Showing posts with label Los Angeles Chargers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Angeles Chargers. Show all posts

Thursday, August 7, 2025

EDSFootball.com Updates for August 7, 2025

Below are our updates for Thursday, August 7th.

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Week 20 MLB Power Rankings

Throughout the 2025 MLB season, we will update our consensus MLB Power Rankings from a variety of national sites.

Below you will find a table of our MLB Power Rankings for Week 20, ranked by their average ranking. The table also lists their respective rankings at various sites (including links to each source underneath).

Previous: 2025 MLB Power Rankings: Week 19

MORE: Consensus NFL Power Rankings

MORE: Consensus NBA Power Rankings

RankTeamRec.Avg.Chg.MLBESPNATHCBSUSATNBC
1Milwaukee Brewers70-441-2.8111111
2Chicago Cubs66-482.330.33233222
3Los Angeles Dodgers66-493.83-0.77542363
4Toronto Blue Jays68-484.331.93366434
5Philadelphia Phillies65-494.67-0.93624556

MORE: Full Week 20 MLB Power Rankings

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Los Angeles Chargers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Projected fantasy points are based on half-PPR scoring.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Justin Herbert522.9346.73817.225.367.3256.52432.49278.73
Taylor Heinicke33.420.7230.51.340.944.723.50.1215.77
QB Totals556.3367.44047.726.78.2661.2266.52.61294.5

Justin Herbert: Before the bye (Week 5), Herbert averaged only 22.8 pass attempts and 144.5 passing yards per game. He scored 12 or fewer fantasy points every week and was fantasy's QB27 during that stretch. After the bye, however, he averaged 31.8 PA and 253.2 YPG. He was the QB9 (QB12 on a PPG basis) from Weeks 6-18. Reuniting with Keenan Allen, who is back on a one-year deal, should help Herbert's efficiency, but the loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater, who tore his patellar tendon and will miss the 2025 season is a devastating blow to the offense.

MORE: Continue reading our Los Angeles Chargers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

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Rashawn Slater tears patellar tendon, out for season

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Offensive tackle is the strength of the Los Angeles Chargers offensive line as they have one of the best tackle tandems (Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt) in the NFL.

Unfortunately, their offense was dealt a huge blow on Thursday as Slater will miss the entire 2025 NFL season.

Heading into the season, PFF ranked their offensive line as the 10th-best unit and noted the question marks on the interior as Zion Johnson has not lived up to his draft pedigree, but hopefully Mekhi Becton, who played well last year for the Philadelphia Eagles, will help solidify the middle of the offensive line.

Alt will shift to left tackle, and swing tackle Trey Pipkins III will fill in on the right side.

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Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Keenan Allen signs one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers

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The Los Angeles Chargers have signed wide receiver Keenan Allen to a one-year deal worth $8.52 million, per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero.

Aside from the 2024 season (Chicago Bears), Allen has played the rest of his career with the Chargers.

Finishing last season with 70 catches for 744 yards and seven touchdowns on 121 targets, Allen was the WR35 in half-PPR scoring.

The Chargers drafted Ladd McConkey in 2024, so he was playing for the Georgia Bulldogs in 2023 when Allen last played for the Chargers.

Allen was targeted 150 times in 13 games as Justin Herbert's go-to receiver in 2023. Yes, 11.5 targets per game! Allen finished 2023 with a career-high 108 receptions, 1,243 yards (second-most in his career) and seven touchdowns. Allen was out Weeks 15-18, but he finished third among wide receivers in fantasy scoring behind Tyreek Hill and CeeDee Lamb.

The team tried to bring back Mike Williams, but he opted for retirement after re-signing with the Chargers, and they drafted Tre Harris (Round 2) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Round 5) in the 2025 NFL Draft.

While the now 33-year-old Allen won't perform as fantasy's WR3 (like Weeks 1-14 in 2023) or even WR8 (his full-season 2023), he will immediately become the passing game's secondary option behind McConkey.

Before the announcement of this deal, McConkey, Harris, Quentin Johnston were ranked 11th, 55th, and 59th, respectively, in my 2025 fantasy football wide receiver rankings. While I likely won't move McConkey down, I will move Harris and Johnston closer to the WR70 range and move Allen up to the WR3/flex range.

