Associated Press
The Los Angeles Chargers enjoyed a stellar rookie season from quarterback Justin Herbert last year, which gives them and their fans hope entering the 2021-22 season. The offense should be a major problem for opposing teams, especially after Los Angeles made moves to bolster their offensive line. Herbert will once again be surrounded by elite skill position players in Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Somehow, the Chargers ranked 18th last year in offensive points per game. It’s very feasible that ranking could enter single digits this season considering the addition of Corey Linsley, a healthy Ekeler and the possibility of Herbert taking a step forward.
Perhaps the Chargers’ biggest defensive addition came in the form of new coach Brandon Staley. After spending just one season as the Rams’ defensive coordinator, Staley was hired by the Chargers this offseason to replace Anthony Lynn. The Chargers allowed the 10th-most points per game last season, so if Staley can have a positive impact on the unit, that would be a major boost to the team’s season outlook. In terms of players on the defense, the Chargers are led by one of the better one-two punches in football with Joey Bosa and Derwin James Jr. However, those two can only do so much. If Los Angeles wants to have a shot at the playoffs, the rest of the defense will need to step up.
Unfortunately for the Chargers, they have the bad luck of playing in the same division as the Kansas City Chiefs, who are currently heavy favorites to capture the AFC West crown. Los Angeles will certainly have a chance at a playoff spot via the wild card, but it is far from a guarantee. The Chargers will need similar, if not better, production from last year’s key performers, coupled with new additions on both sides of the ball playing as expected.
Regular season record prediction: 9-8