Early predictions for Chargers 2017-18 Season
By Scott Iger
The formerly San Diego Chargers are coming off a rather disappointing 5-11 season where they had to fight through many injuries as well as struggled greatly to finish games that they should have had in the bag. How will they fare next year in Los Angeles? Here is my prediction.
Home Matchups:
Denver Broncos:
Although the Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL, their offense seems to be in decline. QB Trevor Siemian cannot seem to get the job done, and a lackluster running game has not helped. Chargers repeat their home performance against the Broncos from last year.
Prediction: Win (1-0)
Oakland Raiders:
The Raiders are coming off a great season where they were very strong on the road. Khalil Mack, the Defensive Player of the Year, and QB Derek Carr have made the Raiders an elite team. Chargers are unlikely to pull away with a win here.
Prediction: Loss (1-1)
Kansas City Chiefs:
The Chargers’ Week 1 loss to the Chiefs last season was truly indicative of their season as a whole, as they often came very close but just short of winning games. The Chargers have proven that they can win tough matchups, like they did against the Atlanta Falcons, and therefore I believe they can win this game at home against a tough Chiefs team.
Prediction: Win (2-1)
Buffalo Bills:
Former Bills offensive coordinator and interim head coach Anthony Lynn, the new coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, should have inside intellect that could benefit the Chargers in this matchup. The Bills currently have a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position and lack of receiving production. The Chargers should win this one.
Prediction: Win (3-1)
Miami Dolphins:
The last time that the Chargers played the Dolphins, they lost after a pick-six late in the fourth quarter. At that point in the season, the Chargers were arguably the most injury-ravaged team in the NFL, and so a healthy Chargers team should be able to win this matchup at home.
Prediction: Win (4-1)
Philadelphia Eagles:
QB Carson Wentz has greatly changed the dynamic in the Philadelphia locker room. Last year, they started off extremely well but collapsed due to injury problems. If the Eagles can add some receivers, they could become one of the better teams in the NFL. Overall, this will be a close game, but I’m not too confident about the Chargers’ chances.
Prediction: Loss (4-2)
Washington Redskins:
The Redskins just missed the playoffs last season, but Kirk Cousins has truly proven himself to be a franchise quarterback. On the other hand, a healthy Chargers defense should not struggle too much against the Redskins’ offense. Offensively, the Chargers should be able to outgun the Redskins and run away with this one.
Prediction: Win (5-2)
Cleveland Browns:
The Chargers’ loss to the Browns last season was pretty horrendous, as it was a game they undoubtedly should have won. The Chargers exact revenge at home this time.
Prediction: Win (6-2)