Justin Herbert's progress in new offense makes Chargers bigger threat to Chiefs

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is primed for a career year in a new offense, giving Los Angeles a legitimate chance to threaten Kansas City's AFC West supremacy. 

Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has instilled a new "pace and space" system that gives the fourth-year QB more plays at the line of scrimmage and control of tempo, making a massive impact.

"In practice, what I noticed about Herbert is how comfortable he was," wrote NBC Sports' Peter King. "The examples I gave you up top? They say to me Herbert's gotten better at one of the most important and underrated, parts of playing the position. That's manipulating the defense. He knows how to use the freedom of the toolbox Moore and [head coach] Brandon Staley have given him."

Herbert reaching the next level is a scary thought for defenses. He's already an elite QB. In 17 games last season, he threw for the league's second-most passing yards (4,739) and 25 TDs. 

If he improves and the Chargers talented receiving corps stays healthy, the team should vault into the NFL's top-10 scoring offenses after it underachieved last season, finishing 13th in points scored.

This presents a problem for the defending Super Bowl champions. The Chiefs — who have won seven consecutive division titles — may have trouble matching another explosive offense. They lack proven pass-catchers outside of tight end Travis Kelce, who turns 34 years old on Oct. 5.

"History tells us that even the best football players are subject to Father Time," wrote ESPN's Bill Barnwell. "So, what happens if Kelce gets hurt or takes a major step backward? Suddenly, the league's most pass-happy offense looks as if it would be stuck relying on ... Marquez Valdes-Scantling as its No. 1 reciever?"

While Kansas City still holds the best Super Bowl odds, per OddsChecker, they must solve WR questions. Otherwise, Los Angeles will emerge and vie for an AFC West crown.