Los Angeles Chargers: Is 10 wins possible in 2017?

The Los Angeles Chargers could have a breakout season in 2017, which is why one major media outlet has them getting double-digit wins.

Okay, I understand what you’re thinking: there’s no way that the 5-11 Los Angeles Chargers can double their win total after just one offseason. That being said, newly hired head coach Anthony Lynn is walking into a situation where there is a ton of young talent and a great mix of savvy veterans. Mark my words, this will be a team to be reckoned with in 2017.

Not only do I believe that the newest team in LA can do just that, but one other major media outlet believes that the Chargers will be much better in 2017 as well.

Take a look at this blurb from Nathan Jahnke, the Director of Analytics over at Pro Football Focus:

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"“Maybe the biggest surprise on this list would be the Chargers doubling their 2016 win total. On offense, they welcome back Keenan Allen, who missed most of last year due to injury. He has a 72 percent catch rate since 2013 when he joined the league, which is the best for a wide receiver who doesn’t primarily play in the slot. Mike Williams was also added to the offense as well as a reworked offensive line. On defense, they get back one of the best cornerbacks when healthy Jason Verrett. Since joining the league in 2014, he has only missed two tackles in coverage, leading him to have the best pass-tackling efficiency. With other starts on defense who are either ascending or in their prime like Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, and Casey Hayward, this Chargers team has far too much talent to have another losing record”"

If you’re reading this and you’re a die-hard Chargers fan, then you should be absolutely pumped about the endless possibilities of this upcoming season. Just like Jahnke mentioned in his quote above, this Chargers roster is far too talented to end the season with another losing record. I know that there has been some major disappointment in years past, but this team is going to be much different.

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Yes, the offense is going to get a ton of attention this season, especially from Fantasy Football gurus. However, that Chargers’ defense could be one of the best units in all of football in 2017.

Not only will Jason Verrett be the best corner in the AFC West, but Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are going to terrorize quarterbacks every snap this year. Having those two guys coming off the edge will be the biggest difference-maker for Los Angeles, hopefully solving the Chargers’ late-game problems.

As long as the Lynn has enough healthy players on his defense, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley should have zero issues shutting each AFC West offense down in 2017. Sorry Raiders fans, I’m talking about Marshawn Lynch and company as well.

I’m still a believer that defense wins championships and, while a Super Bowl might not be in the Chargers future for 2017, I do believe that it will help them get to double-digit wins.

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That being said, 10 wins should be more than enough help the Chargers win the AFC West this season. Not only will that win over some lukewarm football fans on the west coast, but it should gain back the trust from the fans in San Diego. Great things are in store for Anthony Lynn’s Chargers in 2017.