Chargers News: NFL Expert Picks Bolts as Team Primed to Dethrone Chiefs in AFC West
Going into the 2022 season, the AFC West was considered one of the best divisions the game has seen, on paper, of course. As the season ran its course, it was evident that the Kansas City Chiefs were the kings of the division, and it wasn't even close. They went 6-0 against their division foes and proved they are the team to beat in that division.
It was unfortunate for the Chargers as they fell short of expecations in 2022, like the rest of the AFC West, but they are bound to prove for 2023 to be different.
LA has revamped their roster, and if healthy, they should be threats to the Chiefs for the division crown and beyond. Charger fans and people close to the team certainly believe so, and if all plays out, so does NFL columnist for Bleacher Report Gary Davenport.
Davenport says if all plays out, the Chargers are the only team that could challenge Kansas City.
But what if a team actually could mount a challenge against Kansas City? What if the AFC West was actually interesting for a change?For that to happen, it's probably going to have to be the Chargers who make it happen. Sure, maybe Sean Payton can engineer a massive turnaround in Denver. Maybe the Raiders can exceed expectations in a major way. But to be realistic, it's gotta be the Bolts.Los Angeles has no shortage of offensive talent. A star quarterback in Justin Herbert. And a defense that added linebacker Eric Kendricks and should benefit just from getting healthy. But the Chargers also have to shake off one of the all-time postseason choke jobs after last year's debacle in Jacksonville. And believe that they can play giant-killer.
This season is as good as any to finally secure the division for the first time since 2009. It's been a long time coming for the Bolts, and they plan to take advantage of it.
However, it won't be easy as the Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl champions and are primed to take care of business and go back-to-back.
It will be an uphill battle all season long as the Chargers will not only focus on the Chiefs but will focus on the opponents in front of them. Nonetheless, LA is built to compete against the league's best, and if they stay healthy, watch out for the Bolts to make some real noise in 2023.
