Fansided

NFL Power Rankings: Post-free agency

By John Buhler

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
13 of 32
Next
Nov 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
20

Los Angeles Chargers

AFC, West

Los Angeles now has two NFL teams in its city in as many years. The Los Angeles Chargers may take some getting used to, but this team is a sneaky, under-the-radar contender for an AFC Wild Card spot next season.

Injuries deflated this football team almost before the season began last year. However, a few players emerged as star in San Diego’s final professional season. Defensive end Joey Bosa won Defensive Rookie of the Year in only 12 games played. Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram earned every penny of that 2017 franchise tag from his play last year.

Not only do the Chargers change cities, they change a good bit of their coaching staff. Former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn is now the head coach. The failed Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley is now calling the shots on defense. Retaining Ken Whisenhunt as offensive coordinator was a such a strong move for the Chargers organization.

The only other big splash that the Chargers made this offseason was to sign left tackle Russell Okung away from the division rival Denver Broncos. If Okung plays like he did at Oklahoma State and at times while with the Seattle Seahawks, he could be worth that big chunk of change he received in free agency.

Overall, Los Angeles is probably the worst team in the best division in football. The Chargers won’t be worse than 6-10. Should quarterback Philip Rivers have a healthy offense around him, this team has an 11-5 ceiling, capable of earning the No. 5 seed in the AFC.

Home/NFL Free Agency