Chargers finish 8-8, make playoffs in ESPN’s 2020 simulation

The Los Angeles Chargers squeak into the playoffs in ESPN’s simulation of the entire 2020 season.

ESPN ran their annual simulation, where they predict every game of the upcoming regular season, including the postseason.

In the simulation, the Chargers finished with a 8-8 record, managing to still squeak into the playoffs due to the extra team being added.

Los Angeles finished second behind Kansas City Chiefs, who win the division with an 11-5 record.

The Broncos finished with the same record as the Bolts, but they barely missed out on the playoffs due to the tiebreaker rules.

The Bills clobber the Chargers in the Wild Card Round by the score of 30-10. Buffalo sees their run come to an end after losing to the Chiefs in the Divisional Round.

ESPN sees Kansas City repeat themselves as Super Bowl champions, taking out the Dallas Cowboys, 42-17.

Here’s how the simulation predicted the season would go for Los Angeles:

Week 1: BENGALS defeat Chargers, 26-17

Week 2: CHIEFS defeat Chargers, 34-13

Week 3: CHARGERS defeat Panthers, 22-16

Week 4: BUCCANEERS defeat Chargers, 27-16

Week 5: SAINTS defeat Chargers, 30-10

Week 6: JETS defeat Chargers, 26-10

Week 7: DOLPHINS defeat Chargers, 20-3

Week 8: CHARGERS defeat Jaguars, 19-9

Week 9: CHARGERS defeat Raiders, 33-28

Week 10: BYE

Week 11: CHARGERS defeat Broncos, 22-13

Week 12: CHARGERS defeat Bills, 34-6

Week 13: CHARGERS defeat Patriots, 30-21

Week 14: FALCONS defeat Chargers, 33-30

Week 15: CHARGERS defeat Raiders, 24-20

Week 16: BRONCOS defeat Chargers, 22-13

Week 17: CHARGERS defeat Chiefs, 35-28

Quick takeaways from the Chargers’ initial 53-man roster

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers his thoughts on the team’s initial 53-man roster for the 2020 season.

The Los Angeles Chargers released their initial 53-man roster on Saturday afternoon.

Here are some quick takeaways from things that stood out on the first roster:

The Chargers elected to not carry a fullback on the roster, even after coach Anthony Lynn said that there would be one to fill the void of Derek Watt. Gabe Nabers and Bobby Holly showed promise during camp, but instead, the team chose to release both of them. It’s likely at least one will end up on the practice squad.

The Chargers chose to roll with four tight ends, rather than three. Both Donald Parham and Stephen Anderson have a spot, joining Hunter Henry and Virgil Green. With the new offensive scheme, we could see a lot more two-three tight end sets, which could explain the decision to release both fullbacks, as they would have a similar role in the blocking department.

It was only a matter of time to see how the wide receiver room would shape up. Darius Jennings was one of the more surprising cuts. He was fighting for one of the final spots, but the team chose to roll with Jason Moore, who could fill in for Mike Williams if he is unable to play Week 1.

With Derwin James sent to the injured reserve, they have four safeties – Rayshawn Jenkins, Nasir Adderley, Desmond King and Alohi Gilman. I wouldn’t be surprised if they look to see a free agent for cheap for depth purposes, such as recently released Jaylen Watkins, who formerly played with the Bolts.

Tevaughn Campbell was the surprise player who made the 53-man roster. Campbell wasn’t a big-name player, but he has some experience on the active roster. The former CFL standout could provide depth in the secondary and a serviceable player on special teams.

Chargers announce uniform schedule for 2020 season

The Los Angeles Chargers unveiled the uniform schedule for the 2020 regular season.

The Chargers announced the uniform schedule for the entire 2020 season Thursday.

Los Angeles will be donning their new highly coveted threads, which emphasizes the franchise’s iconic powder blue. The other jersey will be white.

Two color rush uniforms will also be worn – one in all navy and another in royal blue.

Here’s a look at when the Bolts will wear each uniform, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter account.

Former XFL stars making cases for Chargers’ 53-man roster

Storm Norton and Donald Parham have a good shot of making the Los Angeles Chargers’ 53-man roster.

The XFL drew the attention of the Chargers this past spring, as the team signed two former players from the league – tight end Donald Parham and offensive tackle Storm Norton.

Eager to make the 53-man roster, Parham and Norton helped themselves with solid showings at the first week of practice.

Norton, the 6-foot-8 and 306 pounder, primarily played right tackle for the second team, but earned some reps with the first-team at right tackle while Bryan Bulaga had a day off.

“He stacks some bricks. He’s showing consistency here,” coach Anthony Lynn said about Norton.