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Friday, May 17, 2024

Los Angeles Chargers 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Los Angeles Chargers in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 22

Most improved: Offensive line

This offseason has featured the departures of some of the Chargers' best players, including wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, tight end Gerald Everett and running back Austin Ekeler. Los Angeles hasn't made any noticeable upgrades at those spots, but it has done so on the O-line. To help build the running offense and protect quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers signed center Bradley Bozeman and general manager Joe Hortiz used the fifth pick to draft Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt. -- Kris Rhim

NFL.com -- Rank: 15

I'll probably bump the Chargers up two or three spots between now and training camp, hoping many won't notice. Yes, backing the Bolts in recent years (or decades) has been an exercise in futility, but I still lump them in with some of the biggest offseason winners for landing Jim Harbaugh and all the players he's brought in since, and I will continue to do so. Five years from now, we'll see if taking tackle Joe Alt fifth overall over receiver Malik Nabers was the right call, but I definitely see the thinking on some level. Has Los Angeles done enough at wide receiver or cornerback to jump into one of the top-contender tiers? Well, we'll see. My suspicion is no, not yet, but second-round pick Ladd McConkey could be the Chargers' WR3 immediately, and they easily can find a less costly veteran to round that group out over the summer.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 18

Jim Harbaugh will instill a toughness into this group, but it will be interesting to see how he works with Justin Herbert. He can't turn him into a game manager.

USA Today -- Rank: 16

The 2011 49ers improved by seven wins in then-HC Jim Harbaugh's first season. These Bolts are also getting built inside out and, all due respect to Alex Smith, Justin Herbert is a better quarterback. So ... 12 wins here? (Highly unlikely, but you can see where this could be headed.)

The Athletic -- Rank: 21

Jim Harbaugh stuck to his guns. After saying for weeks leading up to the draft that his team placed a premium on offensive linemen, he passed on two elite wide receiver prospects (Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze) to take offensive tackle Joe Alt fifth. "Offensive linemen we look at as weapons," Harbaugh said. "Offensive line is the tip of the spear."

Fox Sports -- Rank: 26

Justin Herbert with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt protecting him is a solid place to start, and I trust Jim Harbaugh to get this moving in the right direction. I still ultimately think the Chargers are in the early stages of a multi-year rebuild. This offseason has been a strong start, but I think this team is another offseason away from making real noise.

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Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Way-too-early Los Angeles Chargers 2025 NFL mock draft roundup

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will update our Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Los Angeles Chargers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Chargers:

Fox Sports - Rob Rang (5/3)

15. James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Pearce led the SEC with 10 sacks in 2023 and finished second in the conference with 15 tackles for loss. Listed by the Vols at 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds, Pearce has a lean, lanky frame that can handle another 10-15 pounds without sacrificing his trademark burst and bend off the edge.

ESPN - Jordan Reid (5/2)

16. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

More pass-catchers are needed for Justin Herbert, and McMillan is a massive 6-5 target who can align anywhere in formations. He's a long-striding route runner with Velcro-like hands, and he has plenty of speed for a bigger wideout. McMillan averaged 107.8 receiving yards per game last season (fifth in the FBS) and caught a touchdown in five of his final six games.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

San Diego Union-Tribune - Eddie Brown (5/2)

19. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Jim Harbaugh collects tight ends and prospects from his alma mater. Loveland's size (6-5, 245) and elite athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare. He would have easily been the TE2 behind only Brock Bowers this year had he been eligible.

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (4/30)

19. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Loveland would have been the easy TE2 (behind Brock Bowers) if he'd been eligible for this year's draft. I'm not sure what his stat line will look like in 2024 playing with a new quarterback, but his athletic traits give him a great chance of being a top-20 pick next April.

PFF - Max Chadwick (4/29)

18. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Loveland is TE1 in 2024 and reunites here with Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles. Loveland finished 2023 with the 10th-best receiving grade and the fifth-most receiving yards in college football. He returns to the Wolverines as their top receiving threat and should see plenty of targets during Michigan's quest to repeat as national champions.

