SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

2006 record: 14-2

Outlook: Norv Turner has more tools to work with than Ty Pennington on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" but must prove that he knows how to use them.

Best-case scenario: Under Turner's tutelage, QB Philip Rivers goes from Pro Bowl to All-Pro with TE Antonio Gates and an ensemble cast of wide receivers.

Worst-case scenario: The irreplaceable LaDainian Tomlinson suffers an injury. The top-ranked passing game in the league couldn't compensate for his loss.

Parting shot: Given that the defense is at least as good as the offense, another first-round loss in the playoffs will get Turner fired, too.

2007 schedule

Sept. 9 Chicago, 2:15 p.m.

Sept. 16 at New England, 6:15 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Green Bay, 11 a.m.

Sept. 30 Kansas City, 2:15 p.m.

Oct. 7 at Denver, 2:15 p.m.

Oct. 14 Oakland, 2:15 p.m.

Oct. 21 BYE

Oct. 28 Houston, 2:05 p.m.

Nov. 4 at Minnesota, 11 a.m.

Nov. 11 Indianapolis, 6:15 p.m.

Nov. 18 at Jacksonville, 11 a.m.

Nov. 25 Baltimore, 2:15 p.m.

Dec. 2 at Kansas City, 11 a.m.

Dec. 9 at Tennessee, 11 a.m.

Dec. 16 Detroit, 2:15 p.m.

Dec. 24 Denver, 6 p.m.

Dec. 30 at Oakland, 2:15 p.m.

DENVER BRONCOS

2006 record: 9-7

Outlook: Coach Mike Shanahan has a team on the rise, especially on offense.

Best-case scenario: The offense resembles the days when Terrell Davis and John Elway reigned. QB Jay Cutler grows into the job, WR Javon Walker returns to the form he displayed before injuring his knee in 2004, and Travis Henry rushes for 1,500 yards.

Worst-case scenario: A shaky, thin defensive line displays the physical properties of wet toilet paper.