LA Chargers: A game by game 2020 record prediction

LA Chargers’ Week 3 and 4:

Week 3: vs. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are another trap game, much in the style of the game in Cincinnati. The offensive talent is there, but there’s a lot of questions on the offensive line. One of the storylines that I’m most curious to see play out is the relationship between first-year coach Matt Rhule and Teddy Bridgewater.

Carolina is actually OK offensively, especially when you consider what potential MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey brings to the table. The defense on the other hand is in a full rebuild. The Panthers went all defense in the draft, which was a surprise to no one who knew how desperate the defense was.

Derrick Brown will make an immediate impact, but the secondary and linebacker groups are lacking. The Chargers don’t come close to falling in the trap here.

LA Chargers record: 2-1

Week 4: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Some have expectations for Tampa Bay to be Super Bowl contenders while others have expectations for them to not make the playoffs. How you feel about Tampa Bay really depends on your thoughts on each player they acquired.

Tom Brady is obviously the biggest change from last season. Chargers fans know that his decision came down to Tampa Bay and Los Angeles. Ultimately, Brady decided to play on the east coast with Rob Gronkowski, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and a crowded backfield that now has Leonard Fournette.

Personally, I think the Buccaneers are a little over-hyped with a few key questions still unanswered. Will the decline of Brady continue? Is Gronkowski really going to approach his peak production again?

Will Bruce Arians’ style of offense fit what Brady wants? New Engla-I mean, Tampa Bay has potential. This team just seems like a clunkier fit than what the national media portrays it to be on paper. I’ll take the Bolts in this one.

LA Chargers record: 3-1