12 NFL teams who will be playoff contenders in 2015-16
By Will Osgood
5) San Diego Chargers
I’ve actually criticized the San Diego Chargers in this article, so why give them the fifth seed in the AFC? Two reasons: 1) the AFC as a whole isn’t very good. 2) The Chargers are blessed with a relatively easy schedule, given the third place AFC West slate of games for the coming season.
Yes, they play the NFC North, which I’ve already said will be pretty tight. But it will be tight mostly because it’s littered with just barely above average football teams, not because they are world-beaters. They play the AFC North, as well, which is rather similar to its NFC counterpart.
The Chargers also have the good fortune of facing off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in North Florida, while hosting South Florida’s Dolphins. The point more than anything is the parity of the AFC seems to greatly favor a team as talented as the Chargers.
Speaking of which, San Diego gained a running back in this draft who will play right away, and likely play well. Melvin Gordon is a poor man’s version of LaDainian Tomlinson. When drafted, both exhibited great agility and a low running base. Both excelled as outside runners, but were not scared to pound the rock where the big fellas roam. Gordon is a carbon copy in another way: he didn’t catch the ball a ton at Wisconsin because he simply wasn’t asked to. The Chargers, however, throw to their backs a ton, and he is more than ready to use his skill set as a dynamic pass catcher.
If it needs to be spelled out, Gordon will be the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and MVP of the Chargers in 2015.
Meanwhile, the defense has improved this offseason, in part due to a concerted effort to add depth in the secondary. Most notably was the signing of underrated free agent corner Jimmy Wilson, but also the drafting of Craig Mager, an underrated player from Texas State.
With all of the Philip Rivers trade speculation ultimately equaling diddly squat, the Chargers are once again set to make a run at the AFC West. And for the first time since Peyton Manning has played in the division, they will triumph over the Broncos.
They’ve had problems with the Chiefs, especially last season (0-2 against them, including a disappointing Week 17 road loss when a win would have clinched a playoff spot). Beyond that, the Raiders are not ready yet. Look for the Chargers to go 4-2 in the division—most likely 1-1 against Kansas City and 1-1 against Denver.
They only have to go 6-4 against the rest of their schedule, then, to secure a Wild Card spot. There’s little reason to think they can’t do so.
Next: Last but not least, the champs