The 33rd Team - Marcus Mosher (4/29)

9. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

If Burden isn't the first receiver off the board, the expectation is that Emeka Egbuka will be the next man up. Egbuka saw his production fall by more than half in 2023 due to injuries, but he decided to return for his senior season and improve his draft stock. As long as he can stay healthy, he should be a lock for a top-15 pick next year.

USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (4/28)

12. Deone Walker, IDL, Kentucky

It's rare to find a defensive tackle who stands 6-6 and 342 pounds. It's rarer still a player of that build to be as natural at making plays in the backfield as Walker is, with his 7½ sacks and 12½ tackles for loss in 2023 underscoring his rare finishing touch. Jim Harbaugh's mission to be physical up front could help lead him to Walker, who would help transform a lackluster group.

CBS Sports - Ryan Wilson (4/28)

20. Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

Stewart is a dynamic athlete with top-end speed, change-of-direction ability, and great hands. He can accelerate quickly off the line of scrimmage using a variety of different releases and can quickly stack defenders.

More roundups: NFL Teams | NFL Draft Prospects

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Saturday, November 11, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 10 roundup for the Los Angeles Chargers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

Non-QB MVP: WR Keenan Allen

Nearly every player on the Chargers has fluctuated from bad to good this year, but Allen, in his 11th season, has been one of the team's most consistent players. He is on pace for 1,530 yards this season, which would be the most in his career. He currently has 62 receptions, 720 yards and 4 touchdowns. In a win over the Vikings, Allen threw a 49-yard touchdown pass and caught 18 passes for 215 yards. Coach Brandon Staley said Allen plays the position "as an art form." "He has some stuff that's intangible," Staley said, "that's hard to find." -- Kris Rhim

NFL.com -- Rank: 16

Forget for a moment that the Chargers roundly struggled to move the ball against a good Jets defense, having even more trouble than they experienced against the Cowboys. But when the special teams can deliver a punt-return TD and two field goals, and the defense can keep the opponent out of the end zone all game, well, all is forgiven for now. The Bolts at least were opportunistic offensively, turning three turnovers into 10 points and taking advantage of some short fields. But other than that, this puppy was all on a defense that has taken its share of beatings this season. This time, the unit delivered the punishment across the board. Even on a night when Justin Herbert couldn't get much going, Los Angeles controlled the game from start to finish.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 15

That might not have been a season-saving victory over the Jets, but they had to have it. The offense still isn't close to being good right now.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

We give Brandon Staley a lot of flak for his underwhelming defense. Well, Monday night it posted eight sacks, three takeaways and didn't allow a touchdown ... though, does the performance really count when it comes against the Jets?

The Athletic -- Rank: 16

Report card: C-minus

The Chargers hired Brandon Staley because he was a defensive innovator, but in his third year, Los Angeles is 27th in the league in defensive EPA per snap (minus-2). And that's even after playing the Jets on Monday night. A better defense to go along with quarterback Justin Herbert might have given the Chargers something this year. Instead, they're in the middle of the pack. On a positive note, defensive end Joey Bosa seems to be rounding into form. He had 2 1/2 sacks Monday night. On the offensive side, Keenan Allen crossed 10,000 receiving yards for his career.

FOX -- Rank: 14

The Chargers are back at .500 and back in the playoff race. Good for them. Please don't make me say anything else about that atrocious game against the Jets. If I'm looking for a positive, it would be the pass rush. But still just a very uninspiring effort overall.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 13

The Chargers didn't play well on offense against a tough Jets defense, and while Los Angeles' defense plays well it has to be graded on a curve because it was against a horrendous offense. But it was still a win, the Chargers are back to .500 and maybe they can get on a run. They look better now that they're healthier.

PFT -- Rank: 15

The defense could be the key to a potential playoff run.

