NFL writers and analysts have set a high bar for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018.
Pro Football Focus senior analyst Mike Renner joined Chargers Weekly last Wednesday to lay out the case for why he thinks Los Angeles is primed for a Super Bowl run. Renner pointed to the defense's ability to go four-deep at cornerback as being a decided advantage.
"There's really no spot in that secondary where you can attack them," Renner said. "There's no weakness, really, to attack. And at the point, if you get the pass rush up front going with (Joey) Bosa and (Melvin) Ingram, (they're going to) shut down a lot of good passing offenses this upcoming season."
On Monday, NFL.com's Adam Rank gave five reasons why the Bolts will make the playoffs for the first time since 2013. According to Rank, the Chargers not only have the most complete roster in the AFC West, they also have the best quarterback:
"Every other team in the division has some question at their quarterback position. Yes, even you, Raiders fan. We hope last year was an aberration. But was it? WAS IT? I love Derek Carr, but Jon Gruden, man ... I'm concerned. Rivers is the best quarterback in this division. And I know I've said this recently, but Rivers is the best quarterback from the 2004 draft class -- it's time he's able to reap the rewards. Time to put it all together."
Listen to Renner, read Rank and sound off in this week's Chargers Mailbag. Submit your question here.