Sports

The LA Chargers ‘Charged’ to Take the AFC West

Published

3 years ago

July 15, 2021

Jonathan Grilli

Can the Los Angeles Chargers streal the AFC West away from the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2021-2022 season?

If you remember last season, the LA Chargers handed the Kansas City Chiefs a 38-21 loss on January 3^rd.

This was one of just two losses for the recent Champs and back-to-back Super Bowl participants. The other came at the hands of Jon Gruden’s Las Vegas Raiders, the black sheep of the AFC West.

The other game the Chargers played against the Chiefs went right down to the wire as well. In Week 2, the Chargers and their stud of a rookie QB took KC into overtime and lost 23-20.

One thing is for sure, even if the Chargers don’t win the division this year, this is a team that is coming up in a big way.

Odds on the AFC West

The market from top bookmakers at Illinois opened with the betting lines showing the Kansas City Chiefs at -455; the LA Chargers at +525; the LV Raiders at +1400; and the Denver Broncos at +1500.

These lines showed that sportsbooks around the globe thought the Chargers were poised to be the second-best team in the AFC West and significantly more likely to win the division than the Raiders or Broncos.

But even though no announcements have been made, bookmakers believe that Aaron Rodgers will find his way to Mile High in 2021. So much so that the Denver Broncos have jumped the Chargers on the boards at most betting outlets and currently hold that No. 2 spot. The Broncos now have odds as short as +400 to win the west.

But how much will it matter? Even if Aaron Rodgers does move to Denver, the offensive line isn’t great—rated by Pro Fantasy Football at No. 25 in the league—and Rodgers still doesn’t have the most outstanding targets. Sure, the potential is there, and some experts are touting the Denver receiving corps as high as No. 6 in the NFL … but let’s be honest, Cortland Sutton missed most of the season, and we are not sure what the Broncos will be getting back at this point. Then there are two highly touted young receivers in K.J. Hamler and Jerry Jeudy but what we have seen from them is just handfuls of dropped passes—or figurative handfuls, because they can’t keep the ball in their hands.

As far as the O-lines are concerned, the Chargers look much better than Denver. Bryan Bulga is back and healthy and is continually graded at 75.0 or better. On top of Bulga being back to top form, the Chargers grabbed another former Green Bay big-man in Corey Linsley. This snapper was, in many eyes, the top free-agent center on the market.

The Chargers also have some solid back-ups on the line, namely Brenden James. The young guard needs to work on his run-blocking but is a solid pass protector, which is just what Justin Herbert needs when Oday Aboushi takes a breather or goes down with a stinger.

Although the Chargers are far from boasting the best offensive line in the league, they may have the most improved line in the entire NFL.

If the Chargers win the games they need and split wins with the KC Chiefs again; they could take the AFC West. After all, the LA Chargers are tied for the 3rd most manageable schedule in the league when the SOS is based on current season win projections—using the win/loss over/under totals for each team on the schedule instead of last season’s record.

Will they actually win the AFC West? Probably not; the Chiefs are loaded. But hey, you never know. That said, I believe the Chargers are poised for a wild card berth in 2021-2022, and this team will continue to surprise with upset wins over teams that are better on paper.

What are the odds that the Chargers will get nine wins and make a solid run on the division but fall short to a 12-wins Chiefs squad? We will find out.

Sports

At 6’10” and 260 Pounds of Power, NBA Scouts and Small Market Teams Believe Kévin Noulowe Belongs in the NBA

Published

4 weeks ago

November 28, 2024

Rosario Farell

For NBA teams in search of a dominant, athletic presence, Kévin Noulowe is an ideal candidate. The 6’10” forward brings together elite size, strength, and explosive athleticism that many believe make him an ideal fit for the NBA—if he can stay healthy.

Noulowe’s path to the top has been anything but conventional. A highly regarded high school prospect, he rapidly became one of the most coveted players in the junior college ranks. His impressive performances earned him All-American honors and a top-15 national ranking among junior college players, sparking the interest of over 60 Division I programs.

From there, Noulowe transitioned to play overseas in Armenia’s A League, where he made a major impact despite battling a knee injury. Averaging 13 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks per game, Noulowe showcased his all-around game, proving he could dominate in all facets of play. Known as the most athletic big man the league had ever seen, he captivated fans with his rim-rattling dunks and above-the-rim play, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Several NBA teams, particularly those in need of a versatile big man, have shown significant interest in Noulowe and have already spoken to his agent. With the NBA increasingly valuing big men who can stretch the floor, Noulowe’s focus on regaining full health and developing a consistent jump shot has only heightened his appeal. His combination of physical dominance and developing shooting ability has made him a player to watch for scouts.

What makes Noulowe truly exceptional is his physical prowess. With a powerful 7’3″ wingspan and a 40-inch vertical leap, he has the tools to be a game-changer on both ends of the court. Noulowe is a nightmare for opponents on defense, using his strength, agility, and length to block shots and control the boards. As a finisher, he can absorb contact and finish with authority, making him a versatile threat in the paint. Whether playing the 3, 4, or 5 positions, he is capable of impacting the game from anywhere on the floor and is poised to become one of the NBA’s strongest forwards.

Perhaps what sets Noulowe apart most is his unwavering determination. His relentless work ethic and commitment to improving his skills have kept NBA teams intrigued. His dedication to his craft and his drive to succeed have made him a standout prospect.

The verdict from NBA scouts and coaches is clear: when Noulowe is fully healthy, he has the tools to not only compete but thrive in the NBA. With his journey far from over, all eyes are on this 6’10” powerhouse as he looks to bring his game to the highest level.