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Saturday, November 4, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers Week 9 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 9 roundup for the Los Angeles Chargers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

The Chargers made Justin Herbert the highest-paid player in franchise history in the offseason after three seasons that established Herbert as one of the best in the NFL at the position. But his play this season has fluctuated between spectacular and dreadful. After a fractured left middle finger in Week 4, Herbert had one of the worst three-game stretches of his career, with missed throws and career lows in yards and completions. Herbert returned to form in Week 8, a blowout win over the Bears in which he completed his first 15 passes and finished with no interceptions for the first time since Week 3. -- Kris Rhim

NFL.com -- Rank: 18

Justin Herbert and Brandon Staley suggested after defeating the Bears that this was exactly the kind of win the Chargers needed, and I absolutely agree -- from a confidence standpoint. Sometimes you need to open it up on the highway; Herbert and the passing game certainly did that Sunday night, even if the run game still lags behind. But let's keep the big picture in mind here. The Chargers are still swimming upstream at 3-4 (and 1-3 in the conference), and I am not convinced that taking down Chicago and a Division-II rookie QB making his second NFL start was the get-right event that immediately veers the season back on course. The Bolts face mostly tough defenses from here on out (if you believe the Broncos are fixed) and will need their own defense to tighten several screws.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

That Chargers team we saw against the Bears is the one we expect to see with all that talent. But consistency is always an issue with that team.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

The juice has returned to the offense, largely thanks to the life that's returned to Austin Ekeler's legs. Sunday night, he became the first running back in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) to amass 30 TD receptions with one team.

The Athletic -- Rank: 15

Something scary (for others): Joey Bosa could be getting there.

The veteran defensive lineman hasn't looked like himself in a while, but he had a season-high five pressures against the Bears, and his pressure percentage (23.5) was his second-highest of the season. Bosa has four sacks this year and only 6 1/2 in the last two seasons, but if he can get back to his 2020 form (10 1/2 sacks), it'll be a boost for a Chargers defense that needs some help.

FOX -- Rank: 14

The highest compliment I can pay the Chargers is that there's not much to say about a 30-13 win against the Bears. This team typically finds a way to make everything look difficult, but not this time. It's a small step, but it feels like something worth celebrating if you're familiar with their history.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 14

Austin Ekeler looked healthy for the first time since he suffered an ankle injury early this season. He had 123 total yards. He can add an element to the Chargers' offense that has been missing.

PFT -- Rank: 21

They finally got everything clicking. Can they keep it going?

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Thursday, October 19, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 7 roundup for the Los Angeles Chargers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

Lesson learned: Every game is going to be close.

It doesn't matter if it is the Aidan O'Connell-led Raiders or the record-setting Dolphins offense; the Chargers have found ways to be in close games each week. All five of the Chargers' games have been decided by seven points or less. It's a point coach Brandon Staley has attempted to dismiss. "It's not college football where, you know, Georgia is playing UAB, you know, or, or Austin Peay," he said. But at some point, this team will need to become more consistent and put opponents away. Until then, the Chargers will always be a step below the contenders in the AFC. -- Kris Rhim

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

Having entered Monday night's game with a mangled finger on his non-throwing hand, Justin Herbert looked pretty unencumbered early but struggled at times late. Herbert missed a wide-open Keenan Allen twice on deep balls (one in each half), couldn't find Josh Palmer on a critical turnover on downs, nearly threw an interception with about nine minutes left and did throw a pick to essentially end the game. The 4th-and-1 incompletion to Palmer in the red zone and Bolts CB Michael Davis' whiffed tackle on Tony Pollard -- while other Los Angeles defenders stood nearby and watched -- were almost too on the nose for the Chargers, the way these plays have piled up this season. A few critical penalties (some wiping out big gains) really put it over the top, and breakdowns late on both sides cost L.A. yet another close game.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 21

When will Brandon Staley learn it's OK to take field goals to tie games? It cost him again against the Cowboys. Typical.

USA Today -- Rank: 19

You can argue they stole defeat from the jaws of victory yet again. Now? Better regroup quickly for a short week that will end in Kansas City against the rested Chiefs ... in a game the Bolts really need.

The Athletic -- Rank: 21

The Chargers defense, which gave up conversions on third-and-19, third-and-6 and third-and-9 on the Cowboys' go-ahead drive Monday night, is 30th in the league in yards per play allowed (5.8) and 27th in defensive success rate (55.8 percent). The Chargers are a disappointment at 2-3, and it's particularly acute considering they have only beaten the Vikings and Raiders.

