The Los Angeles Chargers head into the 2018 season with a lot of momentum on their side. They finished the 2017 season with a 9-7 record after starting 0-4. The Chargers will not have their starting tight end, Hunter Henry. They also won't have their other tight end, Antonio Gates, as the Chargers chose not to resign him. He holds the record for most receiving touchdowns by a tight end.
The Chargers also enter the season with one of the top secondary's in the NFL. They enter the season with Jason Verrett coming back from a season-ending ACL injury. He looks to compete with Trevor Williams for a starting cornerback spot. They also have Casey Hayward, who lead the league in 2016 with seven interceptions. At the safety positions, Jahleel Addae and Derwin James lead the way. James is a first-round pick out of Florida State. For pass rushers, Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram leading the way at the defensive end. The Chargers averaged the quickest time last season for getting to the quarterback. They look to make a large impact in the AFC West this upcoming season.
The Chargers enter the season with a similar offense but with a revamped offensive line. The Chargers picked up Mike Pouncey in Free Agency. The two-time pro bowl center is looking for a big year with the Chargers. With Antonio Gates' contract not renewed by the Chargers and Hunter Henry tearing his ACL to end his 2018 season, the Chargers have Virgil Green starting at Tight End, who was acquired by the Denver Broncos this past offseason.
Quarterback Phillip Rivers looks for another great year as he looks to build off of last season. Kennan Allen, who is coming off of a career year, Travis Benjamin, and Tyrell Williams are all great options for Rivers as he approaches the near-end of his career. First-round pick from 2017, Mike Williams, looks to have a bounce-back year for the Chargers.
The Chargers will have to face two new quarterbacks in the AFC West this season. Case Kennum, for the Denver Broncos, was signed after having a great year with the Minnesota Vikings. Kennum played in the NFC Championship with the Vikings after throwing the game-winning touchdown in the so-called "Minneapolis Miracle" versus the New Orleans Saints. Pat Mahomes will be starting for the Kansas City Chiefs this upcoming season as he looks to have a great first year as a starting NFL quarterback. Mahomes was drafted in the first round by the Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Chargers look to win the AFC West for the first time since 2009 as they face the Kansas City Chiefs Week one of the 2018 seasons and end their season with the Denver Broncos in the Mile-High city in Week 17.
