2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 18: Where Chargers stand after loss to Broncos

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Broncos.

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Broncos.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of the final week of the regular season:

USA Today: 30 (Previous: 30)

“Given how little went right for this team, credit veteran OLB Khalil Mack. Not only did he surpass 100 career sacks, he managed a career-best 16 in 2023 to do it. A guy who might be a cap casualty in 2024 should have several suitors if so.”

Touchdown Wire: 28 (Previous: 27)

NFL: 27 (Previous: 27)

“It was interesting hearing the CBS broadcast crew continue to talk about the Chargers being a talented team, albeit one that has been ravaged by injury this season. That might be true, but even taking the injuries into account, I’ve started to question whether the Chargers actually are among the league’s more talented clubs. Especially considering the high-priced veterans who might not be back, along with a host of young players who have yet to fully realize their potential — or, as in the case of some offensive linemen, who have taken a step backward in their development. I still think that whoever ends up running this team will be taking on a relatively attractive job, with Justin Herbert and a few other pieces in place. But when one considers their salary-cap situation (projected to be almost $35 million in the red in 2024, per Over The Cap) and the veterans who might be lost this offseason, the roster might not be as stacked as some assume.”

CBS Sports: 30 (Previous: 30)

“So much for the interim coach boost. That lasted a week. Now it’s on to finding the right guy for the long term.”

Yahoo Sports: 27 (Previous: 27)

“The Chargers need the season to end. Sunday’s loss to the Broncos was an ugly one, especially on offense.”

The Athletic: 29 (Previous: 28)

The lesson: Coaching hires are a crap shoot

“This is not a new lesson. The Chargers are just the most recent team to highlight it. They hired Brandon Staley in 2021 because he was the hot defensive name. They fired him after 14 games this year because he was 5-9 and his defense stunk. The coaching change hasn’t changed the team’s luck. The Chargers have lost four straight and seven of their last eight heading into the season finale against the Chiefs.”

ESPN: 28 (Previous: 29)

Biggest offseason contract to watch: WR Keenan Allen

“There are many players to choose from, including Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Mike Williams, who all will have cap hits upward of $30 million next season. But Allen is linked to the Chargers in a way those other players aren’t. Drafted in the third round in 2013, Allen is the longest-tenured Charger, having been part of the team from Philip Rivers in San Diego to Justin Herbert in L.A. and for everything in between. But Allen is 31 and has a cap hit of $34.7 million next season. With a new regime, Allen could be playing elsewhere in 2024.”

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 17: Where Chargers stand after loss to Bills

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Bills.

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Bills.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 17:

USA Today: 30 (Previous: 31)

“A team that was supposed to wrest the Hollywood spotlight from the Rams will not only be getting a new script in 2024 but is facing huge cast turnover.”

Touchdown Wire: 27 (Previous: 25)

“They made the Bills sweat, but this team has its eye on finding its next head coach and figuring out how to surround Justin Herbert with talented players.”

NFL: 27 (Previous: 27)

“There still can be interesting developments in lost seasons, and the reduced role of Derwin James in Saturday’s tight loss to Buffalo certainly opened my eyes. In essence, he was a nickel corner in the game, taking only a few snaps at safety and playing just 40 of the 52 defensive snaps. James has been an impact player for the Chargers since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2018, rarely coming off the field when healthy. But interim coach Giff Smith apparently has a different vision of James’ role down the stretch, which could raise questions about his future with the franchise, seeing how he carries a salary-cap hit just south of $20 million in 2024. Now, Smith probably won’t be the Chargers’ head coach next season, and a new front office is set to take over, so it’s impossible to project future personnel decisions. Even still, I’ll be keeping an eye on James once the new regime settles in.”

CBS Sports: 30 (Previous: 29)

“The decision to fire Brandon Staley gave this team some life against the Bills. Now let’s see if it carries over the last two games.”

Yahoo Sports: 27 (Previous: 28)

“It was good for the Chargers to compete like they did against the Bills, even in a loss. You don’t want to finish the season being that team, the one that doesn’t show up for the final month. That makes for a long offseason and (more) people lose their jobs that way.”

