5 takeaways from Chargers’ 2020 schedule

The Los Angeles Chargers have a fairly manageable schedule for the 2020 season.

The 2020 schedule for the Chargers has been released, and for the most part, it’s fairly favorable. There are some challenges along the way, but with the talent on the roster, they’re capable of finishing with over a .500 record.

Here are my takeaways from Los Angeles’ schedule:

First exposure

The first game of the season, the Chargers will be on the road to take on the Bengals, the team that finished with the worst record in the NFL last season. As part of their roster reconstruction, Cincinnati selected quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft. Despite how talented he is, it’s rare that a rookie signal-caller flourishes in their professional debut. On top of that, the only weapon Burrow was given was wide receiver Tee Higgins, the Bengals’ second-round pick. Going up against a tough Chargers defense, the growing pains could be experienced right off the bat.

Tough home opener

After their bout on the road, the Chargers return home the week after to make their opener in their brand new stadium (SoFi Stadium). Fans are eager to see the Bolts in the 70,240-seat stadium, but it might not be a warm welcoming for them as they take on the reigning Super Bowl champions. While Los Angeles will look to make their mark with a victory over Kansas City, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company will be eager to crash the party. The Chiefs have defeated the Chargers in front of their home crowd in the past seven consecutive seasons.

Primetime might not be so prime

The Chargers had three primetime games in 2019. This year will only be two. However, either one of those games against the Saints or the Raiders, won’t be at SoFi Stadium. They will both be on the road, which means Los Angeles will have to earn the league’s respect after failing to show they could bring fans the past three seasons after the move to L.A. The Rams, on the other hand, will have five primetime matchups, with three of those being at the brand new stadium.

Facing two of the greatests back-to-back

After taking the league by storm with the Patriots, Tom Brady starts a new chapter with the Buccaneers. The Chargers will travel to face Brady and company in Week 4, looking to knock him off, likely for the last time in his professional career. But the quarterback play doesn’t get any easier the week after, as Los Angeles travels to New Orleans to take on the Saints on Monday night. Like Brady, this will be the last time the Bolts see Drew Brees as a professional. The Chargers have yet to beat Brady and Brees within the past decade.

Might get a little chilly

The Chargers, who are used to relatively warm weather year around, might have to be a little uncomfortable for two consecutive games. The Week 11 and Week 12 matchups against the Broncos and Bills, respectively, could draw in some cold temperatures, potentially some snow. The Week 17 bout against the Chiefs won’t bring warm temperatures, either. Regardless, Los Angeles has showed in the past that they are able to fare well in colder climates.

[vertical-gallery id=37792]