The 2024 NFL regular season opens this week, with the Chargers kicking off their schedule with a divisional bout with the Raiders.
Los Angeles will be led by new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who brings plenty of reason to be optimistic about this season. Harbaugh will have plenty of star power on both sides of the ball coupled with the second-easiest schedule in the league.
So what will their record be when the season comes to a close? Here are our final game-by-game predictions for the 2024 Bolts.
Week 1 vs. Raiders
The Chargers begin the Jim Harbaugh era at home against the Raiders, who still proudly hold their 63-21 victory over the Bolts from last season despite facing a backup quarterback in Easton Stick. Los Angeles uses this as fuel and sets the tone with this new regime by beating former Chargers general manager Tom Telesco’s led Raiders.
Prediction: Win (1-0)
Week 2 @ Panthers
The Panthers finished as the worst team in the NFL last season and I would not be surprised if they finish bottom of the barrel again this year. Carolina has a young head coach in Dave Canales, a young quarterback in Bryce Young and a roster with no star power.
Prediction: Win (2-0)
Week 3 @ Steelers
After two consecutive wins, the Chargers travel to Heinz Field to meet Russell Wilson. They’re familiar with him, having played with the Broncos the past two seasons. I expect Wilson to play better than he did in Denver under a much better head coach in Mike Tomlin. Furthermore, Pittsburgh’s defense is stout and I could see that presenting problems for a Chargers offense that will still be finding its rhythm.
Prediction: Loss (2-1)
Week 4 vs. Chiefs
The Chargers return home after being on the road, where they face the toughest opponent on their schedule. Los Angeles hired Harbaugh to help stop Patrick Mahomes and company. But in his first meeting against Kansas City, I don’t see that being the case. They added to the wide receiver core with Hollywood Brown and first-round pick Xavier Worthy. And despite losing star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, as long as Steve Spagnuolo is calling the plays, the defense will be dominant.
Prediction: Loss (2-2)
Week 5, Bye Week
Week 6 @ Broncos
The Chargers have seemed to struggle when they travel to Denver to play the Broncos, but those games usually come late in the season. They break the mold when they face rookie Bo Nix, who will likely experience some growing pains.
Prediction: Win (3-2)
Week 7 @ Cardinals
The Cardinals did a good job of adding pieces to their roster, including first-round wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., but the jury is still out on what they’ll get with Kyler Murray under center. This seems like a game where the Chargers will have a lot of success running the football against a questionable defense.
Prediction: Win (4-2)
Week 8 vs. Saints
A familiar face returns to Los Angeles, as Derek Carr, the former Raider, is donning a new jersey. The last time Carr came to SoFi Stadium, he was sacked six times. The Chargers, including former teammate Khalil Mack, will be hungry to get to Carr. I see him making a few mistakes and Los Angeles capitalizing on them.
Prediction: (5-2)
Week 9 @ Browns
The Browns will return Deshaun Watson, who underwent shoulder surgery at the midway point last season. A healthy offensive line and the addition of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy should help. But the strength of this Cleveland team lies on the defensive side of the ball, which I see as giving the Chargers problems. This seems like it will come down to the last possession, and I see the Browns having the football.
Prediction: Loss (5-3)
Week 10 vs. Titans
It’s hard to envision a Titans team without Mike Vrabel as head coach and Derrick Henry in the backfield. They added some explosive pieces, such as running back Tony Pollard and wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, to join Deandre Hopkins. But I don’t see Will Levis making a leap in Year 2.
Prediction: Win (6-3)
Week 11 vs. Bengals
Joe Burrow is 0-2 against the Chargers. Burrow will remain winless, as this is the point of the season when the Chargers should have their complete identity on both sides of the ball. Additionally, Harbaugh will have the team motivated as they look to fight for a playoff spot.
Prediction: Win (7-3)
Week 12 vs. Ravens
The Harbaugh Bowl: Part 2. Jim meets his brother John for the second time, as he looks to seek revenge after losing in Super Bowl XLVII when the 49ers clashed against the Ravens. I expect this to be a smash-mouth and low-scoring game, but John stays undefeated. This Baltimore team is too talented with Lamar Jackson leading the pack. The Chargers, on the other hand, are good, but they’re still in Year 1 in this new regime. Don’t count out a playoff rematch.
Prediction: Loss (7-4)
Week 13 @ Falcons
The Chargers will be coming off the loss to the Ravens and this is a Falcons team that actually has someone decent at the quarterback position with Kirk Cousins. They also have good playmakers, but after suffering defeat to the Ravens, I think Los Angeles comes into Atlanta, plays with a lot of fire and picks up a win.
Prediction: Win (8-4)
Week 14 @ Chiefs
The Chargers are looking to even out the series against the Chiefs. Unfortunately, they are unable to do so. The hostile environment in Arrowhead Stadium in prime time is one thing, but this game will be played in cold temperatures. And I don’t see them being able to overcome that and a Chiefs team that will likely be pushing for the No. 1 seed at this point in the season. I still expect this to be an exciting game, nonetheless.
Prediction: Loss (8-5)
Week 15 vs. Buccaneers
The Chargers return home to take on a Buccaneers team that made it to the playoffs last season, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield. Los Angeles should beat Tampa Bay, but they aren’t completely restored from the Sunday night game against the Chiefs and fall short.
Prediction: Loss (8-6)
Week 16 vs. Broncos
At this point in the season, the Broncos will be contending for a top-5 draft pick while the Chargers will be playing for a playoff spot. While Nix will have his struggles, Denver’s defense is decent, but the Bolts will still take it to them. Los Angeles gets the sweep.
Prediction: Win (9-6)
Week 17 @ Patriots
This has the makings of a trap game. It will be played in Foxborough late in December, which means that there will likely be some funky weather. I would tally it as a loss if Bill Belichick were the head coach. But with a first-year head coach in Jerod Mayo and a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye, the Patriots aren’t going to be a problem for the Chargers.
Prediction: Win (10-6)
Week 18 @ Raiders
The Chargers complete the sweep and secure a playoff spot. The Raiders secure a top-10 draft pick.
Prediction: Win (11-6)