The Athletic: 28 (Previous: 28)

MVP: Justin Herbert

There’s one reason the Chargers’ job opening will be the most coveted in the league this offseason, and it’s not the Spanos family’s history of throwing money around. It’s Herbert, who was 11th in the league in passing yards (3,134), 13th in EPA per attempt (.14) and 14th in passer rating (93.2) before a finger injury ended his season after Week 14. The numbers don’t tell Herbert’s story, though. The tape does, and if the right coach lands in Los Angeles, look out.

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 16: Where Chargers stand after loss to Raiders

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Raiders.

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Raiders.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 16:

USA Today: 31 (Previous: 29)

“And Brandon Staley wondered why he kept getting asked if he would relinquish defensive play-calling duties. At least he managed to surrender a team-record 63 points on his way out the door.”

Touchdown Wire: 25 (Previous: 21)

“Watching the Chargers without Justin Hebert is cruel and unusual punishment. At least we’ll see him with a new, hopefully competent, head coach the next time we see him take the field.”

NFL: 27 (Previous: 26)

“It doesn’t feel like the Chargers wanted to make an in-season firing, but last week’s thrashing by the Raiders necessitated a move on head coach Brandon Staley and GM Tom Telesco. It just wasn’t working, pretty much from the playoff meltdown last January on, but there were signs before that, too. The entire season is a loss now, with several key players now facing offseason rehab, including QB Justin Herbert. Having Herbert in tow for the prime years of his career will add to the appeal of the job, and the roster isn’t in awful shape, even with some major contract decisions looming. The Bolts are also cruising toward a top-10 pick in April, and if this season has shown us anything, it’s that Patrick Mahomes might not be immortal. Even still, those are wound-licking consolations right now that the Chargers hope might, mercifully, pay off one day.”

CBS Sports: 29 (Previous: 29)

“They had no choice but to fire head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco. It’s hard to believe this was a playoff team last year.”

ESPN: 28 (Previous: 25)

We’re No. 1 … in attempts on third-and-short.

“The Chargers are tied for the league’s best in attempts on third-and-short (63), which is defined as third-down plays with less than or equal to 3 yards to the first-down marker or end zone. But the Chargers are also 29th in third-and-short conversion percentage (49.2%). This stat is likely reflective of the Chargers’ ineffective run game, which they have tried to spark all season but still ranks 27th in rushing yards per game (95.7). The Chargers’ ineffective rushing attack makes them somewhat one-dimensional in these scenarios, relying on short passes that the defense can predict. Against the Broncos, for example the Chargers were 0-for-12 on third down. This stat, like many for the Chargers this season, is reflective of missed opportunities.”

Yahoo Sports: 28 (Previous: 27)

“Everyone knew by halftime last Thursday that Brandon Staley was getting fired. That no-show by the Chargers was an embarrassment to the entire franchise. What’s next? You’d probably prefer an experienced coach who can win right away with a talented roster. And yes, Bill Belichick’s name is probably going to come up with this opening a few times.”

The Athletic: 28 (Previous: 27)

Surprise: That it took this long

The Chargers finally fired Brandon Staley, who fell to 24-24 in three seasons with Thursday night’s embarrassing loss. It was the fifth loss in the last six games for Los Angeles, which entered the season with playoff hopes and now is the second-worst team in the AFC, ahead of only the Patriots. Staley was hired because he was supposed to be an up-and-coming defensive guru, but the Chargers are 27th in points (24.6) and yards per play (5.6) allowed.

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 15: Where Chargers stand after loss to Broncos

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Broncos.

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Broncos.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 15:

USA Today: 29 (Previous: 23)

“Did you see JK Scott’s 83-yard punt Sunday, tied for the longest league-wide in the past decade? Yeah, it was the only good thing to happen to the Bolts on a day when QB Justin Herbert wrecked his passing hand.”

