PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

NO. 8

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Never before in the salary-cap era -- or possibly ever -- has an elite NFL team returned so many key players, but with so much upheaval in the coaching staff.

But despite this team's impressive 14-2 record during the regular season, the Chargers were one-and-done (again) in the playoffs, failing to progress beyond the round of eight.

As a result, we think it's more than fair to put this underachieving team at No. 8 heading into the 2007 season.

We're amazed by the amount of people who presume that the Chargers will be right back in the hunt despite the hugely disappointing manner in which the campaign ended and the delayed firing of former coach Marty Schottenheimer.  The reality is that the Chargers are back in the valley of the 0-0 records with a deep scar and a head coach who hasn't done much in two prior chances.

How bad could it be for the Chargers this season?  In a top-heavy AFC, they might not even make the playoffs.  In fact, we have a feeling that they won't.

Key departures:  LB Donnie Edwards, LB Randall Godfrey.

Key arrivals:  None.

Draft pick most likely to make an impact:  WR Craig Davis.

Coach's current job security:  One year.