haven't taken a look at the Chargers' last eight games of the season, I'll make it very simple for you. The Chargers have four home games through their last eight games (Buffalo, Cleveland, Washington, and Oakland) not to mention, their road games are against Jacksonville, Dallas, Kansas City, and the Jets. Yes, there are some heavy hitters over the course of that stretch. However, there are also some teams that the Chargers should ultimately steamroll.
Call me optimistic if you want, but I truly believe that Los Angeles can win six out of their last eight games, easily. If that happens, the AFC West race will become awfully tight. And with a tight division, the chances that the Bolts can pull through to the top of the standings increases given how they can finish the 2017 campaign.
Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC quarterback Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers (17) throws a pass against the NFC during the second half at the 2017 Pro Bowl at Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
4. Philip Rivers
Other than Derek Carr, Philip Rivers might just be the best quarterback in the AFC West right now. Calm down Kansas City Chiefs fans, there's a reason why Andy Reid and his staff took a quarterback so high in the draft this season. Alex Smith is not and has never been an elite player at the position. He's far from being bad, but he's not on the level of Carr and Rivers.
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Rivers, arguably, has the best arsenal of weapons in the entire AFC West. With the addition of Mike Williams and a third-year running back in Melvin Gordon who is coming into his own, this Los Angeles Chargers offense is for real.
I don't know about you, but I'm not too confident Derek Carr will be playing at an elite level like he was last season. A broken leg is never something to take lightly, which is why I wouldn't be shocked to see Rivers leading the division in all passing statistics at the end of 2016.
His football career may be coming to a close, but Rivers isn't going down without a fight. With better offensive line protection in front of him and an improving running game, he'll play with a chip on his shoulder in 2017. And when he does that, he's going to wreak havoc.
Oct 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) celebrates after he scored a rushing touchdown in the first quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
3. Melvin Gordon
The former Wisconsin Badger took a ton of criticism after he had a very disappointing rookie season in the NFL. That being said, he took those criticisms and threw them right back in everyone's face, as he had a fantastic sophomore campaign for the Chargers. If it wasn't for a late-season injury, Gordon would have easily gone for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.
According to Pro Football Reference, Gordon had 254 carries last season for 997 yards and a fantastic 10 touchdowns. Not to mention, he added 42 receptions for 419 yards and two touchdowns on top of that. Despite shaky offensive line play, the second-year player proved that he has the chops to be a dominant running back in this league. And now he has the chance to further make everyone believers in his ability.
The Chargers front office made life easier for the running back entering Year 3 in the draft. Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney will bolster the offensive line and help open up more running lanes. If Gordon can stay healthy this season and Rivers gets the passing game going, Gordon may just run the Chargers to the AFC West Title and a home playoff game.
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (99) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
2. Joey Bosa
There just aren't enough good things that one person can say about Joey Bosa. According to Pro Football Reference, Bosa put up an amazing 10.5 sacks in only 12 games played in 2016. If you want to know why he was the NFL's top rookie defensive player last season, that's exactly why.
If the Super Bowl last season proved one thing, it's that great teams need a great pass rush in the fourth quarter. If you can't get to the quarterback in the second half, then game over. The Atlanta Falcons learned that lesson the hard way back in February. What's more, another AFC West team in the Denver Broncos proved that you can win with a lethal pass rush. Bosa is every bit good enough to take on that role.
That being said, the Chargers have more than enough players that can get to the passer and Bosa is the best of that group. In a division of pass-rushing superstars, Joey Bosa is well on his way to joining that elite group. With him ready to take an even bigger leap in his second NFL season, the Ohio State product could vault the Chargers defense to the next level after an underrated and solid performance a year ago.
Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) reacts after a catch during the second half of the game against the Detroit Lions at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
1. The Chargers Receiving Corps
I don't know about you, but I believe that the Chargers have the best group of receivers in the AFC West. This group of receivers is going to give defensive coordinators and defensive backs all kinds of trouble in 2017.
Keenan Allen will be returning, Mike Williams will be opposite Allen, and Travis Benjamin will give corners nightmares in the slot. Not to mention, Los Angeles has two very good tight ends with Antonio Gates and Hunter Henry and other secondary weapons such as Tyrell Williams at the disposal of Philip Rivers.
A steady dose of Melvin Gordon will open up the passing game for these guys and vise versa. The Los Angeles Chargers are going to have an extremely dangerous offense this upcoming season and there won't be much that teams in the AFC West will be able to do about it. Sure, there are great secondaries in the division. However, a great secondary can only do so much against a receiving corps as deep as the Chargers'.
Get ready Chargers fans — don't be making Sunday plans with friends in January just yet, because you might have a playoff game to attend.
