The Chargers are hoping for a different outcome in 2020 after finishing with a 5-11 record and last place in the AFC West in 2019.
After breaking down each game, I believe that Los Angeles is capable of going 9-7 this upcoming season. But what do other media outlets believe they’re going to do?
Pro Football Focus is the latest to make their predictions, and they listed the best and worst case scenarios for each team by using their analytics system. For L.A., their best case scenario is finishing with a 9-7 record.
This defense stifles opposing offenses, and Taylor looks more like the guy who had success with the Buffalo Bills than the one we last saw in Cleveland. This is no doubt one of the more talented secondaries in the NFL. Getting back a healthy Derwin James and Nasir Adderley and adding a talent like Chris Harris Jr. does wonders for a group that allows very little through the air. Meanwhile, Taylor’s ability to improvise via the scramble helps assuage some of the offensive line concerns. His care with the football — just 34 turnover-worthy plays during his three-year stretch as a starter with Buffalo — is a welcome addition after Rivers’ carelessness in 2019 (32 turnover-worthy plays), as well.
If everything doesn’t go to plan, PFF believes that the Chargers could finish worse than they did last year, listing their worst case scenario with a 4-12 record.
Tyrod Taylor opens the season with a few poor performances — just as he did in Cleveland in 2018 — and the calls for Justin Herbert begin. Relying on Herbert as the starter this season could lead things to go off the rails quickly, particularly with the questions surrounding the left side of the Chargers’ offensive line.
In terms of PFF wins above average, Herbert’s 2019 season with Oregon ranks 18th among 20 first-round quarterbacks taken since 2015. He beat out only Jordan Love and Josh Allen. The college-to-pro projections developed by PFF’s research and development team weren’t overly favorable to Herbert, either. He may develop into a solid quarterback given time, but it seems unlikely that will be the case if he’s called upon early as a rookie.
PFF has similar views as I do when it comes to what is ultimately going to determine how Los Angeles’ season shakes up. Health of key players, quarterback and offensive line play, and third-down defense will be crucial if they wish to have success.
It will be difficult to fend off the Chiefs for the division title, but if everything goes in their favor, the Bolts are more than capable of making the playoffs, especially with their being another postseason spot added starting this season.