Touchdown Wire: 21 (Previous: 20)

“What exactly does Brandon Staley have to do to get fired? Sincerely. This team is a mess in every facet, and now we’re being treated to Easton Stick vs. Aidan O’Connell this week.”

NFL: 26 (Previous: 21)

“Everything went wrong Sunday — and yes, I’ve written that before in this space, but this time I really mean it. The offensive line was worked over (six sacks allowed), Justin Herbert was taken out with a finger injury and the feisty fans busted out multiple “Fire Staley” chants during the 24-7 loss to Denver, a game the Chargers never really threatened to win. It appears another season bearing so much hope is going to topple under its own weight. We know personnel changes are coming, with Austin Ekeler again hitting free agency and decisions to be made on some very pricey veterans. It’s clear we’re heading toward an offseason where everyone not named Herbert has to feel at least a little bit uneasy about their role. They can’t keep running things back with their talent.”

CBS Sports: 29 (Previous: 22)

“It’s over. Justin Herbert broke a finger, their playoff hopes are done, and change is likely coming at the head-coaching spot.”

ESPN: 25 (Previous: 22)

Biggest improvement: OLB Khalil Mack

“Mack had little impact generating sacks or pressures through the first three weeks of this season. He had a pass rush win rate at edge of 6.9% in that span, which ranked 53rd in the NFL. Then, in Week 4, Mack exploded for a career-high six sacks against the Raiders. He is now the NFL’s sack leader with 15 on the season, which ties his career high. In a season where the Chargers have fielded one of the league’s worst defenses, Mack has been a bright spot, playing like one of the league’s best outside linebackers since Week 4.”

Yahoo Sports: 27 (Previous: 22)

“Justin Herbert has a fractured finger and there’s no reason to bring him back this season. The only reason for him to play again would be Brandon Staley trying to save his job, but it’s possible that decision has been made already. This is a lost year for the Chargers and they need to start thinking about next season.”

The Athletic: 27 (Previous: 22)

Fantasy spotlight: Keenan Allen

“Along with Mike Evans in Tampa Bay, Allen is leading the way for the old-guy receivers this season. In his 11th year, Allen is third at his position in fantasy points (170.86). His 95.6 yards per game are the highest of his career, and he’s third in the league in target percentage, getting 32 percent of the Chargers’ throws. His only problem is quarterback Justin Herbert might be done for the season with a finger injury suffered Sunday.”

2021 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 8: Where Chargers stand after bye week

Your one-stop Week 8 power rankings for the Chargers.

Even though the Chargers did not play this past weekend, that doesn’t mean it won’t reflect on national power rankings.

After Week 7, let’s see what the nation thinks of the Bolts.

USA Today: 10 (Last Week: 9)

“Last time they hosted Patriots in Los Angeles, New England won 45-0. We’ll assume a better outcome this Sunday at SoFi.”

Touchdown Wire: 10 (Last Week: 10)

“Bye week.”

NFL: 9 (Last Week: 8)

“OK, so Justin Herbert stunk up the joint two Sundays ago in Baltimore, as did the rest of his Chargers teammates in a game to forget. The question becomes this: Was it simply a bad week — or do teams now have a playbook on how to stop the Bolts? The Chargers’ offense could use improvement in early-down situations. More work is needed on the defensive side, which is surprising, considering Brandon Staley’s pedigree upon taking this head-coaching job. Los Angeles ranked 19th in defensive DVOA heading into Monday Night Football and is one of the worst teams in football against the run. The Chargers are good — potentially great — but they remain under construction.”

CBS Sports: 10 (Last Week: 8)

“The Chargers had two weeks to stew over their poor showing against the Ravens. Now they get the Patriots at home, which will be fun seeing Justin Herbert against Bill Belichick.”

Yahoo Sports: 10 (Last Week: 9)

“The Chiefs’ loss was a victory for the Chargers over their bye week. The upcoming schedule isn’t too tough either (vs. Patriots, at Eagles, vs. Vikings, vs. Steelers, at Broncos), so they have a chance to solidify their place in the division along with the Raiders.”

