2009 San Diego Chargers NFL Predictions

Written August 16, 2009 by InfoPlays

2009 San Diego Chargers NFL Predictions The San Diego Chargers aim for their fourth consecutive AFC West title heading into the 2009 season, but anything short of a Super Bowl will be a letdown. San Diego lost eight of its first 12 games last season, but they rallied to win their final four games to earn another division title. There are still many questions surrounding this team, the two biggest being can Shawne Merriman rediscover his quickness after knee surgery and does LaDanian Tomlinson have anything left in the tank? This team is built to win now, so the window of opportunity is closing. NFL betting lines have the Chargers listed at -450 to win the AFC West at Sportsbook.com.

Offense: Philip Rivers has the statistics to show that he’s one of the best in the league at the quarterback position. He needs a Super Bowl ring to be considered among the league’s best, just like two other quarterbacks from the 2004 draft are in Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. Rivers set a franchise record with 34 touchdowns passes last season. He also led the league with a 105.5 rating, and there’s no reason he can’t match or exceed those numbers this year. Bill Volek returns as the backup, while the team likes Charlie Whitehurst’s strong arm as the No. 3. Tomlinson was criticized a lot last season, but he still finished fourth among running backs in the AFC with 1,110 yards. That was his career low, and he missed the playoffs again last season due to injury. Still, he was rewarded with a new contract and now he’ll be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Darren Sproles proved to be a weapon in Tomlinson’s place. He’ll be back and look for Sproles to get plenty of carries again this season as he proves he’s more than just a third-down back.

Vincent Jackson emerged as the team’s top receiver last season, posting his first 1,000-yard campaign. Veteran Chris Chambers may be the most dangerous receiver on the roster, and he should have a big year now with teams shifting more of their attention to Jackson. Antonio Gates is still one of the best tight ends in the game, and the five-time Pro Bowler returns healthy this season. Buster Davis was a first-round pick in 2007 and needs to play like one this year. The 6-5 Malcolm Floyd makes a great red zone target. The offensive line looks to rebound from a mediocre season, and they’ll have to do it with some new faces. Right guard Mike Goff was allowed to leave, and he should be replaced by Kynan Forney who was inactive for much of last season. If Forney can’t handle the job, then the team will look to backup Scott Mruczkowski and possibly third-round pick Louis Vasquez. Right tackle Jeromey Clary is back, but there isn’t much behind him. Left tackle Marcus McNeill is a two-time Prow Bowler, but his game slipped last season due to a neck injury. Left guard Kris Dielman earned Pro Bowl honors, and he was easily the most consistent starter. He is why the Chargers tend to run left when they need crucial yards. Center Nick Hardwick missed the first three games of last season with a foot injury, but he returns healthy.

Want $500 free cash to use on NFL betting this fall? Just sign up for a new account at BetUS and deposit at least $500 initially and this trusted book will send over your match-bonus right away!

Defense: Nosetackle Jamal Williams is back for his 12th season as the middle man of the Chargers’ 3-4 alignment. That’s a long time to battle in the trenches, and Williams is starting to ware down. At one end, Luis Casitillo had only 1.5 sacks last season. It’s yet to be determined who will fill in at the other end. The team parted ways with Igor Olshansky, so Ryon Bingham and Jacques Cesaire figure to have a spirited battle through the preseason. Bingham is better against the run, while Cesaire has thrived at supplying a pass rush on third downs. Rookie Vaughn Martin will get a chance at 6-4, 331 pounds. He has quick feet to play end, and he also has the size to spell Williams in the middle. The Chargers got better at linebacker despite not making any moves. That’s because Merriman returns as a three-time Pro Bowler. He remains one of the most disruptive players in the NFL with 39.5 career sacks. Shaun Phillips thrives when Merriman is on the field as the weak-side linebacker. Phillips led the Chargers with 7.5 sacks last season and he should be able to reach double-digits in that category this year provided Merriman stays healthy.

GM A.J. Smith and coach Norv Turnver are in love with first-round pick Larry English out of Northern Illinois. Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera will likely use English, Merriman and Phillips on the field at the same time in certain packages to utilize this trio of pass rushers. The inside positions will likely go to Stephen Cooper and Tim Dobbins. Cooper is a tackling machine, while Dobbins played well enough to take Matt Wilhelm’s starting job last season. Wilhelm was cut, so Dobbins will have to fend off free agent signee Kevin Burnett from Dallas. Super Bowl dreams in San Diego may be dependent on an improvement in the league’s 31st-ranked pass defense. Antonio Cromartie needs to put a disastrous 2008 campaign behind him, a year after leading the league with 10 interceptions. He claims to be hampered by a bum hip last season, and if he doesn’t improve he will be pushed by nickelback Antoine Cason for the starting cornerback job. Quentin Jammer had another solid season, not yielding the big play and supporting against the run when needed. The safety spots are the biggest problem. Clinton Hart and Steve Gregory were exposed as starters last season. Free safety Eric Weddle plays bigger than his size, but he often found himself out of position in critical moments. This unit could get a boost from Merriman’s return as opposing quarterbacks won’t have as much time to target receivers this season.

InfoPlays Prediction: 1st in the AFC West – The Chargers will capture their fourth straight division title. This is the one team in the AFC West that is built to win now. The Broncos and Chiefs are rebuilding, while the Raiders aren’t quite ready to contend. Merriman’s return is huge to a defense that certainly underachieved last year in his absence. Rivers has proven he can carry the load when needed, but he shouldn’t have to do it all on his own again this season. San Diego runs away with the AFC West in 2009.

Sign up for a premium package from InfoPlays and let over 21 years of handicapping experience work for you this fall! Our NFL picks are offered on a guaranteed-to-profit basis and the expert football picks you receive will all come with detailed analysis each and every day!