The San Diego Chargers may be one of the most improved teams in AFC West heading into the 2015-16 NFL regular season. The Chargers managed to keep their franchise quarterback Philip Rivers, and added a few weapons to his arsenal. They also added some protection to give him enough time to work his magic. Can Rivers finally lead the Chargers back into the playoffs? Read on for everything you need to know about the 2015 San Diego Chargers.
The AFC West is an incredibly loaded division. Check out our complete previews for the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders.
[sc:Football ]2015-16 San Diego Chargers Preview
Overview
Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers had a hell of year last season. They were in contention for a Wild Card spot in Week 17 but fell at Kansas City 19-7 and dropped to 9-7. Despite coming up just short of a postseason berth, the Chargers still had some impressive stretches, including a five-game win streak that began with a victory against Super Bowl XLIX runners-up, the Seattle Seahawks.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Heading into this season, there was plenty of buzz regarding the state of the team. It was rumored that they’d leave San Diego in favor of Los Angeles. Even Rivers’ name was brought up in a possible trade for Tennessee’s second overall draft pick. The Chargers are having none of that now and look capable of finally winning a Super Bowl title. San Diego is +4,000 to win Super Bowl 50.
Offseason Review
Perhaps the biggest move San Diego made was keeping Rivers around for his 10th year as the starting signal caller. He had an up-and-down season last year due to injuries. He also wasn’t helped by an offensive line that allowed him to get sacked seven times in their Week 17 loss at Kansas City.
The Chargers solidified that O-line this offseason by re-signing King Dunlap. The left tackle had a stellar 2014 season, not allowing a sack in each of his last seven games protecting Rivers’ blindside. The Chargers also brought in guard Orlando Franklin via free agency.
San Diego also seems to have fixed its issue at center. Five different players snapped the ball to Rivers last season, a nightmare in developing chemistry. Chris Watt now enters training camp as the starter after an impressive rookie campaign last year.
A more solid offensive line also means a better running game. The Chargers decided to part ways with running back Ryan Mathews after a career marred with injuries. They’ll replace him with a stellar rookie in Melvin Gordon who led college football with 2,587 rushing yards in 2014. Gordon should be able to exploit running routes opened by the aforementioned Dunlap to help alleviate some of the pressure off Rivers.
Key Player – Philip Rivers
While Rivers had his second strong season since head coach Mike McCoy arrived, there is still plenty to improve on. Rivers ranked eighth in both passing yards (4,286) and touchdowns (31) last season. But he also had the most interceptions in the league with 18. Part of his struggles was a patchy offensive line ravaged by injuries and almost no running game to take pressure off him.
Rivers may be more impressive this season behind a retooled offensive line as well as an excellent running back in the rookie Gordon. But he’ll have his work cut out for him with his favorite target Antonio Gates, who led the Chargers with 12 receiving touchdowns last season, suspended for the first four games due to a violation of the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Think Rivers finally puts a ring on it? Create a betting account now and put your money on San Diego as they charge toward the Super Bowl.
Key Game – @ Denver (January 3)
San Diego’s regular season concludes with a very tough road game against none other than the Denver Broncos, winners of four straight AFC West titles (2011-2014). The Chargers may be in contention for the division title or a Wild Card spot until the last game of the regular season. A high-stakes game against a divisional rival possibly makes this the most important game for the Chargers this season.
Best/Worst Case Scenario for the Season
Best Case Scenario
The Chargers make the playoffs as AFC West champions after toppling Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Rivers plays extremely well behind a solid offensive line and running game, while Gordon exceeds all expectations. San Diego reaches the Divisional Playoff round only to fall short.
Worst Case Scenario
San Diego finishes third in AFC West for the third straight time. Gordon’s a bust and the Chargers struggle to field a strong running game, while Rivers fails to gain any sort of momentum in his contract year.
Complete Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun, Sep 13 | vs Detroit | 4:05 PM |
| 2 | Sun, Sep 20 | @ Cincinnati | 1:00 PM |
| 3 | Sun, Sep 27 | @ Minnesota | 1:00 PM |
| 4 | Sun, Oct 4 | vs Cleveland | 4:05 PM |
| 5 | Mon, Oct 12 | vs Pittsburgh | 8:30 PM |
| 6 | Sun, Oct 18 | @ Green Bay | 4:25 PM |
| 7 | Sun, Oct 25 | vs Oakland | 4:05 PM |
| 8 | Sun, Nov 1 | @ Baltimore | 1:00 PM |
| 9 | Mon, Nov 9 | vs Chicago | 8:30 PM |
| 10 | Bye Week | ||
| 11 | Sun, Nov 22 | vs Kansas City | 8:30 PM |
| 12 | Sun, Nov 29 | @ Jacksonville | 1:00 PM |
| 13 | Sun, Dec 6 | vs Denver | 4:05 PM |
| 14 | Sun, Dec 13 | @ Kansas City | 1:00 PM |
| 15 | Sun, Dec 20 | vs Miami | 4:25 PM |
| 16 | Thu, Dec 24 | @ Oakland | 8:25 PM |
| 17 | Sun, Jan 3 | @ Denver | 4:25 PM |
Writer’s Prediction
The Chargers finish second in AFC West with a 10-6 record. They go over their regular season wins total of 8.5 and make the playoffs as one of the Wild Card teams.
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