Tag: Chargers record

Final game-by-game predictions for the Chargers

We break down each Chargers game and whether or not they will make the playoffs.

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)

NFL experts predict Chargers’ final record in 2024

Here are the records and win totals national writers and analysts are predicting the Chargers to finish the 2024 season with.

There’s plenty of excitement surrounding the Chargers with the Jim Harbaugh era underway. Many are hopeful that he can lead Los Angeles to the same success as he did at all of his coaching stops.

I predicted the Bolts would go 10-7 in Harbaugh’s first season as the Chargers head coach, factoring his coaching pedigree, Justin Herbert being under center and that they will have a bottom-of-the-barrel schedule.

How do others feel he will do in Year 1 of overseeing the Bolts?

Let’s take a look at the records and win totals national writers and analysts are predicting L.A. to finish with.

SI’s Matt Verderame

Record Prediction: 8-9

Analysis: “For years, the Chargers have always been an offseason darling, perpetually overrated and overhyped. This season, they have a chance to be a bit better than expected largely because they play a fourth-place schedule. Los Angeles will see the Titans, Cardinals and Patriots, along with a quartet of winnable games against the Raiders and Broncos.”

Fox Sports’ Geoff Schwartz

Record Prediction: 9-8

Analysis: “I’m a fan of Justin Herbert and, outside of when he plays the Chiefs, I’m rooting for him. I also respect and admire the work new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has done at every place he’s been. He won at the University of San Diego, at Stanford, with the 49ers and most recently, he won a national championship at Michigan. I believe Harbaugh will win plenty in Los Angeles, but not this season. The Chargers have improved their offensive line but have a small margin for error without a variety of passing options for Herbert. The defense has playmakers at all three levels, but I’m not sure about the depth of that unit even though new DC Jesse Minter will have them ready to play each week. All of this screams 8-9 or 9-8 for the Chargers. I will give them the benefit of doubt with Harbaugh and a fourth-place schedule.”

Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton

Record Prediction: 9-8

Analysis: “…Los Angeles should crush bottom-tier squads, but it may struggle against teams with high-scoring offenses like the Ravens. Fortunately, the Chargers aren’t slated to play against many top-10 offenses from last season.”

The Athletic’s Daniel Popper

Record Prediction: 10-7

Analysis: “I am buying into the Harbaugh impact. There are some weak spots on the roster. Trying to turn a team completely over in one offseason is pretty much impossible. But I think the Chargers have enough to win some games and make the playoffs in 2024. It certainly helps having a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. The 49ers went 6-10 in 2010. Harbaugh took over in 2011. The 49ers went 13-3 and made it to the NFC Championship Game. I am not predicting that significant of a turnaround. But I think a wild-card berth and 10 wins is realistic. Harbaugh turns around programs. It’s just what he does.”

NFL Media’s Cynthia Frelund

Record Prediction: 8.2 wins

Analysis: “Despite an early bye (Week 5), the Chargers’ win share increased by 0.2 wins as a result of the 2024 NFL schedule. With a new coach, front office, offensive tackle, WR group, et al, Los Angeles will likely need some time to get everyone on the same page and build a strong rapport. The schedule does them some favors in this regard, as their hardest four-game sequence (Bengals, Ravens, at Falcons, at Chiefs) doesn’t hit until mid-November. In addition, their final three games — Broncos, at Patriots, at Raiders — currently rank as the second-most favorable of any AFC team.”

33rd Team’s Marcus Mosher

Record Prediction: 7-10

Analysis: “How quickly can Jim Harbaugh make the Los Angeles Chargers competitive in the AFC West? Time will tell, but this roster isn’t ready to compete for a playoff spot. Los Angeles has a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert — but might have the league’s worst skill position room. Plus, the defense needs a major overhaul, and the Chargers couldn’t address that unit much in the draft. Expect that fundamental changes will come in Year 2 of the Harbaugh era and that this season will be more of an evaluation year.

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 17

Looking at the major metrics, here is where the Chargers stand after Week 17.

The Chargers fell to 5-11 after losing to the Broncos on Sunday.

Now that Week 17 is in the rearview, we now know how the Bolts rank statistically compared to the rest of the NFL. Looking at the major metrics, here is where L.A. stands.

AFC West standings update entering Week 9

A look at each AFC West team’s record heading into Week 9.

