San Diego Chargers Daily Links: May 24, 2012

Chargers are division underdogs in Vegas - Kevin Acee & Michael Gehlken
I couldn't care less about predictions," Smith said Wednesday afternoon. "It's fun to do, and it stimulates conversation ... As far as the division race is concerned, I know this, it will be very difficult to win the West. The Broncos are defending champs, and they added Peyton Manning. The Raiders and the Chiefs are much better. The Broncos are led by one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. I just hope the Broncos don't run away with the division and leave the rest of us behind in the dust."

NFL Players Association files collusion claim against league - Jim Trotter
For the second time in 17 months, the Players Association has filed a collusion claim against the NFL, alleging that owners sought to suppress wages in 2010 when there was no salary cap.

Shaping the Slot - Steve Palazzolo
It used to be a knock on a wide receiver. Putting him in the slot was like saying he was not good enough to beat the best cornerbacks in the league. Young receivers are often unprepared to handle the bump coverage associated with playing on the outside and playing in the slot represents a quick way to see the field early in their career.

Kaeding back in swing of things - Scott Bair
Nate Kaeding was at Chargers Park late Monday morning, doing box jumps a track star would be proud of. The Chargers kicker can flat elevate, using the lower body power and spring expected of a player at his position.

NFL Future Power Rankings - Trent Dilfer, Mel Kiper, Gary Horton, Matt Williamson (Insider)
The 2011 campaign was a crossroads season for Philip Rivers. Now 30, this coming season could help define the direction for his career. He hasn't won a playoff game since 2008, even as he has put up big numbers. I expect him to bounce back from a 20-INT 2011, but he needs help -- TE Antonio Gates can't play forever.

NFL Players Would Support Gay Teammate - John Gennaro
America, and the NFL, is eventually going to get past its closed-minded view on homosexuality (relatively) the same way it eventually worked past civil rights issues (relatively). Instead of me explaining what I mean, let's see the beginnings of it with Ahman Green (continued after the jump because it's fairly long)...

Bel-Air - Randall Munroe
Aaron Sorkin has been tapped to write the TV movie about the aging prince's eventual election to Pat Toomey's Senate seat, currently titled either 'FRESHman Senator' or 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.'