The LA Chargers had the earliest possible bye in 2023 as the team will take a breather in Week 5 and look to gain some momentum for the rest of the season. While early byes are typically a disadvantage, this came at a great time for the Chargers considering where the team's health currently stands.
The pre-bye action did not start out on a great note as the Bolts dropped the first two games of the season by a combined five points. However, the Chargers were able to rally for two consecutive wins to get back to .500 in a conference that is littered with underperforming teams.
Some Chargers still don't feel overly confident in this team or the coaching staff. Here is how we here at Bolt Beat feel heading out of the bye week.
Predicting every Chargers game outcome after the bye week:
Week 6 vs Dallas Cowboys: Loss
The Chargers' defense has struggled this season and in Week 6 the team takes on one of the best offenses in the sport. This will be a revenge game of sorts for Kellen Moore, who is going to look to put on a clinic against Mike McCarthy.
Despite having an advantage in the offensive play-caller, the Cowboys have a talent advantage that the Chargers' defense won't be able to keep up with. Dallas gets the job done in primetime at SoFi Stadium.
Week 7 at Kansas City Chiefs: Loss
The Kansas City Chiefs don't look like the same unbeatable force that they have been in years past but they are still a very good football team under quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Beating the Chiefs twice in a season is a near-impossible task and in front of a raucous Kansas City crowd (with Taylor Swift) it is hard to see the Chargers' defense playing well. This will drop the Chargers to 2-4 on the 2023 season.
Week 8 vs Chicago Bears: Win
The Chicago Bears looked great on primetime against the Washington Commanders but the Chargers are not the Commanders. While Staley's defense will probably allow Justin Fields to have a better day than he should, this should be an offensive clinic for the Chargers in primetime.
It would be a massive concern if the Chargers were to lose this game. With a 2-4 record, losing to Chicago would essentially kill the Chargers' playoff hopes. A win keeps them in the game at 3-4.