Predicting Chargers' final 6 games of 2023 season: How bad can it get?
By Jason Reed
With three consecutive losses by a combined 16 points, the LA Chargers are 4-7 on the season and have seen their playoff hopes be all but dashed. The Chargers statistically are not eliminated yet but it would take winning out to make the playoffs and fans know that won't happen.
Instead, much of the focus in the fanbase has turned to the future of the team. Many fans are looking at who might be the head coach next season (assuming Brandon Staley gets fired) as well as the 2024 NFL Draft. It hurts that fans have that mindset in late November, but here we are.
With six games left to play, though, the outlook for the Chargers could drastically change. Things could get really, really ugly, or the coaching staff could crawl back at the end of the year to make this season at least look presentable. Let's dive into the games and give our take on how they will end up.
Week 13 at New England Patriots: Chargers win
This was circled as a dangerous game for the Chargers before the season and even though the Chargers are much worse than fans had hoped for, this should be a win. The New England Patriots are the worst team in the AFC with arguably the worst quarterback situation in the sport.
If Brandon Staley's defense can do one thing it is slow down a bad quarterback. This game will be uglier than it has to be with a decent Patriots defense but it should still result in a Chargers win to bring the team back to 5-7 on the year.
Week 14 vs Denver Broncos: Chargers win
This might be a hot take but the Chargers still have what it takes to beat the Broncos at home in Week 14. The Chargers are sending Antonio Gates into the team's Hall of Fame in this game and the good vibes will help the Bolts prevail over the divisional rivals.
The Broncos have really turned the season around under head coach Sean Payton but they are still a very beatable team. Justin Herbert has never lost to the Broncos at home and with Joshua Palmer likely returning in this game, he will have ample weapons to get past this Broncos defense.
It will be a close game that the Chargers finally end up winning to move to 6-7 on the season.