San Diego Chargers: Are They an AFC Favorite?

Last season, the San Diego Chargers finished the NFL season 9-7 and missed a fifth consecutive AFC West title.

This was the same team that finished first in both team offense and defense. 

So how did it miss the playoffs?

The answer is special teams.

Fortunately enough, though, the Chargers hired Rich Bissacia in January to fix those special team problems. But that's not all. 

Vincent Jackson and Ryan Mathews are coming back.

Jackson, who didn't see action until Week 11 because of his holdout, was injured two plays into his season debut, and only caught 14 passes last season. Additionally, local draftee Vincent Brown could also contribute and be expected to fill the void left behind by Malcom Floyd if he does not re-sign with San Diego.

Mathews missed time with injury but showed flashes of his first-round talent. 

Losing Darren Sproles to the Saints can be a huge blow to the Chargers offense, but Norv Turner and Co. should be able to find ways to compensate for the loss. They signed tight end Randy McMichael to a one-year deal early in the free agency period.

On defense, the Chargers amassed 47 sacks last year, but failed to turn over the ball half as many times. Look for them to turn to Eric Weddle, the NFL's highest-paid safety, to make plays and create turnovers for the team.

They also bolstered their defense by adding linebacker Takeo Spikes and safety Bob Sanders.

The Chargers have all of training camp and preseason to get their new players acclimated and change their special teams units.

With this possibly being Turner's last year as well, the Chargers will be motivated to bolt back.