Chargers News: NFL Expert Ranks AFC West In Middle Of The Pack

Where do they see the Chargers finishing in that division?

Sep 15, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) moves out to pass ahead of Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2023 NFL offseason reaches the OTA phase, Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports has opted to break down the state of the league's eight divisions.

He sees your Los Angeles Chargers' AFC West, which also includes the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders, as the league's fourth-best division. 

Obviously, the Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, are the cream of the crop, having appeared in three of the last four Super Bowls and claiming two titles in that timespan. 

Elsewhere in the AFC West, Kerr is bullish on the Chargers' upside this year, and excited about the addition of wide receiver Quentin Johnson. He's hopeful Sean Payton will help cure what's ailing Russell Wilson in Denver, and notes that if that does transpire, the team could make the AFC West the class of the league, whether or not the Raiders get it together.

Kerr projects a loaded NFC East as the most talented division in the NFL this upcoming season, thanks to its sporting four solid clubs (the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Commanders).

When it comes to the bottom of the barrel for NFL divisions, Kerr sees the NFC South as being the possible divisional nadir in 2023. He considers Derek Carr's New Orleans Saints as potential candidates for this season's division championship, following ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady's decision to retire this offseason (he's been supplanted by Baker Mayfield at the position).