NFL Power Rankings 2019: Raiders have helmet issues, Browns hype grows

13. Los Angeles Chargers (5)

After going 12-4 last season, the Los Angeles Chargers had high hopes for this season. Already strong on both sides of the ball, they had even more optimism once they picked up defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, safety Nasir Adderley, and linebacker Drue Tranquill in the NFL Draft. Then, their outlook changed when one of their biggest weapons decided he wanted out.

Running back Melvin Gordon was unhappy with the way his contract negotiation was going so he requested the team trade him and he started to hold out. Then, he took what he deemed to be a shot by starting quarterback Philip Rivers when he basically said the team was deep behind Gordon.

"“It certainly is a deep position for us, and those guys all love to play and work hard. We love Melvin, but we’re going to go with what we’ve got. It’s a pretty dang good group.” — Rivers said via Matt Szabo of the L.A. Times"

Rivers has never been shy about speaking his mind and he likely meant no disrespect to Gordon when he said this but was merely trying to build up the backs who were still there.

Having said all that, the offense will miss Gordon who has had at least 12 touchdowns in each of the past three seasons. He won’t be easy to replace even though there is talent in the backfield.