Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest reason to be excited in 2018

By Brad Berreman

BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Al Pereira/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Al Pereira/Getty Images /

Los Angeles Chargers – A wide open division

After an 0-4 start last year, the Chargers won six of their last seven games to finish 9-7 and just outside of a Wild Card spot. The perpetual underachievers have stability at the most important position on the field, as Philip Rivers has not missed a start since taking over the job in 2006, and the roster is filled with talent.

Former Chargers’ running back LaDainian Tomlinson declared them Super Bowl contenders on paper back in late-May, even after tight end Hunter Henry was lost to a torn ACL. Cornerback Jason Verrett (torn Achilles) is also now out for the season, but expectations are still high.

Working in the Chargers’ favor is a wide-open AFC West. A change to Patrick Mahomes under center and a bad defense leaves the Kansas City Chiefs vulnerable to a drop-off, and the Denver Broncos are betting on Case Keenum being able to offer at least average quarterback play. The Oakland Raiders are a wild card, with Jon Gruden back as head coach after nearly a decade out but a good amount of talent on the roster to foster a rebound after last year.

The Chargers have the most talent on both sides of the ball in their division, and quite possibly in the entire AFC. If the injury Gods cooperate, a division title is in the offing and it could be decisive.

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