10 AFC predictions for Week 1 of 2018 NFL season
By Ian Wharton
8. The Los Angeles Chargers will shake their demons
Would you be surprised to know that the Chargers are tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the third-best odds to win the conference? That shocked me considering the franchise has continually shot themselves in the foot by blowing chances to win. But then again, the Chargers may have the best overall roster in the AFC.
A refreshed offensive line with Dan Feeney, Mike Pouncey, and eventually Forrest Lamp will dramatically help both the pass and run game compared to the make-shift group they trotted out in 2017. The more that quarterback Philip Rivers can rely on Melvin Gordon to find easy yards, the smoother the offense will operate. Their receiver quartet of Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, Mike Williams and Travis Benjamin is as deep as any in the league.
The Chargers are stacked with defensive talent as well. Their Week 1 game against the Kansas City Chiefs will be a challenge due to their opponents’ coaching staff and explosive offense, but the Chargers’ time has to be now. No more missed game-winning field goals, late interceptions, and botched fourth-quarter leads.
That’s what I’m predicting, at least.