Like every year, the expectations are high for the Chargers entering the 2023 season.
The roster is loaded with star-studded talent across the board. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is expected to unlock the exceptional skills of quarterback Justin Herbert And newcomers, highlighted by wide receiver Quentin Johnston, are seen to make an impact.
So how do others feel about Los Angeles heading into the 2023 season?
Let’s take a look at the records and win totals national writers and analysts are predicting L.A. to finish with.
CBS Sports’ Will Brinson
Record Prediction: 8-9
Analysis: “Someone from the AFC (and more specifically the AFC West) is going to get hit with a little disappointment in 2023. I actually had them out to 8-5 and then staring down a really rough finish, so this could easily flip if Justin Herbert takes some step and they handle a difficult December stretch.”
Fox Sports’ Geoff Schwartz
Record Prediction: 12-5
Analysis: “I’m probably a win too high on the Chargers because they are the Chargers and will undoubtedly lose a game they should not. But there aren’t many certain tough opponents on the schedule outside of a visit to Tennessee and I can’t give them a loss in that game. The Chargers play their best games of the season in Kansas City so I’ve given them an upset win in Arrowhead to reflect that.
The Chargers have the talent to take the next step this season. The addition of Kellen Moore to call plays for a Justin Herbert-led offense should produce a more consistent unit. Lastly, the Chargers fired their head trainer after years of too many players on the weekly injury report. I do believe a change like this could help them make that jump in 2023.”
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox
Record Prediction: 10-7
Analysis: “We’ll have to see how the arrival of [Kellen] Moore affects the attack, but it doesn’t feel like L.A. is a markedly better team than it was a year ago. Facing a schedule that’s slightly easier (.519) than last year’s, though, the Chargers should still be a playoff contender.”
Pro Football Focus
Record Prediction: 10-7
Analysis: “It’s a make-or-break season for the Los Angeles Chargers in many ways. With Justin Herbert set to cash in soon, head coach Brandon Staley has to prove he can win big games and guide this team to the postseason with roster development. The team is highly talented but has struggled to win in the margins in key moments.”
NFL Media’s Cynthia Frelund
Record Prediction: 8.9 wins
Analysis: “The Chargers have an early bye (Week 5) followed by their most challenging four-game stretch (vs. the Cowboys, at the Chiefs, vs. the Bears, at the Jets). The good news is, they’ll get a few extra days of rest (coming off a Thursday night game against the Raiders in Week 15) before Week 16’s showdown with the Bills.”
ESPN
Record Prediction: 9.9 wins
Analysis: “The Chargers are poised for a strong season in 2023. With the addition of Kellen Moore as their offensive coordinator and a solid offensive line, quarterback Justin Herbert has the potential to thrive, especially with a healthy Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The Chargers’ defense also has a lot of potential and can become a force under the guidance of head coach Brandon Staley and new defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley. All in all, Los Angeles is a strong contender for the AFC West title, and betting on it to surpass 9.5 wins is a wise choice.”
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame
Record Prediction: 10-7
Analysis: “Chargers fans don’t like the reality of their home games sounding like away games, but it’s going to happen a few times this season. Los Angeles is hosting the Chiefs and Raiders as always, but will also see the Cowboys and Bills come to town. Expect it to be loud for the Chargers’ offense on multiple occasions. Los Angeles’ road slate is palatable, with games against the Patriots, Packers, Vikings and Titans outside the division.”
The Athletic’s Vic Tafur
Record Prediction: Over 9.5 wins
Analysis: “Kellen Moore is here to save the day. He will help Justin Herbert get to the next level (yeah, despite the media drooling, he just hasn’t been consistent enough) with the help of a healthy offensive line. There are some trappy non-division road games (at Titans, at Vikings, at Jets, at Packers, at Patriots), but the defense will be better as well, especially if cornerback J.C. Jackson returns from last season’s torn patella tendon.”
