2015 Season Predictions: AFC West Preview

Oct 11, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, Miami Hurricanes linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers: 

Key Additions: WR Steve Johnson,WR Jacoby Jones, G Orlando Franklin, CB Patrick Robinson, RB Melvin Gordon, ILB Denzel Perryman

The addition of Johnson and Jones are solid additions giving the Chargers a new No.3 and No.4 wide receiver. Jones will also be a big help for special teams for the Chargers. Franklin will be able to start right away on the Chargers line which should help a line that had a lot of injury issues last year. Gordon has future star running back written all over him and I think he will have a huge rookie season this year. On defense Robinson was a solid addition at cornerback giving them three solid cornerbacks on their team. Perryman will give the Chargers some extra depth at linebacker.

Key Losses: RB Ryan Matthews, WR Eddie Royal, SS Marcus Gilchrist  

Matthews was finally displaying the skills that the Chargers hoped he would have when drafting him in the first round, but the addition of Gordon should nullify the departure of Matthews. Royal had a good season for the Chargers last year, but his departure shouldn’t hurt them too much especially due to the additions of Johnson and Jones. Losing Gilchrist will hurt the secondary a bit, but his backup , Addae is solid should be a decent option in the secondary.

Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver

(13) and outside linebacker

(54) walk into the locker room before the game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict: 

The Chargers lost a few key players, but also added a lot of quality players as well. With Phillip Rivers at the helm this team must always be considered to be in playoff contention. The surrounding offensive cast isn’t to bad this year once again. Allen and Floyd are solid No.1 and No.2 options, especially if Allen can play more like he did in his rookie season.

Add veteran Johnson to the mix and the tight ends Gates and Green, then the Chargers have a very good passing attack. I believe Gordon will be great at running back and should give them a great balance. A key will be for the solid offensive line to stay healthy, which was rare in past seasons.

On defense this team is quite complete as well. The defense line isn’t anything special, but Corey Liuget is special and is a massive presence on the line. They also have very solid linebackers led Butler and Te’o and the Chargers hope that Ingram can finally stay healthy. Despite losing Gilchrist the secondary looks quite good.

With Flowers, Robinson and Verrett they have three good cornerbacks, especially if Verrett can continue his great play from last season. When you add Weddle and Addae to those cornerbacks you have a very good secondary. Injury seems to hurt the Chargers every year, but if healthy this team has the potential to be really good.

Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) celebrates with tight end John Phillips (83) after an interception in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Best Case Record: 13-3

Worst Case Record: 9-7

Prediction: 11-5

Team’s Offensive MVP: RB Melvin Gordon

Team’s Defensive MVP: CB Jason Verrett

Rookie Standout: ILB Denzel Perryman

A third place 11-5 finish would be speaking for a very strong division which is what I think the AFC West will be this year. San Diego is going to have a big year this yea, led by a balanced offense and a solid defense. Especially Gordon will have a big rookie year really helping the offense.

Best case scenario to me is that they only drop one game in division and then somehow only lose two against both North divisions and Miami. They would really have to play very good consistent football for that to happen, but it could happen. Worst case, they go 3-3 in division and then only go 4-4 against the Norths which could also very easily happen.

Next: Who gets second?