Sports Illustrated: 9

“The loss to the Ravens lingers, but I wouldn’t bet against Brandon Staley after a week of self scouting. This is especially true given the Chargers’ soft schedule from here on out, which features just two teams—the Raiders and the Bengals—with winning records. Even if you toss the Chiefs into the mix, this isn’t anything to flinch at.”

2021 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 4: Where Chargers stand after win over Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers are starting to get the respect they deserve.

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Las Vegas Raiders, 28-14, in Week 4 of the 2021 season.

After the team’s victory, let’s see what the nation thinks of the Bolts:

USA Today: 8 (Last Week: 9)

“Fun team to watch, especially coach Brandon Staley’s utilization of analytics and the occasional trick play. And the results are finally aligning with the talent.”

Touchdown Wire: 9 (Last Week: 8)

“The Chargers could have made this an uneventful Monday Night Football this week. Instead, they let the Raiders get back within shouting distancing. Kudos to the Bolts for finally putting down their foot”

NFL.com: 7 (Last Week: 10)

“After the Chargers finished off the Raiders to move into a three-way tie atop the AFC West, they received a high compliment from an unlikely source. “They’re going to go places this year,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden told the assembled media at SoFi Stadium after the Bolts’ 28-14 win. “They’re going to be a force to be dealt with.” Justin Herbert delivered another star turn with three touchdown passes, but the QB didn’t do it alone. Los Angeles got huge performances from running back Austin Ekeler (145 total yards, 2 TDs) and the entire defense, which held the Raiders to season lows in production across the board. Fill up that stadium, Chargers fans!”

CBS Sports: 7 (Last Week: 11)

“They beat up on the Raiders Monday night. If the defense plays like that, they will be a real threat in the AFC.”

Yahoo Sports: 9 (Last Week: 13)

“The Chargers have played Washington, the Cowboys, Chiefs and Raiders. All four of those teams have either been great on offense or shown some flashes. All four of those teams had their worst offensive game this season against Brandon Staley’s defense. The Chargers might have hired a good one.”

Post-Draft NFL Power Rankings: Where do Chargers rank?

With a fairly new look, how are the Los Angeles Chargers viewed by the critics nationally?

While acquisitions could still be made, the 2021 Chargers roster is constructed heading into organized team activities (OTAs).

General manager Tom Telesco did a fine job of bringing in talent through free agency and the draft as they look to get back in the playoffs under first-year head coach Brandon Staley.

So with a fairly new look, how is Los Angeles viewed by the critics nationally?

The Athletic: 9th

“If you have an agnostic football fan in your life who has been waiting to find the right team to root for, it might be a good time to suggest jumping on the Chargers bandwagon. Home games in southern California. Great uniforms. And Justin Herbert, one of the league’s most fun quarterbacks to watch. Los Angeles is a legit Super Bowl sleeper.

The Chargers made the wise decision to reshape their offensive line — four new projected starters — after finishing 31st in pass-block win rate last season. They had the fourth-most injured defense with Derwin James missing the entire season and Joey Bosa playing just 53 percent of the snaps. And the coaching staff was a disaster with game management. The pieces are in place for Herbert to develop into a star and the defense to be a top-10 unit. That means a high ceiling for the Chargers.”

Sports Illustrated: 14th

“The Chargers are starting over with a new coach, and Brandon Staley has a lot of talent to work with on both sides of the ball. Some new vibes could be good for a snakebitten franchise that has spent years seemingly coming so close and finding almost comical ways to fall short.”

CBS Sports: 19th

“They did a lot of good things to improve the offense around Justin Herbert, especially up front on the offensive line. There will be at least three new starters, which had to happen.”

The New York Post: 20th

“QB Justin Herbert won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and is just scratching the surface. Especially now that he has improved protection with All-Pro center Corey Linsley and first-round OT Rashawn Slater.”

