Former All-Pro linebacker Shawne Merriman recently appeared as a guest on the ‘Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams’ to share his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs not repeating as AFC West champions this season.

“I’m not just saying it because I’m a Charger. I think they’re going to win the division this year. I really feel that way. I don’t want to take anything away from Patrick Mahomes,” said Merriman. They (Chiefs) always (have) a great team and a helluva coach in Andy Reid. But truthfully, where the Chargers at, the jump that they made. Remember, before the season started last year, nobody saw the Chargers even being a playoff team.”

Merriman began playing with the Chargers in San Diego from 2005 to 2010. He earned All-Pro, Pro Bowl, and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors during that time.

“That was the exact same team, almost that minus a Keenan Allen and some of these other guys that Jim Harbaugh took over; nobody saw them going to the playoffs, so if he’s able to do that in one year, what are they gonna be looking like this year? With a full year under their belt. New guys.” Said Merriman. “The coaching staff, everybody understands the system now, so if you don’t think they’re not gonna win a division, you know, it’s just, it’s crazy not to say that I think they’re the best team in the AFC West right now.”

The Chargers lost to the Houston Texans in the postseason’s Wild Card round and were defeated by the Chiefs twice in the regular season. Kansas City has controlled the AFC West throughout Patrick Mahomes’ tenure as the starting quarterback.