NFL Teams Betting - San Diego Chargers - AFC West

Everyone on the Chargers had an inconsistent season, not just Philip Rivers. Management is giving the combo of Rivers and coach Turner one more chance to make a playoff run. That pressure will likely bring out the best in the ultra-competitive Rivers. San Diego has the 10th hardest schedule, with their opponents averaging a .504 winning percentage. The tough games are spread out pretty evenly across the schedule, leading to yet another inconsistent season in San Diego and the departure of Turner at year's end.

In a move unpopular with many fans, team president Dean Spanos decided to keep coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith after the Chargers finished 8–8 and out of the playoffs for the second straight year. Now it’s time for Turner and Smith to fire up the Chargers — or get fired.

Smith was more active than usual in free agency. Forced to replace star wide receiver Vincent Jackson, he signed Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal in a flurry of deals that should bolster the offense. Smith then used the draft to improve a defense that was the worst in the NFL on third down. With the first three picks, he took outside linebacker Melvin Ingram of South Carolina, defensive end Kendall Reyes of Connecticut and safety Brandon Taylor of LSU.

The Chargers no longer have the luxury of playing in one of the weakest divisions in football. Oakland continues to improve. The Chiefs regain the services of standout tailback Jamaal Charles. And the Broncos, the defending division champs, now have Peyton Manning running the show.