The AFC West over the past decade has been home to many of the best teams, with multiple Super Bowl winning teams. The Chargers haven’t been first in the division since 2009. This included a 12-4 record in 2018 that ranked second in the division behind the Chiefs. From Peyton Manning to Patrick Mahomes, the division has always had at least one powerhouse team to beat. However, to be the best one has to beat the best, which will have to be the case for the Chargers this upcoming season.
The Broncos season was as embarrassing as it gets, as they made a win now trade that landed them at a record of 5-12 last season. Russell Wilson has a lot to prove this season under new offensive specialist head coach Sean Payton.
The Chargers matchup pretty well against the Broncos, however they could definitely steal a win or two. With the new offense scheme, hopefully they will understand to not test star defensive back Patrick Surtain too much, as it has not worked out for the Bolts in the past.
Under coach Staley, the Chargers are 3-3 against the Broncos. The Chargers have the better team without a doubt as the Broncos lack offense line, defensive line, and linebackers. If the Chargers can hold onto a lead and run the ball against the Broncos weak front seven, it shouldn’t be as stressful as this matchup has been.
It is well known that the Raiders have mightily struggled in the past two decades. That should continue to be the case with their struggling head coach, Josh McDaniels. It will be interesting to see if Jimmy Garoppollo can be a better fit than Derek Carr was. Nonetheless, the Raiders lack depth at every level of their defense.
Despite the Raiders struggles, they bested the Chargers in half of their matchups the last three seasons with a 3-3 record. The Chargers have let too many divisional games slip, especially to the inferior Raiders. The Raiders only chance is to let the generational talent Davante Adams tear it up like he did last season against the Bolts. Without his heroics, the Chargers should take care of business with a good coaching scheme and no costly turnovers as they did last season.
While the Chargers have a better team than the Broncos and Raiders, they can probably afford to lose one or two of those games. Against the Chiefs, the Chargers need to bring their best in every facet to make the postseason and potentially make a deep run.
As long as the Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes, they will always be a contender. They only got better from last season while keeping their core. The worst part is that they brought in Chargers standout linebacker Drue Tranquill in free agency this offseason. His ability to force takeaways in a talented defense could be on full display against his former team this season. However, his injury past and present is still relevant as he is battling through injury currently.
The Chargers managed to go 2-4 against the Chiefs over the past three seasons. Every loss has been in a one score game, as the Chargers always play them tight. Part of Brandon Staley’s pitch to getting the head coach role was how he could take down the Chiefs. He has done an okay job in comparison to everyone else, but it has not been good enough.
L.A. matches up very well against the Chiefs. Unfortunately, the Chiefs offense can turn it up at any moment, just like the championship Golden State Warriors teams. Mahomes’ only weakness is that he may force the issue under pressure. Just like Tom Brady, getting pressure on him is easier said than done. Mahomes’ escapability has to be contained for the Bolts to stop them. With Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and three more talented pass rushers on the team, Mahomes will be pressured more than he ever has in the past.
The Chargers division is tough again this year. It will likely come down to the Chargers or the Chiefs winning the division like it has the last few seasons. The NFL schedule makers agree as the Chargers matchup against the Chiefs in the last week of the season. The Broncos should not be taken lightly, but the Super Bowl champs have to be stopped at all costs. The Staley system and the current roster is fully equipped to stop Mahomes. It is more likely that the Chiefs win the division yet again. But if they underestimate the Bolts for one or both matchups, there could be a new AFC West champ in 2023.
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