By: Girvane Bila
This NFL offseason has seen no other division improve more than the AFC West. The Russell Wilson trade is the blockbuster one. But both the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers made moves that now see them as Super Bowl contenders. So, who is more likely between the two? Let us find out.
Las Vegas Raiders:
The Davante Adams trade changes the landscape of the NFL.
It immediately strengthens an AFC team as the Raiders become Super Bowl contenders whilst affecting a top team in the NFC. Rodgers and Green Bay’s chances of winning the Super Bowl have dramatically altered.
Adams is now entering the peak of his career. Add to the fact they have a Pro Bowl slot receiver in Hunter Renfrow, an elite tight end in Darren Waller, and a good core of running backs such as former Patriot Brandon Bolden, Josh Jacobs, and Kenyan Drake.
Not to mention Derek Carr, who will relish the opportunity to play the best football of his career. The Carr-Adams partnership will be one that will see TV games for the Raiders.
On defense, they also signed Chandler Jones. One of the best pass rushers of the last ten years, coupled with Maxx Crosby, who had 42 pressures last season in the NFL. It forms one of the deadliest pass-rushing duos in the league.
General manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels have done brilliantly because their units elevated from particularly good to elite.
Despite the Raiders needing safety and not having first and second-round picks, it puts them in a strong position with elite partnerships on offense and defense.
Los Angeles Chargers:
With the addition of J.C Jackson, the Chargers have fulfilled the need for a cornerback who provides great man coverage. He has only allowed eight TD passes in four seasons.
Staley can now develop a better defense that is more in tune with his desires. After having a terrible defense last year, upgrades were necessary. The Khalil Mack trade was a high priority one.
Despite playing only seven games in 2021, Mack was productive when he played. He had six sacks with seven QB hits in those games. He has not shown signs of being injury-prone, thus not losing his touch yet.
Mack also has one of the best edge rushers in Joey Bosa opposite him. His 10.5 sacks and 20 QB hits last season were good, but he has shown better in the past. With the addition of Mack, Bosa could get back to his absolute best.
Like the Raiders, the Chargers have formed a formidable pass-rush tandem that will make any NFL team nervous. Staley would like to get the best out of Mack as he did in 2018. The signing of Sebastian Joseph Day is also a step up, replacing DT Justin Jones.
On offense, they have added tight end Gerald Everett, operating as a replacement for Jared Cook.
Everett is a weapon in the passing game but adds much-needed youth and depth at the position. With Tre’ McKitty and Donald Parham developing, Everett becomes the top tight end of the roster.
But the Chargers should be excited that Justin Herbert and Brandon Staley are entering their second year together. Both will develop to become better collectively.
We have seen that happen in the same division with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid in 2019. It should be no surprise if Herbert and Staley become a better pairing overall. If these two combined to become a top-five offense in year one, they could be the best in year two.
So, who is more likely to win the Super Bowl?
In terms of QBs, the Chargers are with teams such as Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills. Justin Herbert’s 2021 season was phenomenal. But the pieces around Herbert are not as exciting as Carr’s Raiders.
Should both teams make the playoffs, the Raiders will have the broader weapons on both sides of the field, especially on offense, to make a deeper run. The difference is simple. The Chargers do not have a future Hall of Famer in Davante Adams.
