DW '09 Season Preview: San Diego Chargers

Last Year: 8-8

Key Additions: Kevin Burnett ILB, Larry English DE

Offense: The Chargers are coming off of a difficult season in which they only won 8 games. They still happened to win the division thanks to a total collapse by the Denver Broncos and thanks in large part to a 5-1 divisional record. This offense is too good to only win 8 games. Philip Rivers enters his fourth season as the starting QB, coming off of a season in which he threw for 34 TD’s and only 11 INT’s. Ladainian Tomlinson is looking to rebound from his least productive season and is facing many of the same questions Brian Westbrook is facing in Philly heading into the season of his 30th birthday. Darren Sproles, the franchise player, is an explosive backup/change of pace back. Antonio Gates is heading into a contract year coming off of his least productive season since his rookie year. He remains as one of the top three TE’s in the game. Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers lead a quality wide receiving core.

Defense: If Shawn Merriman can return from a serious knee injury, this defense can return to the upper echelon in the league. DT Luis Castillo and CB Antonio Cromartie are coming off a disappointing years but both figure to bounce back and along with Merriman and LB Shaun Phillips, anchor a strong D. 1st round pick Larry English will also look to contribute as a defensive end.



Fantasy Studs: Philip Rivers is an elite QB who could improve on his numbers with healthy seasons from Tomlinson and Gates. LaDainian Tomlinson: 1110 yds, 11 TD’s in ’08. He will not be the consensus top overall pick as he was in the past few season but could bounce back. Give extra value if in a PPR (point per reception) league as he may figure more into Turner’s pass first attack. Antonio Gates: 60 Rec, 8 TD’s. You cannot go wrong with Gates.


Prediction: 12-4. I am not sure the Chargers will be as good as their record suggests but the weakness of the division will catapult San Diego to a 1st round Bye in the playoffs.