2011 NFL Team Preview
San Diego Chargers

2010 Record: 9-7
2010 Record ATS (Against the Spread): 8-7-1

Outlook:

People expect a great deal from the Chargers every year for the last five or six seasons. The truth is they had a good run but fell short. They had L.T., Phillip Rivers, Shawn Merriman, and Darren Sproles to combine for one heck of a team. Those days are gone and so should the days of expecting that the Chargers will win 75% of their games. If they finish with a winning record that would be a surprise this year. I don't think they are that great of a team and QB Rivers is an emotional mess that cannot lead a team by himself.

Strengths: Offensively they were impressive in 2010. Rivers passed for 4,710 yards and 30 touchdowns.  The rushing attack has slacked off since L.T. got old/left and now the passing games is picking up the slack. The passing defense was also strong leading the league in yards allowed with 2,845.

Weaknesses: Norv Turner. I have no idea why the guy gets hired every year. It is almost a coaching practical joke. You release Schottenheimer after an amazing season and bring in Norv Turner?! But not only does Norv suck at his job, the team got old and the parts replacing the old parts aren't as good.  Shawn Merriman was a flash in the pan.  He probably took a bunch of roids to get to the level he was at and that caught up with him over time.  The jury is still out on Ryan Matthews the rookie running back and only time will tell. I honestly think he may be a little soft for NFL success.

Betting Prognosis: Last year the team basically broke even against the spread at 8-7-1. The extra win helps make up for the juice lost.  A great deal of experts have this same San Diego team going 11-5 or 12-4 and ending with a winning record. I think this is very hopeful.  If they finish around .500 I wouldn't be surprised.  With that said I think betting the Chargers may be bad early because they will be favored and may lose outright. Betting the Chargers late may be a good idea after their balloon has deflated and they start getting points, especially at home.  Bet them as home underdogs late in the season and that is it.