The Los Angeles Rams may have some high expectations on them this season after their busy offseason collecting several new stars. However, the other LA team, the Chargers, is also expected by some to make some noise. None other than Denver Broncos GM John Elway proclaimed that the Chargers are the “team to beat” in the AFC West this season.

Legendary Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson concurs with Elway in that the Chargers “on paper” have the weapons needed to contend, not just for the division, but also the Super Bowl this season.

“When you look at this team on paper, it's not hard to see why,” Tomlinson said per Chris Wesseling of NFL.com, “because you do have the best quarterback in the division and one of the best in the National Football League. The second thing is that defense is going to be nasty again.

Tomlinson notes the talent the Chargers have in the secondary with Jason Verrett, Casey Hayward, as well as rookie safety Derwin James. He also considers Keenan Allen as one of the best wide receivers in the game.

Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn has tried to downplay the hype on his team, saying the Chiefs are still the team to beat. But it’s hard to argue that even with tight end Hunter Henry suffering a season-ending knee injury, LA does have the roster capable of challenging in the playoffs.

Their offense should be solid with Allen, running back Melvin Gordon, and last year’s first-rounder Mike Williams surrounding Rivers as playmakers. And on defense, their secondary is among the most talented in the league, while Joey Bosa is already one of the very best pass rushers.

But the problem with the Chargers over the years is not necessarily the lack of talent but the lack of ability to consistently pull out wins. It remains to be seen if they can finally overcome that obstacle this year. If they can remain healthy, they will certainly have the tools needed to contend in the AFC.