FOX -- Rank: 15

Justin Herbert is going to have nightmares about some of the missed opportunities against Dallas. The interception at the end, obviously, but there were also misfires on some deep shots down the field. Maybe it's lazy to blame the quarterback, but Herbert got outplayed by Prescott in a game where the defense only allowed 20 points.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 14

Monday night's loss was the quintessential Chargers game. They had chances to win but somehow lost yet another close game. It's uncanny how all Chargers losses seem to go that way. The Chiefs are up next on the schedule and L.A. is in danger of digging itself a big hole by the end of October.

PFT -- Rank: 17

The vultures will be circling for a chance to coach Justin Herbert, soon.

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Friday, October 13, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers Week 6 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the Los Angeles Chargers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 13

Fantasy surprise: WR Keenan Allen

Through the first five weeks -- including a bye week for the Chargers -- Allen has the seventh most fantasy points in PPR leagues of any receiver, ahead of other top receivers, including A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles and Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders. Allen's best game came in Week 3, where he broke franchise and league records, catching 18 passes for 215 yards and throwing a 40-yard touchdown pass in a win over the Minnesota Vikings. -- Kris Rhim

NFL.com -- Rank: 13

The panic meter dropped after the team hit the bye at 2-2 with two straight victories. But reality sets in: The Chargers must play games in 13 straight weeks, and the remaining schedule includes the following foes: the Cowboys this coming Monday, the Chiefs in Week 7 (and Week 18), the Lions in Week 10, the Ravens in Week 12 and the Bills in Week 16. Close victories over the Vikings and Raiders don't inspire enough confidence that all is right in Chargerville heading into that stretch. The biggest worry is limiting explosive pass plays, and many of L.A.'s remaining opponents throw the ball pretty well. There's a long road ahead.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 18

They come off their bye with a big home game against the Cowboys. That will be a challenge for Justin Herbert and gang.

USA Today -- Rank: 20

Did you know WR Keenan Allen owns the NFL record for most games — three — with at least 15 receptions? With wingman Mike Williams down for the count, wouldn't be a shock if Allen extends that mark before this year is out.

The Athletic -- Rank: 13

If (when?) Brandon Staley gets fired, this draft class will be thrown into the list of reasons. Not high, but it'll be there. First-round wide receiver Quentin Johnston, 4.49 speed at 6-foot-4, has six catches for 44 yards. Fourth-round receiver Derius Davis, 4.36 speed, has four catches for 24 yards. Second-round defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu is the only rookie contributing.

FOX -- Rank: 12

It's easy to imagine Kellen Moore sitting back during his bye week and smiling while the Cowboys' offense struggles without him. The Chargers welcome the Cowboys to L.A. on Monday night, and I've got to imagine Moore will have some wrinkles in mind.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 13

The Chargers' next game, on Monday night against the Cowboys, is a big game for both teams. The Chargers probably would be better off if Dallas hadn't been embarrassed on Sunday night, but nothing they can do about that. Cowboys at Chargers will be a fun game (probably attended by 90 percent Cowboys fans).

PFT -- Rank: 14

Can they kick the Cowboys when they're down?

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Friday, October 6, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 5 roundup for the Los Angeles Chargers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 12

Biggest issue on defense: Pass defense

No matter the quarterback or offense -- from Tagovailoa to Tannehill -- when teams have desired to beat the Chargers for deep passes, they've almost always been successful. The Chargers have allowed the most passing yards in the NFL (1,199). Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders was the first time the Chargers' pass defense didn't allow a completion of more than 20 yards -- thanks to a rookie quarterback making his first start and six sacks from outside linebacker Khalil Mack. Still, for the Chargers to ever have a shot at contending in the AFC, the pass defense will need to solve this issue. -- Kris Rhim

NFL.com -- Rank: 13

The win over the Raiders was arguably the Chargers' most complete performance, even if it came down to a wild sequence of events and included a failed fourth-and-short conversion attempt late in the game in their own territory. Points for creativity, boys. It's also interesting that the defense has allowed fewer points with each game (although the Vikings did rack up 475 yards on them in Week 3). Khalil Mack did a lot of the damage, working against a rookie QB in his first start, but it's progress nonetheless. Sunday was also arguably the Chargers' worst offensive performance, with Justin Herbert's finger injury surely playing a part. After a couple epic losses, the Chargers have settled in comfortably entering their Week 5 bye.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

They are 2-2 and the defense was much better against the Raiders. But when will Brandon Staley stop going for it in his own end? One day? He can't this week since they are on their bye.

