LA Chargers: Early game-by-game 2020 record prediction
The LA Chargers get their bye in Week 10, which is about where they usually get it. After that, it’s onto Denver:
Week 11: @ Denver Broncos
The LA Chargers get their first true road test since the Saints game. Mile High is always a tough place to play for the Chargers. The Chargers have only won once there since 2014. There was a pretty good chance at winning there last season, but a late pass interference call allowed Brandon McManus to drill a 53-yard field goal as time expired. He’s done that to the LA Chargers more than you’d think.
Looking at how all of the AFC West teams project out, I’d say that the Broncos and Chargers are on a similar tier behind the Chiefs. Both teams also have question marks at quarterback. Drew Lock played well down the stretch, but is he ready to carry a team for 16 games? The same can be said for Taylor, who hasn’t started a full season in a while.
What to watch for: Taylor vs. the Broncos’ defense. I’m high on Taylor, but playing at Mile High with Von Miller on the other side is always tough. That was true even when Rivers was here.
The Chargers lose a close one with a late Brandon McManus field goal lifting the Broncos to a win at home. Lock’s got some weapons, and he lets them loose in this one.
Record: 6-4
Week 12: @ Buffalo Bills
The Bills are going all-in on Josh Allen in 2020. They gave up quite a bit of draft capital to go out and get Stefon Diggs, a potential number one receiver if in the right scenario. Cole Beasley and John Brown are still decent receiving options. Devin Singletary is also poised to become the number one running back with Frank Gore‘s departure.
While I’m not sold on Allen, the Bills’ defense can create problems for any offense, not just the Chargers. Ed Oliver and Jerry Hughes create havoc on the defensive line. The secondary with Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, and Jordan Poyer will be tough for Taylor to deal with.
What to watch for: Any growth from Allen? While the Bills got to the playoffs last year, Allen was still erratic and inaccurate for most of the year. If he shows some improvement and is able to take on the elite secondary of the Chargers, the Bills will have a good year in 2020. The Bills’ schedule is brutal, and the defense won’t be able to just carry Allen over the finish line this time.
While it’s an early game on the east coast, the Chargers get the win. It might be a similar defensive slugfest to the Chicago game last year. Right now, I like the Chargers’ defense over the Bills and think Taylor is more efficient than Allen.
Record: 7-4