Sep 8, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) celebrates a touchdown by running back Ryan Mathews (24) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
11/14/2015 – by James Fedewa
The San Diego Chargers have a sturdy 5 – 4 record coming into week 11 of the 2014 season, which is probably a better start than what most Chargers fans would expect after the first nine games. Philip Rivers started the season red hot, a possible MVP candidate, yet he has cooled off quickly (especially vs. Miami two weeks ago, where Rivers was doused from an ice bucket challenge).
In the past, the Chargers have always been better in the second half of the season and are notoriously slow starters in the first half, so a 5 – 4 record is an accomplishment within itself. Yet three game losing streaks are no strangers to the Chargers either and San Diego will find themselves in several must win situations again this season.
Playoff aspirations are still very high in San Diego and looking forward, their odds do not look bad. The Chargers are coming off a bye week and have several key players returning from injuries (including playmaker Ryan Mathews, defender Manti Te’o and rookie pass rusher Jerry Attaochu). All three players are extremely talented and ready to explode for a team that desperately needs them.
The bye week could not have come at a better time, with rested and healthy players, but the added bonus this week is that the Chargers host the winless Raiders. Oakland played well in the team’s first meeting back in week 5 (which was the Chargers last victory) and San Diego should handle the Raiders again for the win. San Diego cannot look beyond each week’s opponent from now on, as every win is a necessity in the second half on the season (especially home wins) and Rivers has a very good second half track record in his tenured career.
(B & W:)
If all goes well, San Diego wins out, finishes the season 12 – 4 with and start the playoffs with a BYE. Worst case scenario, San Diego loses out, finishes the season 5 – 11 and the San Diego front office and coaching staff face the firing squad. With seven more games in 2014 and four more home games, it will be safe to say that San Diego probably finishes the season with an impressive 10 – 6 record, with a hopeful wildcard berth.
Looking beyond all-wins or all-loses scenarios, what if (two polls):
What if the San Diego Chargers (win out) go 12 – 4, will they have*:
- One Playoff WIN
- Two Playoff WINS
- Three Playoff WINS
- One Playoff LOSS
- One Playoff WIN & One Playoff LOSS
- AFC Championship game LOSS
- Super Bowl LOSS
- Super Bowl VICTORY!
What if the San Diego Chargers (lose out) go 5 – 11, will they*:
- Let Philip Rivers, Ryan Mathews, Brandon Flowers leave via Free Agency
- Earn a top 5 Draft Pick and select a quarterback in the first round (Mariota, Winston, etc.)
- Re-sign Philip Rivers and draft BPA (specifically a pass rusher, left tackle, strong safety or a wide receiver that could start on a fantasy football team)
- Sign a new free agent quarterback (Sanchez, Locker, Hoyer, Mallet, etc.)
- Trade for a new quarterback (Manziel, R.Wilson, Kapernick, Foles, etc.)
*ALL OR NOTHING!