The San Diego Chargers began their first year under head coach Mike McCoy 5-7 last season. Since then, the Chargers have reeled off eight wins in their last 10 games, including the playoffs. San Diego is now leading the AFC West with a 3-1 record, a half-game ahead of the Denver Broncos and a game in front of the hard-charging Kansas City Chiefs.
Jets vs. Chargers 2014 picks and predictions: San Diego expected to continue hot start
San Diego looks like a Super Bowl contender, earning confidence from experts over the struggling Jets.
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Philip Rivers is leading the way for San Diego, throwing for 1,155 yards and nine touchdowns against only one interception. Despite losing Danny Woodhead for the year and Ryan Mathews for at least a month, Rivers has made due with receivers Keenan Allen and Eddie Royal, who have amassed 244 and 236 yards, respectively.
The Jets have endured all kinds of struggles early, limping to the West Coast with a 1-3 mark. New York has been hurt by its quarterback play, with Geno Smith having a league-leading nine turnovers this season. While many in the New York area are calling for Michael Vick to start, coach Rex Ryan has stayed with his second-year man.
Over at ESPN.com, all 13 experts went with the Chargers to continue their excellent play. The same can be said for the eight analysts at CBS Sports, with only Josh Katzowitz thinking the Jets can cover the 6.5-point spread. Frank Schwab and Eric Adelson of Yahoo also believe San Diego wins.
Our guys at SB Nation went with a clean sweep, believing San Diego is too much for New York to handle. Of all 15 games this week, it was one of two games which produced no division in picks, along with the Packers and Vikings.
Despite being clear underdogs, one matchup clearly is to the Jets’ advantage. With Mathews and Woodhead injured, the Chargers have the 31st-ranked rushing offense, churning out 69.5 yards per game. New York is tops against the run, allowing just 63.3.
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