Expectations are high for the Los Angeles Chargers entering the 2026 season, and the NFL world is especially excited to see how Justin Herbert and the offense will develop under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The biggest question, with any offense but especially Los Angeles, is how well will the offensive line protect Herbert.
Between injuries and poor play, the Chargers offensive line didn’t do a good job of that last season, but with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back on the field, Los Angeles is hoping for a different outcome. Of course, every game will be a test, but there’s one two-game stretch in the Chargers’ schedule where this rebuilt line will have to be at its best.
Those two games are at the midpoint of the season, when L.A. faces the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8 and the Houston Texans in Week 9.
Chargers offense will have to deal with Rams and Texans in back-to-back weeks
As everyone likely knows by now, Aaron Donald has come out of retirement to play another season with the Rams. This comes after the Rams traded for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. That means two of the greatest defensive linemen ever will be playing alongside each other, and they’re joined by multiple other talented young defensive linemen.
The Chargers will have to survive that nightmare in Week 8, only to turn around and play the Houston Texans. Houston’s defense is the epitome of violence, led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 27 sacks last season. Offenses, in general, don’t have much success against the Texans, and that’s especially the case for offensive lines.
With those games happening in consecutive weeks for the Chargers, things could get really rough if the offensive line isn’t up for the challenge. The games could be especially bad for Justin Herbert if Los Angeles is down any starters like it was last season. Luckily, the Chargers’ bye week is in Week 7, which would give any linemen a week to get healthy and prepare for the challenging weeks ahead.
Healthy or not, this has the potential to be a brutal two-game stretch for the Chargers. The Rams are set up to live in the backfield, and the Texans just beat up on opposing teams. Having to face those defenses in back-to-back weeks, kicking off the second half of the season grind, will be a challenge for the Chargers.
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