The Chargers had won the AFC West the previous four seasons but they finished second to the Kansas City Chiefs last year. Somehow they missed the postseason despite leading the NFL in total offense and total defense. Special teams and yet another slow start to the season, something common under Norv Turner, killed the Chargers.

Turner is definitely on the hot seat this year. Many believe QB Philip Rivers is ready to win an MVP award. He had his best season a year ago, leading the NFL by passing for 4,710 yards to go along with 30 TD passes. And Rivers will have star WR Vincent Jackson available from start. Last year, he missed first 10 games during a bitter contract dispute.

The Vikings imploded last year largely because of the ineffective play of Brett Favre. He’s finally retired and the team traded for Donovan McNabb right after the lockout ended. McNabb spent one tumultuous season in Washington. The 12-year veteran was benched twice last season and threw 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 13 games. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 3,377 yards, and his agent sparred publicly with head coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. McNabb gives the Vikings a veteran quarterback while they groom Christian Ponder, who was drafted 12th overall out of Florida State in April.

Minnesota’s offense will still revolve around all-world running back Adrian Peterson. The team might be bit then at receiver after losing Sidney Rice in free agency. And defensive line starters Pat Williams and Ray Edwards are now elsewhere. Also, the Vikes won’t have All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams for the first two games of the season due to suspension.

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