NFL San Diego Chargers

5 Reasons Why San Diego Chargers Are AFC’s Best Team

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By @MichaelTerrill

5 Reasons Why San Diego Chargers Are AFC's Best Team

San Diego Chargers
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The San Diego Chargers have bounced back from a Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals to rattle off five consecutive wins. They are tied with two other teams in the NFL for the best record (5-1), although they are the only team in the AFC with five wins. Regardless of that fact, here are five reasons why the Chargers are the best team in the AFC.

5. Conference Wins

Conference Wins
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5. Conference Wins

Conference Wins
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I apologize for bringing up wins, but there is no denying that an undefeated record in the AFC is an easy way to pin point which team is the best. Of course, it can’t be the only way because the Chargers have yet to play the other top-notch teams in the conference. With that said, a 4-0 record does reign supreme, which certainly has to strike fear in the hearts of the other AFC powerhouses.

4. Third-Down Efficiency

Third-Down Efficiency
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4. Third-Down Efficiency

Third-Down Efficiency
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A statistic that rarely gets enough credit is offensive third-down efficiency. San Diego ranks third in the NFL with a conversion of 54.0 percent on third downs. That number alone explains why the Chargers have been able to have so much success on offense, including scoring a total of 164 points through six games. It also explains why the defense has been able to stifle opponents due to their ability to rest up in critical parts of the game.

3. Pass/Run Defense

Pass/Run Defense
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3. Pass/Run Defense

Pass/Run Defense
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Speaking of the defense, they have been the true showstopper. The Chargers rank fourth in opponent passing yards per game (209.3) and ninth in opponent rushing yards per game (99.0). Sure, the team would like to see more takeaways. However, limiting an opponent’s yardage is a good way to keep them from entering the red zone.

2. Total Points Allowed

Total Points Allowed
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2. Total Points Allowed

Total Points Allowed
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Where San Diego’s defense has really excelled is in total points allowed. The Chargers currently allow opponents to average just 15.2 points per contest, which totals out to be 91 points. That ranks second behind only the Detroit Lions. As good as the offense has been it’s no secret that defense wins championships. Even more evident is a defense that keeps opponents off the scoreboard is going to win a lot of games.

1. Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers
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1. Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers
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The No. 1 reason the Chargers are the best team in the AFC is due to the play of Philip Rivers. The quarterback has really come into his own recent years, including a dominating performance last season. However, he appears to be reaching a new level in 2014. Rivers currently ranks third in the NFL in passing yards (1,756). He also has tossed an impressive 15 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Only Aaron Rodgers has a better mark than that.

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