Chris Boline
While the talk of town for people who like placing bets on California sports teams has been the Los Angeles Rams, don’t forget about the other team in town. The Los Angeles Chargers have had an unreal offseason. Because of this, the Chargers Super Bowl odds skyrocketed for California fans in recent weeks. With this too, more and more bets are coming in on the team in Vegas.
Taking a look at free agency for Los Angeles, it really could not have gone better. The major move was the addition of J.C. Jackson. The cornerback is coming off a monster year with the New England Patriots. The team didn’t tag him, opening the door for teams to sign him. LA stepped up with a massive offer that the defensive back couldn’t turn down. Now, he’s ready to make plays in the AFC West.
“I don’t know where to start. We have a pretty good team,” Jackson told reporters shortly after he officially signed his new contract with the Chargers. “I’m excited to get around those guys, those great football players. I’m all in. I’m ready to get dialed in. It’s going to be a good season to watch. I was telling my agent, I said, ‘We’re going to L.A.’ I was telling him that from the beginning.”
Jackson had a bunch of suitors in free agency, which makes a ton of sense. He’s one of the best cornerbacks out there, period. For the Los Angeles defense to land him like this was unreal to see. It has fans believing that they can make the playoffs next year and go on a serious run, especially with their improved Super Bowl odds that are now at +1500. That’s No. 6 of all NFL teams.
Chargers are giving former Patriots’ CB JC Jackson a five-year, $82.5 million deal that invoices $40 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2022
Trading for Khalil Mack is also massive for LA
Don’t forget that trading for Khalil Mack is also massive for LA in this case. Mack is one of the best pass-rushers in the game. With the Chicago Bears going through a bit of a rebuild, it made sense that they would trade Mack. However, no AFC West team out there wanted to see him end up with the Chargers. This is bad news for the Broncos, Raiders and Chiefs. No one will want to face Mack.
“It’s nice and warm out here right now. It feels good,” Mack said on joining the Chargers. “You can feel the energy in the building. There’s a lot of exciting energy. This part of the season, I wouldn’t say that it’s my least favorite, but there’s a lot of work that needs to be put in, especially from my standpoint. I’m just looking forward to getting back into my routine and putting in the work this offseason.”
Khalil Mack + J.C. Jackson 👀
The Chargers are making MOVES ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/geCaFWkw5T
— PFF (@PFF) March 15, 2022
With the additions of Mack and Jackson, LA’s defense sure is looking scary right now. As we’ve mentioned in previous NFL articles, Justin Herbert is also one of the best quarterbacks in the AFC. He took another giant step last season and things are only going to get better for him next campaign. Mike Williams just signed a new deal and Keenan Allen is a man who never needs an introduction.
With all of this, the Chargers are looking like serious threats to win the AFC West. There’s major changes for the Chiefs, who would typically be the favorite to win the division. However, with Tyrann Mathieu leaving in free agency and Tyreek Hill being traded to the Miami Dolphins, there will be a different feel for the team starting next season. The Chargers could make life tough for Andy Reid and Co.