NFL.com: 15th

“We liked the sensible nature of the Chargers’ draft. The team used its first-round pick, 13th overall, on Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater, considered by some to be the best offensive lineman in this class. The team’s second-round selection, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., addresses another major area of need. The team’s next two picks — wide receiver Josh Palmer and tight end Tre’ McKitty in Round 3 — provide more weapons for Justin Herbert as he looks to build off his record-breaking rookie season. The Bolts got better this offseason.”

USA Today: 19th

“Their best addition in 2021? How about former All-Pro S Derwin James, who’s missed 27 of his last 32 games — including all of 2020 with a torn meniscus.”

Where Chargers stand in NFL power rankings after Week 9

Despite being 2-6, analysts are still optimistic about the Los Angeles Chargers.

Same story, different week.

The Chargers thought they returned back to their winning ways after tight end Donald Parham reeled in what looked like the game-winning touchdown. Unfortunately, the call was overturned, suffering another heartbreaker.

After the loss, let’s see what the nation thinks of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 24 (Previous: 26)

“They’ve surrendered 159 points over their last five games … hence all the “bad luck” and squandered Justin Herbert performances.”

Touchdown Wire: 24 (Previous: 22)

“If there is an award for the “Best 2-6 Team in NFL History,” give it to the Chargers right now. This is a much better team than their record demonstrates, but that only gets you so far, especially on a list like this.”

NFL.com: 18 (Previous: 19)

“It keeps happening. It won’t stop. The Chargers always find a way. On Sunday, L.A. was celebrating a game-winning touchdown catch by Donald Parham Jr. … until officials overturned the call after a review in a 31-26 loss to the Raiders. In true Chargers form, it took the sixth or seventh replay to finally show clear evidence that the ball had slipped out of Parham’s hands as he went to the ground. Egads. There are two ways to look at this as a fan: You’re either head-over-heels in love with the possibility of the Justin Herbert era, or you’re locked in a present where Sundays are continually ruined by heartbreak. Where you fall on that spectrum probably says a lot about your outlook on life in general.”

ESPN: 23 (Previous: 23)

“The Chargers are close, but that only counts in horseshoes, really. There were high expectations and Justin Herbert has created some more, but he needs some help if they are to reach their potential. Also, Anthony Lynn needs to keep his job and needs to pull out some wins to do that. He’s a players’ coach and that counts, especially with a team riddled with injuries and a rookie QB.”

CBS Sports: 25 (Previous: 22)

“Once again, they lost a close game. It never changes, only the script to get there.”

Sporting News: 25 (Previous: 24)

“The Chargers lost another close game on the final play. What a surprise. Justin Herbert and Anthony Lynn both deserve better breaks than that.”

Where Chargers stand in NFL power rankings after Week 5

Analysts are still optimistic about the Los Angeles Chargers.

Same story, different week.

The Chargers had a large lead, in this case by 17 points, but they were unable to hold on to it, losing to the Saints by the score of 30-27 in overtime last Monday.

After the loss, let’s see what the nation thinks of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 21 (Previous: 21)

“They’re quickly morphing into Atlanta West after blowing 17-point leads in consecutive weeks. All four of Bolts’ 2020 losses have been by seven points or fewer.”

Touchdown Wire: 16 (Previous: 15)

“Against the Saints on Monday night in a 30-27 overtime loss, Justin Herbert was pressured 20 times on his 38 dropbacks, per Pro Football Focus. And under pressure, he completed five of 17 passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. Herbert also became the first rookie quarterback ever to throw three touchdown passes in the first half of a Monday Night Football game, and he also added this other bit of history.

What we’re trying to say here is that while the Chargers suffered yet another heartbreaking loss (it appears to be in the franchise DNA these days), there’s also no question that the franchise quarterback is in hand.”

NFL: 17 (Previous: 18)

“You just knew Michael Badgley was doomed the moment ESPN’s Steve Levy told America the kicker had trademarked his “Money Badger” nickname. Moments later, Badgely’s 50-yard game-winning field-goal attempt banged off the right upright and fell to the turf, the beginning of the end in a painful 30-27 overtime loss to the Saints. Even in defeat, the Chargers have to be feeling incredibly optimistic about their future after Justin Herbert delivered the greatest performance by a rookie QB in Monday Night Football history. Herbert sees the field in a way that is so rare for a passer of his experience — if a corner bites on a double move or a safety wanders out of position, he punishes defenses without impunity. He’s a silver lining in the form of a lightning bolt.”

