5 teams that will threaten the New England Patriots in AFC

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots speaks to the media after losing 41-33 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers in action against the New York Jets in an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

4. Los Angeles Chargers

The presence of Philip Rivers on this roster gives them a chance to win every game they play. The front office’s summer moves to make this a more balanced roster certainly enhances Los Angeles’ ability to catch the Pats this year.

On offense, the team have high hopes that Mike Pouncey can galvanize the offensive line. If that happens, it could be great news for Melvin Gordon. He really struggled to produce behind a porous line last year. That put too much of the offensive workload on Rivers and company.

The front office didn’t ignore the defense either. Adding a versatile defensive back like Derwin James to this talented group was a stroke of genius. He’s just the sort of defender who can match up with Brady’s favorite targets. Specifically, he is the type of safety that can actually compete against Rob Gronkowski.

Don’t forget that Joey Bosa still lurks on defense for the Chargers. He’s one of the NFL’s most talented young edge rushers. If he experiences a breakout season it could be enough to give Rivers one more shot at a Super Bowl title.

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