San Diego Chargers 2010 NFL Preview, Schedule, Odds, and Predictions: Perennially one of the most talented teams in the NFL recently has been traditionally on of the slowest starters and worse finishers. Slow starts have led to good regular seasons as the Bolts have won the AFC West four straight times and are predicted to make this year the 5th. The playoffs have been a different story losing 3 of their last 4 and to the lower seeded Jets last year. This year Vegas odds makers have the San Diego Chargers as +900 odds to win the 2011 Super Bowl.
Head football coach Norm Turner was rewarded for the mediocrity with a 3 year contract extension even though expectations have continued to be higher than the results. It amazes me that he continues to keep his job as the team is vastly more talented than it has played down the stretch. The defense is aggressively called by Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Clarence Shelmon doesn’t even call the plays, Turner does! The odds makers at SportsInterAction have the San Diego Chargers listed at +500 odds to win the 2010 AFC Championship.
Offensively the Chargers are loaded with Phillip Rivers back at quarterback looking for his third straight 4000 yard season. Tight end Antonio Gates leads the receiving core rounded out by wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd. San Diego let go of LaDainian Tomlinson, but added rookie running back Ryan Mathews from Fresno State who led the FBS with 150 yards a game in 2009. Darren Sproles also brings speed and a receiving threat in on third downs. The Vegas odds makers have the San Diego Chargers listed at -1100 odds to win the 2010 AFC West.
Defensively the Chargers linebacker core sets the tone led by All Pro outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, who was slowed last year as he returned from knee surgery. The secondary and line will have to improve and rookie Cam Thomas will have to step in and play well at nose tackle. The Chargers drafted safety Darrell Stuckey of Kansas to add depth at safety. The odds makers at BetPhoenix have the San Diego Chargers middle number listed at 10 1/2 wins for the 2010 NFL regular season.
The AFC West is weak and that gives the San Diego Chargers a better than average chance to win it for their 5th straight time. I predict 11-5 and winning the AFC West but continued futility in the playoffs. Can Norm survive? Check out more NFL picks for 2010 from the NFL experts at NSAwins.com!
2010 San Diego Chargers Preseason Schedule
1 Sat, Aug 14 vs Chicago 9:00 PM
2 Sat, Aug 21 vs Dallas 9:00 PM
3 Fri, Aug 27 @ New Orleans 8:00 PM CBS
4 Thu, Sep 2 @ San Francisco 10:00 PM
2010 San Diego Chargers Regular Season Schedule
1 Mon, Sep 13 @ Kansas City 10:15 PM ESPN
2 Sun, Sep 19 vs Jacksonville 4:15 PM CBS
3 Sun, Sep 26 @ Seattle 4:15 PM CBS
4 Sun, Oct 3 vs Arizona 4:15 PM FOX
5 Sun, Oct 10 @ Oakland 4:15 PM CBS
6 Sun, Oct 17 @ St. Louis 1:00 PM CBS
7 Sun, Oct 24 vs New England 4:15 PM CBS
8 Sun, Oct 31 vs Tennessee 4:05 PM CBS
9 Sun, Nov 7 @ Houston 1:00 PM CBS
10 BYE WEEK
11 Mon, Nov 22 vs Denver 8:30 PM ESPN
12 Sun, Nov 28 @ Indianapolis 8:20 PM NBC
13 Sun, Dec 5 vs Oakland 4:05 PM CBS
14 Sun, Dec 12 vs Kansas City 4:15 PM CBS
15 Thu, Dec 16 vs San Francisco 8:20 PM NFL
16 Sun, Dec 26 @ Cincinnati 8:20 PM NBC
17 Sun, Jan 2 @ Denver 4:15 PM CBS