The Chargers are headed into the new season with some momentum after winning 8-of-12 games to close out the 2017 campaign, but it is still surprising to see the Bolts possess the fourth-best odds to win the AFC this upcoming season at +2000 — tied with the Jaguars and Texans and only behind the Patriots (+650), Steelers (+1200) and — per Bovada.lv.

While their season ended on a disappointing note by just missing the playoffs, it is clear that Los Angeles is trending in the right direction for the first time in a long time, especially after their offseason acquisitions.

Despite losing cornerback Jason Verrett, L.A. has all of their defensive starters locked in with the addition of safety Derwin James, edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, defensive tackle Justin Jones, and linebacker Kyzir White.

The Bolts will also get several playmakers back on offense aside from tight end Hunter Henry, including quarterback Philip Rivers, wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back Melvin Gordon, second-round selection from 2017, offensive guard Forrest Lamp, and the newest member in the trenches, center Mike Pouncey.

Mike Williams, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, was basically a non-factor as a rookie, but he can be the big-bodied pass-catcher Rivers loves and he has been proving that thus far in camp.

Aside from winning the AFC, they will unquestionably find themselves listed as legitimate Super Bowl threats by oddsmakers if they start out their season with some tallies in the win column and play like they did to finish 2017.