ESPN recently released their rankings for the projected starting lineups of all 32 NFL teams in 2026. The Chargers for the most part ranked where you'd expect in ESPN's ranking. Los Angeles came in at 13th out of 32 teams in the analysis from Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder.
It's not necessarily too low or high for the current group. The Chargers are coming off of an 11-6 season but went into the playoffs last year as the AFC's seventh seed. A beleaguered offensive line and offense as a whole cost the Chargers in their Wild Card matchup with New England. Since then, they've made a decent amount of offseason changes— including the hiring of OC Mike McDaniel.
The Chargers' starters probably have a higher ceiling than 13th in the NFL in 2026, but it's a fair ranking for now.
Clay, Walder, and Schatz laid out for key categories in their analysis for each team. Those would be biggest strength, biggest weakness, 2026 X-Factor, and nonstarter to know.
For biggest strength, the return of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt was selected. It's clearly what the Chargers are banking on with the possibility of becoming a top 10-15 offensive line this season. The Chargers' offense effectively ranked 5th in EPA/play last year when both Justin Herbert and Alt were on the field. And that was a season without Slater on the other side as he suffered a season-ending injury.
The biggest potential weakness they wrote about was the guard spots. It doesn't come as a surprise. While one of Jake Slaughter, Kayode Awosika, or Trevor Penning could end up overperforming, the left guard spot is easily the one that feels most shaky on the offensive line. There's a bit more internal confidence in Cole Strange considering the coaching staff, but it's not the level of signing the national media would be sold on.
For the X-Factor, pass rush was listed. Specifically, Walder asked about Mack's ability to replicate his previous highs with the Chargers given his age. Akheem Mesidor wasn't listed as a starter, but will obviously be a key cog in the Chargers 3-man rotation with Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu.
The tight end spot is interesting. ESPN listed Oronde Gadsden II and David Njoku as the starters with Charlie Kolar playing more of a blocking role. But considering the amount the Chargers paid Kolar in addition to how much they will be playing 12/13 personnel, it wouldn't surprise me to see the former Raven on the field more as the season progresses. Kolar was listed as ESPN's "nonstarter to know".
Ultimately, 13th is a fair placement for the Chargers at this point in time with a top 10 ceiling if a few things break their way. If Mike McDaniel is the play caller they think he is and the guard spots play out better than expected, the ceiling is fairly high for the Chargers this year.
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