The Chargers snapped their two-game losing streak and improved to 3-4 after defeating the Bears on Sunday night. What about the others in the division?

With that, let’s take a look at the AFC West standings entering Week 9.

1.) Chiefs (6-2)

After winning their last six games before this game, the Chiefs were stunned by the Broncos. Kansas City, uncharacteristically, only managed nine points, all while turning the ball over five times. They sacked Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson six times, but their poor offensive output was not enough to get the job done.

2.) Chargers (3-4)

For the first time all season, the Chargers played a complete game in all three phases. Justin Herbert was phenomenal, completing 31 of 40 pass attempts for 298 yards and three touchdowns. The defense limited the Bears to just 13 points and forced two turnovers. Cameron Dicker made all of his field goals and extra points.

3.) Raiders (3-5)

The Raiders lost to the Lions on Monday night, 26-14. Las Vegas’ defense forced three turnovers, including a pick-six. Ultimately, their offense was so bad. They failed even to reach 160 total yards. It resulted in wide receiver Davante Adams slamming his helmet on the ground at the end of the game. Head coach Josh McDaniel’s seat is getting hotter and hotter.

4.) Broncos (3-5)

Going into Sunday, the Broncos were 0-12 against Patrick Mahomes. They ended that streak, thanks to a defensive performance that consisted of five committed turnovers. Wilson only threw for 112 yards, but he was still able to muster three touchdowns.

AFC West standings update entering Week 6

A look at each AFC West team’s record heading into Week 6.

The Chargers were on their bye this past week, so they watched the other teams in the division play.

With that, let’s take a look at the AFC West standings entering Week 6.

1.) Chiefs (4-1)

Kansas City defeated the Vikings, 27-20. After being tied up at the half, the Chiefs scored two touchdowns in the third quarter, one of which came from Travis Kelce, who briefly left the matchup with a non-contact ankle injury. Minnesota pulled within seven points in the final quarter, but the Chiefs’ defense stepped up down the stretch to seal the deal.

2.) Chargers (2-2)

BYE

3.) Raiders (2-3)

Las Vegas defeated the Packers on Monday night in a low-scoring affair. The Raiders’ offense was nothing to write about, but their defense came through. They made a handful of stops, including two interceptions on Jordan Love in the fourth quarter. In total, Love was picked off three times. Additionally, Maxx Crosby outmatched the Packers’ offensive line.

4.) Broncos (1-4)

Denver was defeated by the Jets by the score of 31-21. The Broncos had the lead at the half, but the second half was filled with a multitude of blunders, including Russell Wilson losing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown in the second half. Denver’s defense surrendered 23 points in the second half and had no answer for New York’s run game which totaled 234 yards.

AFC West standings update entering Week 5

A look at each AFC West team’s record heading into Week 5.

The Chargers improved to .500 after beating the Raiders on Sunday afternoon.

But how about the others in the division?

Let’s take a look at the AFC West standings entering Week 5.

1.) Chiefs (3-1)

Many thought Kansas City would roll into MetLife Stadium and easily cruise to victory. But the Jets put up a fight, making the game come down to the wire. New York trailed by as much as 17 points, but they were able to tie up the game 20 apiece. The Chiefs took the lead on a field goal early in the fourth quarter and a Zach Wilson turnover ultimately decided the outcome of the game, with Kansas City coming out on top, 23-20.

2.) Chargers (2-2)

It wouldn’t be a Chargers game if it didn’t have fans on the edge of their seats. It was like that, even though it shouldn’t have been. Going into the half with a comfortable 24-7 lead, Los Angeles’ offense fell flat, totaling just 85 yards and zero points in the second half. Luckily, the defense came up big to bail them out, with Asante Samuel Jr. notching a clutch interception at their own goal line. On the day, they amassed seven sacks, six by Khalil Mack and held the Raiders to 1 of 11 on third-down conversions.

3.) Raiders (1-3)

The Raiders rolled with rookie Aidan O’Connell under center while Jimmy Garoppolo was out with a concussion. O’Connell experienced growing pains, with most of the seven sacks from holding the ball for too long. Las Vegas’ defense in the second half kept them alive, as they forced two three-and-outs, got an interception and made a fourth-down stop on the Chargers’ first four possessions. But ultimately, O’Connell’s pick in the final minutes determined the Raiders’ fate.

