Following a promising close to the 2017 season, the Los Angeles Chargers have garnered a tremendous amount of expectations laid before them this upcoming year.

According to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, Denver Broncos general manager John Elway boasted that the Chargers may be the team to beat in the AFC West after their strong draft class.

 “It's the wild, wild West. I thought the Chargers did a really nice job with the draft. They’ve got the settled quarterback, even though the Raiders do too. Looking at it, [the Chargers] may be the ones to beat. As I stand here, looking at it, the Chargers might be the team to beat.”

The Chargers have constructed a solid roster on both sides of the ball prior to last month's draft with proven veterans at key spots. It was only further strengthened with the draft selections that began with being able to snag former Florida State safety Derwin James, who was projected as being one of the top safeties in this year's class that beneficially fell to them.

Los Angeles brought aboard more promising talent on that side of the ball with USC's outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, North Carolina State's Justin Jones, and West Virginia safety Kyzir White. This should provide more a pass rush presence to add to their dynamic Pro Bowl duo of Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa next season.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have a slew of proven talent on their roster that now includes Case Keenum under center next season.

There isn't any certainty that Keenum will be able to build off his success this upcoming campaign in his new surroundings despite having formidable offensive weapons around him.

If anything, the Broncos will head into the season with the mentality of being the underdogs in the division that is stacked with intriguing teams.