With the Los Angeles Wildcats, Norton was Pro Football Focus’ highest graded XFL offensive lineman.

Meanwhile, Parham, the towering tight end, is fighting for the third tight-end spot with Stephen Anderson. He shined in the passing game and run-blocking department.

Entering training camp, Parham was thought to bring mismatch and catching ability, while his blocking deficiencies would show due to his lanky frame and lack of lower body strength. But he has done well in this area.

“Donald is a much better blocker than I thought he was gonna be,” Lynn said.

Hunter Henry also had high praise for Parham.

“He’s got a lot of talent. He’s a big kid. Can move very well too for how big he is. I’m excited for him. He’s definitely made some plays out there already,” Henry said.

With the Dallas Renegades, Parham caught 24 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns in five games.

Chargers’ Anthony Lynn says Colin Kaepernick fits team’s system, on potential workout list

The Los Angeles Chargers might have interest in the 32-year old.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is hoping to make a return to the NFL. While there haven’t been many teams that have shown interest in acquiring the 32-year old, there’s one franchise that could be eyeing him.

In Wednesday’s media availability, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said that Kaepernick is on the team’s potential workout list, citing his fit with the offensive system. However, there has been no communication and no workout has been scheduled.

“I haven’t talked to him,” Lynn said. “He fits the style of quarterback that we want. We’re happy with the three quarterbacks that we want, but you can’t have enough on the runway.”

Los Angeles’ quarterback room appears to be filled with Tyrod Taylor, rookie Justin Herbert and Easton Stick, which makes the chances of the team signing Kaepernick less likely. But if an injury occurred, Kaepernick might be the first person the team calls to fill a void.

Kaepernick’s presence has been arisen recently due to the wake of the nationwide movement to protest systemic racism and police brutality, which is something he protested back in 2016.

In an interview recently, Lynn said that Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem was misinterpreted, stating he wasn’t disrespecting the flag but protesting racial injustice in America. He believes he should have a job in the NFL.

Chargers could open up season with four-straight NFC South games

The Los Angeles Chargers could see Tom Brady and Drew Brees within the first four weeks of the 2020 season.

The Chargers will find out when and where they will be playing this upcoming season on Thursday evening.

We already knew their opponents and now we might know who they will be playing the first four weeks of the 2020 regular season.

John Clayton of 710 ESPN confirmed to USA TODAY Sports Media Group that the NFL has discussed having all teams begin the season with four out-of-conference games as a precaution in case the league has to delay the start of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

For instance, the Chargers playing the NFC South in 2020 are considered the least important in terms of postseason importance, so they would get first priority to get knocked off the schedule right off the bat.

Los Angeles is set to host the Falcons and Panthers and take on the Saints and Buccaneers on the road.

The official schedule will be released on Thursday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m. PT.

NFL to release 2020 schedule this week, here are Chargers’ opponents

Who will the Los Angeles Chargers be squaring off against this season?

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the full 2020 NFL schedule, including preseason, will be released this week with no changes expected. The regular-season opener will still be slated for Thursday, Sept. 10, while the Super Bowl will remain as scheduled for Feb. 7 in Tampa, FL.

The league is considering alternative plans due to the coronavirus pandemic, and one of them could involve the Chargers not being able to open up the season in their new stadium (SoFi Stadium). If they do, there’s a chance that fans might not be able to spectate, just like the other 31 teams.

The good news is that there will be football no matter what.

With that being said, we are just days away from finding out the official date and time Los Angeles will be facing off against these opponents:

Home: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars

Away: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals

3 burning questions during Chargers’ bye week

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out three burning questions in mind during the bye week.

11 regular season games have gone by and the Chargers are sitting with an unexpected 4-7 record after having high expectations entering the year.

With only five games remaining, there are a few questions that not only the fans, but the franchise is wondering during their bye week.

Can Philip Rivers turn things around?

Prior to the regular season, you could have said that Rivers had four or five years left in the tank following his stints in 2017 and 2018 where he played at an elite level. Now, there’s questioning whether or not the veteran quarterback will be around following the 2019 campaign.

Rivers has compiled a head-scratching 15 touchdown to 14 interception ratio through 11 games. His play has been plagued by an unsteady offensive line after a handful of injuries, which has clearly effected him in the pocket. But there’s been signs of decline, including questionable decision-making and regression in arm talent.

Rivers, who will be turning 38 in December, will have these last five games of the regular season to turn his 16th professional campaign around. No matter who’s playing along the offensive line, if he doesn’t improve, there’s reason to believe that the franchise will consider not bringing him back for Year 17.

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