Power Rankings: Chargers prove they just aren't good enough

Updated Dec. 27:

Just a thought: Are the San Diego Chargers still one of the best teams in the league?

The numbers didn't add up for DeQuincy Scott and his mates. (Getty Images)

Didn't think you thought that way anymore.

A week ago, they were riding high. They went into Indianapolis and ended the Colts chance for an unbeaten season. It was proof, their backers said, that the Chargers were much better than their record, that they were ready to get into the playoffs and make New Year's Eve type of noise.

Anybody hear it now?

For months, the Chargers made their way into the top 10 of many of these power rankings. San Diego, most thought, was that good.

Then there was the CBS SportsLine.com Power Rankings.

We never bought into all the hype. The Chargers were decent, but how in the heck can they be considered that good when they'll be watching the playoffs in a week?

The doubters will say they're better than the 11-4 Jaguars, with only a soft schedule the reason Jacksonville has earned the fifth seed in the playoffs. They'll say the league did them wrong by scheduling so many tough East Coast games early in the year.

Well you know what, that's what happens when you win a division. You play good teams.

Next year, the Chargers need not worry about that. Right? They'll be playing a third-place schedule.

That's not to pile on the Chargers. There are a lot of good guys on that team -- Keenan McCardell is a definite favorite -- but in this league you are what you are. And the Chargers are this:

Playoff watchers.

Some loyal readers of these Power Rankings might take issue with the Colts still being at the top. They shouldn't. The Colts have lost two consecutive games, but they are still the best team in the league.

The Seattle loss mattered nothing to them, once their undefeated season was ruined a week ago. The Colts left most of their top defensive players behind and didn't bring injured Marvin Harrison on the trip.

Plus they played without coach Tony Dungy, whose son died last week. That had to impact the Colts from a mental standpoint.

So they stay at the top as we head to the playoffs.

They are the favorites in the AFC. The Seahawks are the favorites in the NFC.

It won't be easy for either of them.

In fact, any of the six playoff teams in either conference can make a Super Bowl push.

That's why getting in is so important.

Once you're in the tournament, anything can happen. It's getting there that's the key.

Right, San Diego?

Anybody still think they're one of the league's best?

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