LA Chargers: A game by game 2020 record prediction

LA Chargers’ Weeks 13 and 14:

Week 13: vs. New England Patriots

New England might have the most variability in their 2020 season outcome in the entire AFC. 4-12 is a legitimate possibility with their poor offseason and several impact players opting out due to the coronavirus. If Cam Newton has a resurgence with the defense being comparable to what it was last year though… that’s arguably a 12-4 team.

The Patriots are being somewhat underrated in 2020. Bill Belichick has always found ways to get it done with scheming around players who aren’t there. “The Patriot Way” is as real as it is cliché. I’m not sure if Newton will be a Top 10 quarterback again, but he definitely has enough around him to play reasonably well, unlike the deteriorating Carolina rosters of the last few years.

This is still an 8-8 or 9-7 team to me, despite the additions and losses of the offseason. Colin Cowherd and many others have pegged this to be Herbert’s first game. That gives me a little bit of concern if that’s the case for this one as well. The Chargers can win this game, but the Patriots hand them a loss here.

LA Chargers record: 7-5

Week 14: vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are the final NFC South opponent for Los Angeles in the 2020 season. In a way, they remind me a lot of the Buccaneers. Good offensive pieces, but poor defense and questionable offensive line play.

Julio Jones is the best receiver the Chargers will play all season long. He’s the matchup nightmare to be concerned about. Hayden Hurst could also be a dark horse threat due to James and his tight end coverage skills not being present.

Atlanta is rather subpar from a defensive standpoint though. Don’t count them out of winning this game, but the Chargers’ offense should make rather quick work of this rebuilding defensive unit.

LA Chargers record: 8-5