4.) Broncos (1-3)

The Broncos picked up their first win of the season after defeating the Bears, 31-28. It seemed like Denver was done for being down 28-7. But Russell Wilson, who had 135 yards and two touchdowns in the second half, and their defense, which slowed down Justin Fields and forced two turnovers, including one that was returned for a touchdown, was the recipe for the comeback victory.

Analysts predict outcome of Chargers season in 2023

Here are the records and win totals national writers and analysts are predicting the Chargers to finish the 2023 season with.

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.”

How far will the Chargers go in the playoffs?

Can the Los Angeles Chargers make some serious noise in the playoffs?

The Chargers are heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Despite facing a multitude of injuries throughout the season, L.A. overcame them by having a robot under center, Brandon Staley turning the defense around in the final quarter of the season, and the special teams being special all year.

Los Angeles got Joey Bosa back last week, and the only missing piece that could potentially be back for the postseason is Rashawn Slater, the young sensational left tackle.

This offense is as good as it’s been all the season, and the defense has been red hot. Couple that with having most of their key players back, and this team could make some serious noise.

What happens if Los Angeles gets the fifth seed and plays the AFC South winner between the Jaguars and Titans? Will they win? After that, a second win? A conference championship? Their first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history?

Vote in the poll below.

[crowdsignal poll=11279059]

How the Chargers can clinch a playoff spot in Week 16

The Chargers can punch their playoff ticket in Week 16.

After defeating the Titans, the Chargers improved to 8-6 and increased their playoff chances to 82%.

Now the holder of the sixth seed in the AFC conference, Los Angeles controls its fate. However, they can punch its playoff ticket in Week 16, with a bit of help. They have three different scenarios to clinch this weekend.

Here are the scenarios to clinch:

  1. LAC win + LV loss/tie + NYJ loss + NE loss
  2. LAC win + LV loss/tie + NYJ loss + NE tie + MIA loss
  3. LAC win + LV loss/tie + NYJ tie + NE loss + MIA loss

The Chargers face the Colts on the road on Monday Night Football. The Raiders travel to play the Steelers on Christmas Eve. The Jets host the Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. The Patriots host the Bengals on Christmas Eve. The Dolphins host the Packers on Christmas.

Chargers’ remaining schedule:

  • at Colts (4-9-1)
  • vs. Rams (4-9)
  • at Broncos (4-10)

Raiders’ remaining schedule:

  • at Steelers (6-8)
  • vs. 49ers (10-4)
  • vs. Chiefs (11-3)

Jets’ remaining schedule:

  • vs. Jaguars (6-8)
  • at Seahawks (7-7)
  • at Dolphins (8-6)

Patriots’ remaining schedule:

  • vs. Bengals (10-4)
  • vs. Dolphins (8-6)
  • at Bills (11-3)

Dolphins’ remaining schedule:

  • vs. Packers (5-8)
  • at Patriots (7-7)
  • at Jets (7-7)

Poll: Predict Chargers’ 2022 record after final five games

What will the Chargers’ record be after the final five games of the 2022 regular season?

Had the Chargers defeated the Raiders this past Sunday, they would have moved up two spots to the seventh seed after the Patriots lost to the Bills and the Vikings beat the Jets.

However, the loss to Las Vegas kept Los Angeles the ninth seed in the AFC. New England, who has the same record, wins the team breaker because it is a game up in conference record.

L.A. has a 30% chance of making the playoffs, down from 50% heading into Week 13, according to Five Thirty-Eight’s model. The Patriots have a 25% chance, and the Jets have a 48% chance.

The Chargers have back-to-back matchups with two tough teams, the Dolphins this week and the Titans next week, both at home.

Los Angeles has been one of the most injured teams in the league.

It’s been without many players, including Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater, and J.C. Jackson, and players like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Corey Linsley have missed multiple games.

But it goes beyond that.

Justin Herbert is playing at a high level. But the offensive scheme and play-calling are doing him no favors.

On the other side of the ball, Brandon Staley’s defense ranks near the bottom of the league. The personnel issues are a factor, but it is still not ideal for someone touted as a defensive guru.

With only five games remaining, and the next two being against two of the best teams in the conference, the Chargers face an uphill climb to make the playoffs. Will they do it? Is it too little too late?

Predict Los Angeles’ final record below.

[crowdsignal poll=11257879]