1. Philip Rivers: Rivers needs to play like a superstar this year. All the pieces are in place for him to have a big year. He has talent around him and he is in his prime. Rivers is a leader whose teammates believe in him. It is time for him to improve and take the next step along with his teammates.

2. LaDainian Tomlinson: Tomlinson doesn’t have to be great this season and he might not be. He just turned 30, has battled injuries and he had his least productive season last year. So, not much is expected. But if Tomlinson, who seems fiercely focused this summer, can stay healthy and rush for 1,500 yards, the multi-talented Chargers will be difficult to stop.

3. Shawne Merriman: If Merriman is the same player he was before he missed all but one game with a knee injury last season, the Chargers defense will be tough. San Diego learned to play without him last season, but it was a rough lesson and it’s not anything the team wants to repeat. The Chargers are much better against the pass, and they are much meaner overall, with Merriman on the field. He makes them a different team.