Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 3: Quarterback Philip Rivers
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 3: Quarterback Philip Rivers /

22. San Diego Chargers

San Diego has one of the best quarterbacks in football with Philip Rivers. The problem, as it has been throughout this entire decade, is that he has little help around him.

Rivers is 34 years old and doesn’t move around outside the pocket. He’s very much a statue, which is a problem when the offensive line is brutal. King Dunlap and Orlando Franklin provide a decent left side, but from center to right tackle, it’s a disaster. Joe Barksdale and D.J. Fluker have never proven to be high-quality players.

The strength of this team — outside of Rivers — is the receiving group. Travis Benjamin had over 900 yards with the Cleveland Browns last year and now has a real quarterback throwing him the football. Keenan Allen missed the last half of 2015 with a kidney injury, but he remains a threat to go for 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns.

San Diego’s other flaw is in the front seven. While general manager Tom Telesco did well to sign Brandon Mebane, the linebackers are sub-par. Manti Te’o simply isn’t good against the run or pass, and Denzel Perryman is strictly a downhill thumper. Melvin Ingram is the only true pass-rusher on the team, racking up 10 sacks a year ago.

This team has its strengths, but far too many weaknesses to compete in the AFC West.

Record prediction: 6-10

Next: No. 21 Los Angeles Rams