LA Chargers: A game by game 2020 record prediction

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Defensive end Joey Bosa #97 flexes for defensive end Melvin Ingram #54 of the Los Angeles Chargers after a sack of quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiderss in the first half of the game at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Defensive end Joey Bosa #97 flexes for defensive end Melvin Ingram #54 of the Los Angeles Chargers after a sack of quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiderss in the first half of the game at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

LA Chargers’ Weeks 7 and 8:

Week 7: @ Miami Dolphins

This feels like the trap game to end all trap games. We’ve seen how the Chargers have struggled playing in Miami for that early 1:00 PM start before. Even Tom Brady and the Patriots seemed flummoxed by road games in Miami.

The Dolphins are also much better than when they played the Chargers last season. Obviously the interest will quickly turn to Tua Tagovailoa as the eventual quarterback, but they loaded up in the draft and free agency in other spots as well. Kyle Van Noy and Byron Jones were big-money additions to bolster the defense. Austin Jackson and Raekwon Davis will be key contributors for this team sooner rather than later.

I don’t see the Dolphins as a playoff contender yet, but they are definitely a team that can frustrate people with a good coach, rookie quarterback, and a significantly improved roster. The Chargers have always struggled in one or two of the east coast games when they do have to travel, and it just wouldn’t surprise me to see sluggish offense, defense, or both.

LA Chargers record: 4-3

Week 8: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

This is the best remedy from a trap game or potential losses from Kansas City, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay. The Jaguars are actively tanking. Let’s call a spade a spade. There’s no excuse for the Chargers to lose to a team that has one of the worst constructed rosters in NFL history.

Sure, Gardner Minshew can be fun. He’ll scramble a few times and do his thing. No amount of tricks in his bag can overcome the terrible roster though. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are going to tear through that offensive line while the secondary gives the Jacksonville receivers fits all day.

Taylor could have the worst game of his career and I’m still not sure it would be enough to lose this game. The Jaguars are hitting rock bottom this year, and I can’t honestly even put the title of trap game on it with a roster so terrible.

LA Chargers record: 5-3