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When Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith appointed Norv Turner to be the head coach last off season, many people were scratching their heads. San Diego started the year by losing three of the their first four games under Turner and calls for head rolling began. The Chargers, however, rebounded, going on to win their last six games and make a strong playoff run. The finish to last season has produced high hopes and big expectations for this year's squad. NFL Betting odds at BodogLife.com list San Diego at 7/1 odds to win the Super Bowl. San Diego continued to display their offensive dominance under the tutelage of Coach T urner. Field general Philip Rivers, who posted average numbers on the season, distributed the ball well enough to lead the club to a 25.8 point per game average. The emotional quarterback could be ready for a break out year in 2008 after having a full season to soak in Turner's offensive system. He will have no shortage of good targets in tight end Antonio Gates and receivers Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson. The Charger offense will continue revolve around the running game and All-Pro LaDainian Tomlinson, who tallied 1949 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns in 2007. Spelling Tomlinson will be the elusive Darren Sproles and 2008 draft choices Jacob Hester and Marcus Thomas. Long time back up Michael Turner signed with the Falcons in the off season. The San Diego defense was fearsome at times last year and they consistently kept the opposition out of the end zone (allowed 17.8 points per game). Behemoth defensive tackle Jamal Williams will still be patrolling the middle this season and the lightning quick linebacking duo of Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips will lead a push rush that produced 42 sacks in 2007. The secondary is also solid with Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie at the corners and second year standout Eric Weddle at free safety. NFL Betting odds at BodogLife.com have the Chargers at 9/2 odds to win the AFC Championship and 1/4 odds to win the AFC West division. The team's win total is at 10.5 with the over a -165. Prediction: 1st Place AFC West.
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