San Diego Chargers NFL Betting Odds

2010 Season

Two seasons ago the San Diego Chargers finished top of the AFC West division on 13-3 and progressed all the way to the divisional playoffs where they lost 17-14 to the Jets. Last season, however, they went backwards, finishing second in the division on 9-7 to miss the playoffs. Surprisingly perhaps, the Chargers still saw out the season with the top ranked offense and defense in the NFL in terms of total yards.

2011 Off Season

In the 2010-11 NFL season, the San Diego Chargers' stats read much better than their actual results. For instance, the Chargers outscored their rivals 441-322, but still ended on 9-7. The reasons for this were numerous, including the offense's annoying habit of turning the ball over in the red zone, and the defense's burden of having to overcome far too many turnovers and bad plays from special teams. In the off season, the Chargers said goodbye to WR Craig Davis, WR Legedu Naanee, RB Darren Sproles, LB Brandon Siler, LB Kevin Burnett, LB Antwan Applewhite and SS Paul Oliver, and welcomed veteran players WR Laurent Robinson, LB Takeo Spikes, LB Travis LaBoy and SS Bob Sanders on board. They used the 2011 NFL Draft to sign up the likes of DE Corey Liuget, WR Vincent Brown, CBs Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright and LB Jonas Mouton.

2011 Preview

Despite last season, the San Diego Chargers have more than enough players who are capable of securing the team a coveted spot in the play offs. The question is whether head coach Norv Turner can turn them into a well-oiled unit and eradicate their propensity for making careless mistakes? The short answer is only time will tell. Offensively, the Chargers still have QB Phillip Rivers, who is arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the league and a key player for the season ahead. And although Darren Sproles has left the team, RB Ryan Matthews is eager to step in and make his second season with the team count (as long as he stays off the injury list). Similarly, WR Vincent Jackson should bolster San Diego's passing attack. Defensively, the Chargers used the Draft to shore up an already solid unit, and rookie DE Corey Liuget is expected to make his mark from the get-go. In addition, with one of the best secondaries in the league, the Chargers will be a serious threat this season and have no problem facing even their toughest rivals.

2011 Prediction

There is something about the San Diego Chargers that smacks of confidence and success, and after making it to the playoffs two seasons ago, there is little reason why they won't do so again this season. NFL betting fans who feel the same way will be hoping San Diego's minus six turnover ratio from last season is a thing of the past, and that they'll regain the top spot in the AFC West this season and progress to the playoffs. This is a team to watch this season.

**Our Pick

Ever had that feeling about an NFL team where you just seem to know that even before the first game of the regular season that it will crash and burn? Well, I am picking up the exact opposite vibe about the San Diego Chargers, as something in my gut is telling me this Californian franchise will pack a mighty punch this season. So don't be surprised to see the Chargers finish top of the AFC West division on 12-4 this season.