In Year 1 of the Jim Harbaugh era, the Los Angeles Chargers rebounded from a disastrous 5-12 campaign in 2023 to go 11-6 in 2024, winning their final three games to clinch the No. 5 seed on the AFC side of the NFL postseason bracket.
Sadly for the Bolts, of course, they still haven't won a playoff game since 2018, as they took an embarrassing 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. But given the overall circumstances, the season still has to be seen as a success.
But is this success sustainable or was last year just a fluke?
One going with the former is The Athletic's Mike Jones, who recently compiled a list of teams that he believes are either overrated or underrated heading into the 2025 season.
The four franchises on the overrated list are the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Cincinnati Bengals, while the four on the underrated list consist of the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and none other than the Los Angeles Chargers.
Rookies may play a big part in the Chargers' success in 2025
As Jones says in the opening portion of his assessment, the Chargers will undoubtedly have challenges in the AFC West in an attempt to unseat the Kansas City Chiefs, who've won the division in nine consecutive years.
That said, though, he believes "the Chargers appear poised to make a big leap forward as they enter Year 2 under Jim Harbaugh."
Naturally, he mentions quarterback Justin Herbert, who had a strong bounce-back season in 2024, completing 65.9% of his passes for 3,870 yards with 23 touchdowns against just three interceptions, thus earning the highest passer rating of his career at 101.7. Jones feels the sixth-year signal-caller "should build on the improved efficiency and effectiveness he displayed under Harbaugh’s tutelage."
Interestingly, though, he says one of Herbert's new favorite targets could be rookie wideout Tre Harris, who, as of this writing, has yet to report to camp due to a contract dispute. Obviously, the Chargers and their fans hope that situation is resolved sooner rather than later, as the Ole Miss product will seemingly be a solid addition alongside Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and the returning Mike Williams (when he's healthy).
But Harris wasn't the only rookie mentioned, as Jones seems to be very excited about first-round running back Omarion Hampton, third-round defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell, and fourth-round edge rusher Kyle Kennard.
But while rookies will undoubtedly play a big part in the Chargers' success this season, teams obviously still have to deal with the likes of veteran superstars Khalil Mack and Derwin James, among others, and an improved offensive line. There are still some lingering issues with that last one, but it's still better than it was a season ago after bringing in Mekhi Becton.
Again, it'll be challenging for the Chargers to take down the Chiefs and win the division for the first time since 2009. But don't be surprised if this team gets it done.