After a 2009 season that ended with a disappointing loss in the divisional playoffs, the Chargers again have their sites set high in 2010. The Bolts begin the season at Kansas City on Sept. 13, aiming for a fifth straight AFC West crown. On offense, quarterback Philip Rivers, who threw a career-high 4,254 yards and 28 touchdowns last season, will lead San Diego. Surrounding Rivers this season will be some different faces. In the backfield, rookie rusher Ryan Mathews has been tabbed as the replacement to franchise rushing leader LaDainian Tomlinson, who went to the New York Jets during the summer. The Chargers took Mathews with the 12th overall pick in the draft and expect a big season from the rookie, who rushed for 1,808 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior last year at Fresno State. When Rivers looks to throw, he will have his favorite target and one of the best tight ends in the NFL — Antonio Gates — at his disposal. But the Chargers’ receiver corps has been shaken up since January, with receiver Vincent Jackson currently sitting out in a contract dispute. Although he is still on the team, the Bolts appear ready to part with Jackson, with 6-foot-5-inch Malcom Floyd (45 receptions, 776 yards) slated to take Jackson’s place as the team’s number one receiver. The wideout spot opposite Floyd is up for grabs between Legedu Naanee, Buster Davis and Josh Reed, with Naanee ahead of the pack through training camp. Holdouts have also affected the Chargers’ offensive line, where two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Marcus McNeill is sitting out waiting for more money. Second-year pro Brandyn Dombrowski has taken the reins at left tackle so far, the critical position that protects Rivers’ blindside. On defense, the Chargers’ strength will be their versatile linebackers — Shaun Phillips, Stephen Cooper, Brandon Siler and Shawne Merriman. In the secondary, Kansas rookie Darrell Stuckey and third-year pro Antoine Cason have emerged to take over spots vacated by departed Kevin Ellison and Antonio Cromartie. The biggest challenge on defense will be replacing defensive tackle Jamal Williams, who was released in the offseason. Williams was a disruptive force, stuffing the run in the trenches for the past five seasons and a key part of the Chargers’ 3-4 scheme. The Chargers first six opponents had a combined winning percentage of .333 (32-64) last season, which should allow the Bolts to get off to a hot start in 2010. An early lead will be helpful in a division that features three teams in transition. CHARGERS GAME PREVIEW Week 1 Chargers at Kansas City Monday, Sept. 13, 7:15 p.m. Arrowhead Stadium TV: ESPN All-time series: Kansas City leads 50-49-1 Last meeting: Chargers won 43-14 at Kansas City Nov. 25, 2009 Key matchup: Chargers receivers against Chiefs secondary – Both units are inexperienced and the Bolts could have a field day if Philip Rivers can get on the same page early with his receivers. Players to watch: High-profile rookies – Chargers RB Ryan Mathews has big shoes to fill in the backfield and has impressed so far in preseason and Chiefs rookie SS Eric Berry, the fifth pick in the draft, is a playmaker and will be thrown into the mix right away. Fun fact: The Chargers also opened the 2009 season on the second half of the Monday Night Football doubleheader, winning 24-20 at Oakland. Prediction: Chargers 34, Kansas City 17 NFL GAME OF THE WEEK Week 1 Baltimore at New York Jets Monday, Sept. 13, 4 p.m. New Meadowlands Stadium TV: ESPN The Monday Night Football season opener features two AFC playoff teams from last season who both play a defense-first physical style of football. This should yield a hard-hitting and entertaining contest. While both the Ravens and Jets are lead by their defenses, Baltimore strengthened its offense over the summer by signing receiver Anquan Boldin, giving quarterback Joe Flacco a dangerous target to throw to. New York brought in free agents on both sides of the ball, including running back LaDainian Tomlinson, defensive end Jason Taylor, cornerback Antonio Cormartie and receiver Santonio Holmes, feeling they have the young talent in place to make a Super Bowl run. Jets cornerback Darelle Revis was regarded as the best shutdown corner in the league last year, but he might not play in the opener. Revis has been holding out all preseason aiming to be the highest-paid player in his position. Prediction: Ravens 17, Jets 14