Andrew De Fazio: 12-4
Losses: vs DEN, @TEN, vs GB, @KC
With the way the roster is constructed as of right now, the Chargers are expected to be one of the top teams in the AFC in 2019. Last year the team showed the ability to close games during the regular season and win the games they are supposed to. That trend should continue with an Anthony Lynn ball club. The reason behind the Chargers recent success. The Chargers will have to overcome some hurdles with loses to Denver, Tennessee, Green Bay and Kansas City, but overall this team has the makings of a Super Bowl contender.
Matthew Pagels: 11-5
Losses: @CHI, vs GB, vs HOU, @OAK, @KC
The Chargers will look to build off what was a pretty successful 2018 season. It wasn’t the ending Chargers fans wanted, but it’s hard to be upset with a team that tied for the best record (12-4) in the AFC and made playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Despite having a few holes on the roster, specifically in the trenches and at free safety, the Chargers are one of the more talented teams in the entire league. You could argue that DL Darius Philon, a rising star and the team’s best defensive tackle last year, was their only major loss in the offseason. CB Jason Verrett could not stay healthy and WR Tyrell Williams was the team’s No. 3 receiver, which is why their departures don’t sting as much. It was a quiet March for GM Tom Telesco and Co., but the addition of LB Thomas Davis, a veteran who is still playing at a high level, was a sneaky-good signing.
And with that said, I have the Chargers as a 11-5 team heading into the draft. Their schedule isn’t crazy tough, but seven of their opponents finished above .500 last season. I see losses to the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and either the Houston Texans or Indianapolis Colts. You could swap out one of those for a Nick Foles-led Jags team or the playoff-caliber Minnesota Vikings.
I see them sweeping the Denver Broncos and splitting the series with Oakland and Kansas City (Yes, the Raiders aren’t good, but divisional games are always tough and the Chargers will “Charger” once and have the fans question everything (a common occurrence), whether it be against the Broncos or Raiders.