Charge Into San Diego

Arguably one of the best teams in the NFL are San Diego, although it isn?t that obvious if the bookmakers odds are anything to go by. The Chargers can be backed at a best price 25/1 with several other organisations considered more likely of going the distance.

One of those given more of a chance of winning in Detroit next February are New England despite losing heavily at home to San Diego earlier in the season. The reason why the Patriots are shorter odds is they have very little competition in the AFC East.

The AFC West in stark contrast is such a tough division with only Oakland Raiders highly unlikely to make any impression on the play-off picture. Denverlead the way at 9-2 going into the final five regular season games.

Whether the Broncos remain top depends on how they perform on the road in Kansas (next Sunday) and California (31st December). Two losses in those games and the Chargers or Chiefs, both currently 7-4, could sneak the division.

Even if Kansas were to pull off a victory at home to Denver next weekend, the following two weeks on their schedule has been very unkind with trips to Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, two teams locked in battle to take the NFC East.

The Chargers play their next two at home against Oakland and Miami and so anything other than convincing victories would have to be considered a major shock. Life then becomes a little more interesting with trips to Indianapolis and Kansas, before finishing the regular season against the Broncos.

If San Diego are still in contention for the division title going into the final game of the season, they would have to be considered a legitimate threat for Super Bowl. A solid defence is backed up with arguably the best running back in the NFL.

Incidentally LaDainian Tomlinson shred Washington in week 12 for 184 yards and three scores, including a 32-yarder to tie the game and a 41-yarder to win it in overtime. That puts LT at 19 touchdowns, and in serious contention to be named league MVP.

For anyone looking for an outside wager at this stage of the season, San Diego Chargers look a healthy proposition at 25/1.