Earlier this week, Denver Broncos general manager John Elway made headlines by calling the Los Angeles Chargers the team to beat in the AFC West this upcoming season.

The Chargers had finished just short of winning the division last season, but the momentum and foundation that the team has built on both sides of the ball have brought forth a strong level of optimism. In response to all of that, head coach Anthony Lynn stated during an appearance on NFL Network's NFL Up To The Minute that he still believes that the Kansas City Chiefs are the team to beat in the division. (h/t Herbie Teope of NFL.com)

“We've got to beat Kansas City,” Lynn said. “I took it as a compliment, but we've got a lot of work to do. I like this football team. I'm excited about this football team, but like I said we have a lot of work to do.”

Although the Chiefs did decide to part ways with a few notable players such as Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith and cornerback Marcus Peters along with longtime linebacker Derrick Johnson, the team has kept the rest of the core group together. The team may be relying upon second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes to step in as the starter, but there will be plenty of help alongside him with the likes of running back Kareem Hunt, wide receiver Tyreke Hill, tight end Travis Kelce, and offseason addition Sammy Watkins.

Meanwhile, the Chargers have put together a strong roster that finally appears to have the balance on both sides of the ball that is needed to finally break through to the playoffs. Los Angeles could have something special brewing next season with talent in positions that could see them step into the picture as the frontrunners to win the AFC West.

Lynn may be tempering expectations at this point, but it could become quite clear next season that the Chargers have a team that could compete for more than a division title.