2009 AFC West Preview: Chargers to Win Again

The big question regarding the AFC West is not who will win the division in 2009, but how deep will the San Diego Chargers go in the postseason? The Chargers have proven they can handle the Indianapolis Colts again and again, but in the playoffs, they struggle against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots. Like the AFC East, selecting the expected champion for the 2009 season is easy. It’s evaluating the other three teams that is so challenging. The San Diego Chargers will easily win the NFL’s easiest division. The Chargers simply have the talent and they lack competition in their division. Phillip Rivers is developing into an elite NFL quarterback, showing improvement season by season. His wide receivers are also improving, especially with towering Vincent Jackson emerging as their No. 1 target. We were down on LaDainian Tomlinson in 2008, as he hobbled through the season and lost carries to Darren Sproles. But maybe LT has one more healthy and inspi...