Early predictions for Chargers 2017-18 Season

Away Matchups:

Denver Broncos:

Again, the Broncos’ defense is so strong that it is tough to rule them out of any game, but I really see them struggling to win games with Siemian at the helm. Chargers pull this game off in a close one.

Prediction: Win (1-0)

Kansas City Chiefs:

This Chiefs team has proven that they are a playoff team multiple years in a row, and their strong home play has been a huge factor in that success. Although the Chargers should be able to make it a close game, this is a game the Chiefs should win.

Prediction: Loss (1-1)

Oakland Raiders:

Even with the Chargers moving to Los Angeles, the rivalry between these teams will remain very real, and perhaps even intensify because of the closer proximity. Almost every game between these teams is close, and even though I think the Raiders will beat the Chargers at StubHub, I believe that the Chargers will return the favor in Oakland (or wherever their new home is).

Prediction: Win (2-1)

New England Patriots:

The reigning Super Bowl Champions will still be headed by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick next year, meaning that any team that comes into their path in Foxborough is destined to lose. Unfortunately, that includes the Chargers as well.

Prediction: Loss (2-2)

New York Jets:

The Jets had perhaps their worst year in recent history last season, as they had probably the worst quarterback issues in the NFL next to the Browns and the Bears. Their offense was completely abysmal, and it seems destined to stay that way without any major changes. Therefore, the Chargers pull this one off with relative ease.

Prediction: Win (3-2)

Dallas Cowboys:

QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott were undoubtedly the top two rookies in the NFL last season, and the fact that they were on the same team was mind-boggling. Henceforth, this Dallas team seems that they will be good for a long time to come (assuming Jerry Jones doesn’t reinstate Tony Romo as the starter). The Chargers will likely lose this one.

Prediction: Loss (3-3)

New York Giants:

The Giants had a fantastic season last year, being one of the only teams to consistently beat the 13-3 Cowboys. Their defense was significantly improved from the season before, and their offense was as strong as ever. If the Giants can make an upgrade at running back (which it seems they will as they just cut Rashad Jennings), they will quickly become one of the top teams in the NFL. No way the Chargers win this one on the road.

Prediction: Loss (3-4)

Jacksonville Jaguars:

The Jaguars are coming off a horrible year, firing head coach Gus Bradley, who is now the Chargers’ defensive coordinator, and suffering a complete lack of success on offense. QB Blake Bortles cannot seem to sufficiently lead his team to win games, and their defense cannot do everything on their own. The Jaguars were the Chargers’ only easy win last year, and it seems that it might unfortunately turn out that way again.

Prediction: Win (4-4)

Away Record: 4-4

Overall Record: 10-6

Justification:

It may be hard for many to believe that the Los Angeles Chargers could be a 10-6 team next season, but the Chargers’ roster is chock full of talent. Offensively, Philip Rivers will lead a squad boasting a healthy Keenan Allen, an explosive Melvin Gordon, a red-zone monster in Hunter Henry and (hopefully) a much-improved offensive line.

Defensively, Joey Bosa has proved to be one of the best rookies from last year’s draft, and he is quickly becoming one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the league. A healthy Jason Verrett along with Pro Bowl corner Casey Hayward will give the Chargers a strong secondary. Jatavis Brown and Denzel Perryman proved to be solid linebackers as well.

This Los Angeles Chargers team will undoubtedly have many problems leading up to the 2017-18 season, but if they can stay healthy, this team has the opportunity to be a playoff team come January.