The 2020 NFL schedule is out, and the win-loss column predictions have begun.
I’m predicting the Chargers to finish with a 9-7 record, and fans have the opportunity to make their predictions, as well.
But what do other analysts and writers think of the upcoming season for Los Angeles?
Let’s take a look:
ESPN’s Lindsay Thiry: 10-6
“The Chargers open the season on the road facing the Bengals and No. 1 overall draft pick Joe Burrow, then must turn around for their SoFi Stadium debut to host Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, whom they won’t play again until Week 17. In Weeks 4 and 5, the Chargers’ defense will be tested against two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks when they travel to Tampa Bay to face Tom Brady, then to New Orleans to play against Drew Brees and the Saints. Weeks 6 through 8 are more than manageable as the Chargers face the Jets, Dolphins and Jaguars. They’ll play the Raiders, then will continue division play at Denver after a bye week. The Chargers then play a trio of games outside the division before ending their season with a three-game stretch of division matchups, including their inaugural trip to Las Vegas in Week 15.”
USA Today’s Nate Davis: 9-7
“All things considered, and assuming their key performers are healthy, they look fairly stout across the board – though it remains to be seen how well the offensive line protects either veteran QB Tyrod Taylor or first-rounder Justin Herbert … and whether either can successfully pilot a squad Rivers couldn’t elevate a year ago. The Bolts will play two prime-time games on the road but aren’t scheduled to be featured at SoFi Stadium, their new home building.”
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport: 5-11
“Two years ago, the Los Angeles Chargers won 12 games and a playoff contest. After a wildly disappointing 2019 campaign, the Bolts are now starting over.
With Philip Rivers set to throw passes in Indianapolis, the Chargers have turned over the reins at quarterback to a combination of veteran Tyrod Taylor and rookie Justin Herbert. The Melvin Gordon era is over as well; the ground game now belongs to Austin Ekeler.
The Chargers will benefit from the weakest schedule in the AFC West in 2020. Their opponents had a combined winning percentage of .492, and they face only four teams that made the playoffs a year ago.
But unless Herbert proves to be an exceedingly quick study, the Chargers have the look of a last-place team.”
Touchdown Wire’s Barry Werner: 7-9
“Anthony Lynn will have to decide when to test Justin Herbert as a starter when the Bolts fail to light it up in the first part of the season. Forgive Tyrod Taylor if he has seen this script before.”