CBS Sports: 22 (Previous: 21)

“They aren’t winning games, but they have their long-term answer at quarterback in Justin Herbert. That matters a ton.”

Sports Illustrated: 20

“I’m not sure you could get four better performances out of a rookie quarterback, and the Chargers managed to lose all four games. But after pushing Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady to the brink, then going into New Orleans without Melvin Ingram and with a limited Joey Bosa and having the game-winner clank off the upright, the Chargers rank quite high in the moral victory power rankings.”

Sporting News: 24 (Previous: 23)

“The Chargers have played well with Justin Herbert, but they are falling in all one-possession games to continue the close frustration of Anthony Lynn. The losses of Chris Harris Jr. and Austin Ekeler hurt a lot.”

Where Chargers stand in NFL power rankings after Week 2

The Los Angeles Chargers bumped up a few spots in some power rankings, despite the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chargers battled with the Chiefs in a tight matchup, but they were unable to prevail, dropping the contest by the score of 23-20.

After the loss, let’s see what the nation thinks of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 15 (Previous: 18)

“As part of his unexpected but impressive debut Sunday, rookie Justin Herbert became first Bolts QB to score a rushing TD since 2011.”

Touchdown Wire: 13 (Previous: 13)

“The Chargers lost 23-20 in overtime, but Herbert completed 22 of 33 passes for 311 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also ran for a touchdown, becoming the first rookie to throw and run for a touchdown in the first half of his first NFL game since Bob Clatterbuck of the Giants did it in 1954. His interception was a horrid throw into triple coverage, but regardless of Herbert’s growing pains, kudos to Lynn for handling the situation with aplomb, as seems to be his way.”

NFL: 18 (Previous: 20)

“That’s why you always stay ready, kids. Justin Herbert didn’t know he was making his NFL debut until right before kickoff on Sunday, which made the resulting performance against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs all the more impressive. Herbert kept his poise and made a number of quality throws, giving the offense a spark it didn’t have under Tyrod Taylor in Week 1. Taylor spent part of his Sunday in a hospital dealing with chest pains, but head coach Anthony Lynn said the veteran will remain the starter if healthy. To which we ask … why? Herbert is the future of the franchise, and he’s now proved he can learn on the job while keeping the Chargers competitive. Tyrod Taylor is a good man, but he’s not the right man for these Chargers at QB1.”

ESPN: 18 (Previous: 22)

“Ekeler was targeted just once against Cincinnati a week ago. Coach Anthony Lynn realized Ekeler needed to be more involved against the Chiefs, and he was electric. Ekeler had four catches for 55 yards and ran the ball 16 times for 93 yards. He got the extra yard where none was expected. The undrafted and little-known 5-foot-10 back out of Western Colorado figures to be important down the road. He should, as he signed a four-year $24.5 million contract extension in March.”

CBS Sports: 15 (Previous: 15)

“It looks like Tyrod Taylor is back in at quarterback after missing last week, but they have to feel good about the way rookie Justin Herbert played. He is the future.”

Sports Illustrated: 15

“One whiffed coaching decision from being 2-0 with a win over the Chiefs and an ascending rookie quarterback. Kudos to Anthony Lynn for not abandoning Tyrod Taylor yet, but also nice work in getting Justin Herbert ready with almost zero practice reps during a pandemic.”

Sporting News: 16 (Previous: 13)

“Justin Herbert may not have the starting gig for good, Anthony Lynn says? What the? Going back to Tyrod Taylor, even if healthy, would not make any sense. Plus, it’s the Panthers in Week 3, a great game for Herbert to keep building confidence. The rookie leaning so well on running game, defense and good receivers had to be inspiring, right?”