Just like any schedule in the NFL, there are both good and bad things about the LA Chargers schedule in 2025. On one hand, the Chargers are setting the all-time NFL record for travel in a season. On the other hand, the Bolts have, by far, the easiest start of any team in the league.
The Chargers start the season in Brazil against the Kansas City Chiefs and as if that wasn't hard enough, the team isn't getting the same advantage that most teams get after playing in an international game.
It has become common practice in the NFL to give teams either a home game or bye week after playing internationally. A bye week isn't feasible in Week 2, meaning the Chargers should get a home game after hosting the Chiefs.
They aren't. The Chargers are on the road in Week 2 to take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. This unforeseen disadvantage for the Chargers is caused by one man and one man only: Chris Brown.
Chris Brown concert keeps Chargers from coming home in Week 2 after Brazil game
Unlike every other team that has or will play in the Brazil game, the Chargers do not have a home game following the long trip to South America. Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers returned home to play in Week 2 last season. The Chiefs are at home to host the Eagles.
Opponent-wise, the Chargers got a good draw in playing the Raiders. And if the team was going to have any road game in Week 2, at least it was with the team that is the closest to the Chargers geographically.
However, this does not change the fact that the Chargers have the tall order of starting the season against two division foes on the road without a single home game. The Raiders may not be the most daunting threat but record books get thrown out in division matchups — especially when one team is coming off an international trip.
There was nothing the NFL could have done about this as the building was already booked by Brown. Perhaps this is something the league should have looked into before sending the Bolts to Brazil in Week 1 but alas, it's too late now.
The Chargers play their first true home game at SoFi Stadium in Week 3 against, you guessed it, the Denver Broncos. The Chargers' first home game at SoFi Stadium against a non-AFC West opponent comes in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders.