2014 Record: 9-7
2015 Non Division Opponents: NFC North, AFC North, Baltimore, Miami
2014 in review: San Diego spent big money in the offseason trying to land a running back to compliment the oft-injured Ryan Matthews. That back was Donald Brown, who struggled to match the production he had in Indianapolis. After Matthews predictably got hurt, they turned to Brandon Oliver, who provided a spark early but then wore down. The Chargers continued to be the enigma they always are. Beating the Seahawks one week, losing to Miami by 37 the next.
2015 offseason: San Diego made one large splash in Free Agency, as they signed Guard Orlando Franklin away from Denver with a 5 year, $35.5 million contract. They also brought in veteran Stevie Johnson. Johnson had a couple of down years in San Francisco, but the Chargers are hoping for that Johnson can replicate the Eddie Royal role as the #3 receiver.
2015 draft: Only one draft pick mattered. The Chargers traded up to draft Running Back Melvin Gordon from Wisconsin. Gordon is currently second on the depth chart behind Brandon Oliver, but all signs point to Gordon being the man from day one. He will bring another dimension to the offense and take some of the pressure off of Philip Rivers.
Player on the hot seat: Just some, though. It’s put up or shut up time for Rivers. The Chargers have always been on the cusp, but have never been able to break through. Rivers always ran into Brady, or Manning, or Roethlisberger in the playoffs. Now, he’s still running into them, as well as the new crop led by Andrew Luck. Rivers’ contract is up at the end of this season, so there’s some financial motivation to having a big year as well.
Players you want on your fantasy team: Anyone on their offense you want. Rivers, Gordon, Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd. Stevie Johnson even has some value. The suspension of Antonio Gates brings his value down a smidge, and also makes Ladarius Green an intriguing sleeper. Green has shown flashes and could steal some playing time from Gates with a good start to the season. He won’t steal his job, but he could do enough to make both of them softer plays.
Season Prediction: I believe. The Chargers won’t go all the way, but they will still be playing football in January. The offense is just too good. SFTB prediction: 11-5