For the Los Angeles Chargers, winning every game is essential, and a flawless season would be fantastic. Nonetheless, based on their schedule for 2024, their season will undoubtedly be going well if they can win these five games at the very least:
Week 1, September 8: Raiders vs. Chargers
To say that the most recent Raiders vs. Chargers game was a “disaster” would be an understatement. Sincerely, the profanities I would like to use to characterize the game don’t belong in this piece. Let’s just say that it was a Thursday night primetime clash that went incredibly out of hand if you don’t recall the game or, better yet, have erased it from your mind. In 2024, though, things ought to be different. I think the Chargers can win the Raiders in this season opener because they have a healthy Justin Herbert and a loaded receiving core, especially with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the mix.
Week 4: Chiefs vs. Chargers, September 29
The Chargers lost a huge chance to defeat the Chiefs last season and have simply been unable to overcome them in recent years. The Chiefs had a great record in 2023, but they also appeared to be quite disjointed. Travis Kelce, their tight end, was good, but he became very hot later in the season. Kadarius Toney, for example, was not a reliable wide receiver target.
The Chargers will still be concerned about veteran players like Patrick Mahomes, Kelce, Chris Jones, defensive lineman, and former Charger linebacker Drue Tranquill, who recently inked a three-year contract extension. Xavier Worthy, a wide receiver selected in the first round, is one of the new additions.
Chargers against. Broncos: Week 6, October 13.
In 2023, Herbert suffered a finger fracture during a game against the Broncos in Week 14, which is remembered as the game that marked the beginning of Easton Stick’s quarterback career. After that, the Chargers offense had moments of brilliance, but it never quite measured up to Herbert’s level. The Broncos possess some defensive difference-makers, which makes them a formidable opponent for the Chargers.
Whether a rookie or an experienced receiver, Pat Surtain II, the cornerback, is still in Denver and will not be taken lightly. Additionally, in 2023, defensive end Zach Allen set career highs in solo tackles (38), STOPS (36), quarterback hurries (38), and sacks (seven).
Week 11, November 17 Bengals vs. Chargers
At last, Joe Burrow and Herbert square off again. It’s interesting to watch a match between two quarterbacks with massive salaries who were selected in the same draft class. It’s only fair if Herbert, who was selected sixth overall while Burrow was selected first, prevails in their next encounter as these two are constantly contrasted.
They must carry on the winning streak because the Chargers defeated them in their most recent meeting in 2021. Now that wide receiver Tyler Boyd is gone, the Chargers still have wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to worry about in addition to Burrow. Zack Moss, the running back, is another player to watch because the Chargers have previously struggled to stop the run. Orlando Brown Jr., a tackle, will undoubtedly make penetration more difficult, but their pass rushers—especially if Mack, Bosa, and Tuli Tuipulotu are healthy—can pose a threat to Brown.
Week 12, November 25: Ravens at. Chargers
With Jim and John Harbaugh, it’s brother against brother! Lamar Jackson and Herbert are two outstanding quarterbacks! There is no greater than this. In their 2023 meeting with the Ravens, the Chargers were unable to muster much offensive momentum; hopefully, this season will be different. It was also mostly a nonexistent run game, something Jim Harbaugh hopes to improve. In this game, Jackson, tight end Mark Andrews, and wide receiver Zay Flowers will all need to be limited.
Roquan Smith, an inside linebacker, played against the Chargers in 2023 and recorded his greatest PFF grade for defense (91.4) and receiver coverage (90.9). As such, his impact is significant. Not to be overlooked is the large running back Derrick Henry, who will now be playing for the Ravens.
But come on, this is not just a rivalry between two great quarterbacks and brothers; it’s also the new Charger teammates running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins against their old squad. The Chargers MUST win because there is so much on the line; else, Jim Harbaugh might never get over it.
