The Chargers have a fairly favorable schedule in 2020 as they look to bounce back after a disappointing 2019 season.
A new era starts at the quarterback position. However, the majority of the meat and potatoes of the roster stayed intact. Los Angeles added more ammo throughout the course of the offseason, too.
Even though they should pick up a handful of wins when examining their schedule, there will be some opponents along the way that could give them some fits.
With that being said, here are the Bolts’ 5 toughest games this upcoming season.
5. at Denver Broncos, Nov. 22
The Chargers will be going into this contest fresh off a bye week after nine weeks of action, but traveling to the Mile High City is not an easy task no matter the circumstances. Los Angeles has struggled against the Broncos in front of their home crowd in recent years, and now they are equipped with a roster that’s capable of contending for a playoff spot. Quarterback Drew Lock proved that he is capable as the starter, and the team rewarded him with more weapons this offseason with wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler. Joining running back Phillip Lindsay in the backfield is Melvin Gordon, who signed a two-year deal. Denver lost cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who is now a Charger. But they signed CB A.J. Bouye and safety Kareem Jackson.
4. at Buffalo Bills, Nov. 29
Right after playing the Broncos, the Chargers will have to travel to the east coast to take on the Bills. In what will be a really cold and hostile environment, Los Angeles will look to take out a Buffalo team who will be hungry for their first divisional birth since 1993. Led by quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills now have wide receiver Stefon Diggs as his main target. QB Tyrod Taylor – if he’s still under center at this point – will be looking to get revenge on the team that traded him. However, it won’t be easy as Buffalo boasts one of the league’s top defenses.
3. at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oct. 4
The Buccaneers wouldn’t be among the five teams listed if it wasn’t for the huge acquisition of quarterback Tom Brady earlier this offseason. The signing of Brady makes Tampa Bay a legitimate playoff contender, but coach Bruce Arians wanted to ensure that they weren’t to be taken lightly by adding tight end Rob Gronkowski, who came back from retirement to reunite with his former Patriot teammate. Protection for Brady is key, and they made sure he got that with first-round pick Tristan Wirfs. Their weren’t many changes to the defensive side of the ball, but they have a handful of strong pieces to not make it easy for opposing offenses.
2. at New Orleans Saints, Oct. 12
After facing Brady and company, the Chargers will go toe-to-toe with another one of the league’s best signal-callers in Drew Brees at the Superdome on Monday night. As Brees’ professional career is nearing an end, New Orleans is motivated as ever to hoist the Lombardi Trophy one last time. Aside from Brees, the Saints are stacked on both sides of the ball. The offense is highlighted by running back Alvin Kamara, wide receivers Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders and a strong offensive line. On defense, they’re equipped with play-makers at all three levels. Los Angeles will be playing in one of the most hostile environments, making it more of a challenge.
1. at Kansas City Chiefs, Jan. 3
The Chargers will face off against the reigning Super Bowl champions in the season finale, in front of their home crowd. This game could be the difference between playing beyond the regular season and watching from home. Los Angeles was swept by Kansas City last season, but they showed they were capable of taking care of business in front of their home crowd the season before that. The Chiefs will be hungry to win the division and another title once again, and their roster suggests that they can certainly do so. They return the majority of the players that helped defeat the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, but added into the mix is rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.