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Justin Herbert, quarterback: The 25-year-old is a phenomenal QB. In 17 games last season, he tied for eighth in passing TDs (25), ranked third in completion percentage (68.2 percent) and threw for the league's second-most passing yards (4,739).

Herbert is already a star but could reach the next level under new OC Kellen Moore. "Any improvement at all under Moore should make him an MVP candidate," wrote ESPN's Dan Graziano.

Per OddsChecker, Herbert has the fifth-best MVP odds.  

Austin Ekeler, running back: The Chargers made amends with Ekeler after contract extension talks faltered and he had requested a trade. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Chargers re-adjusted his contract, including an extra $1.75M in incentives. It's a smart move to keep a premier playmaker happy.

In 17 games in 2022, Ekeler logged the league's eighth-most yards from scrimmage (1,637) and scored the most TDs (18). Over the past two seasons, he led the NFL in TDs with 38. 

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Brandon Staley, head coach:  Staley — a former assistant under Rams HC Sean McVay, a Super Bowl champion — fell short of expectations during his first two seasons. He went 19-15 but won no playoff games. Plus, the Chargers have lost four consecutive one-possession games to AFC West rival Kansas City under Staley. 

While Staley isn't awful, he should accomplish more with a talented roster. Los Angeles had five Pro Bowlers in 2021 and three in 2022. If the Chargers underperform again, the blame should fall on Staley, who could lose his job. 

J.C. Jackson, cornerback:  After signing a five-year, $82.5M deal in 2022, Jackson looked like a free-agent flop. The former Pro Bowler only played in five games before suffering a season-ending knee injury. When he played, the 27-year-old struggled, allowing a career-high 149.3 passer rating in coverage, per Pro Football Reference.

Jackson's backup, Michael Davis, looks like a capable starter. In 12 starts, Davis deflected 15 passes, tied for sixth in the league. Poor performance and nagging injuries could make Jackson expendable.