USA Today -- Rank: 22

Two wins in a row is a nice — especially in spite of the analytics cheat sheet suggesting it was smart to sneak your franchise quarterback on fourth-and-short after he broke his finger or a defensive back giving himself up deep in his own end after an interception (with 2:33 to go) which he likely could have taken back for a 97-yard pick-six.

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

Head coach Brandon Staley has a spot on the coaching staff of our All-Chaos Team. In each of the last two weeks, Staley has attempted to preserve a late lead by going for it on fourth-and-1 deep in his own territory. In each of those weeks, the Chargers have failed to convert and won anyway. And, oh by the way, L.A.'s Khalil Mack had more sacks Sunday (six) than four teams have all season and added four quarterback hits to that against his former team.

FOX -- Rank: 12

Typical Chargers to control this game, 24-10, with 8:30 to play and then nearly go to overtime. They did intercept Aidan O'Connell at the goal line to avoid that fate, but can't you take a page from the Ravens' playbook and dominate when you're going against a rookie quarterback? The next two games after the bye week are against Dallas and Kansas City, so we'll see how much progress they've truly made.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 14

The Chargers have a bye, and it probably comes at a good time with Justin Herbert suffering a fractured finger on his non-throwing hand in Week 4. Not that a week off will heal a broken finger but it can't hurt to give it extra time.

PFT -- Rank: 14

They keep going for fourth and one when they shouldn't, not getting it, and still winning. So maybe they should keep going for it.

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Friday, September 29, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Los Angeles Chargers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

Biggest issue on offense: Running the ball

After gaining 233 yards in the season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Chargers' rushing offense has turned nonexistent. They have gained 91 yards on 36 carries over the last two games. In Sunday's win over the Vikings, they averaged two yards per carry against a team allowing the third most rushing yards in the NFL coming into the game. The caveat is that the Chargers have been without starting running back Austin Ekeler, who has missed the last two weeks with an ankle injury. His return could turn this unit around. -- Kris Rhim

NFL.com -- Rank: 15

Even in a much-needed win, the Chargers left the door open for criticism with porous pass defense (again) and a questionable decision by Brandon Staley. Going for it on fourth-and-1 near his own end zone while leading by four late in the game was a wild risk, for sure; though his defense bailed him out, I wonder what the message would have been had it failed. Between that and Mike Williams' season-ending ACL injury, it feels like the Chargers barely got to enjoy a road victory. All of this really overshadowed a special performance from Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen, doing it late without Williams or Austin Ekeler available. The Bolts host the Raiders this week, followed by the bye, which might not come at the worst time.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

They saved their season by winning at Minnesota, but Brandon Staley did what he could to lose the game. Why did he go for it late?

USA Today -- Rank: 21

Currently the league' most accurate (74.4% completion rate) and careful (0 INTs) passer, QB Justin Herbert just notched his 100th career TD pass. Too bad he won't be throwing any more this year to injured WR Mike Williams.

The Athletic -- Rank: 16

QB confidence rating: 8

Justin Herbert is so talented that Chargers fans and the rest of the NFL want any reason to believe. He gave it to them Sunday: 40-for-47 for 405 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. At 15,028 career yards, the 25-year-old is the second-fastest player to surpass 15,000, behind only Mahomes.

FOX -- Rank: 17

It's hard to even imagine how toxic the discourse would be if Brandon Staley's ill-fated decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 from his own 24-yard line had dropped the Chargers to 0-3. Take a win any way you can get one, but this team remains just as chaotic in victory as it was in defeat.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 18

Mike Williams' torn ACL is a huge injury, though one the Chargers should be able to navigate. Josh Palmer is underrated and he'll see a bigger role. It puts a bright light on rookie first-round draft pick Quentin Johnston, who has played just 22% of the Chargers' offensive snaps and has just 26 yards. If Johnston emerges, the Chargers can survive the Williams injury. It's a big spot for the rookie, and how Johnston responds could determine where the Chargers' season is going.

PFT -- Rank: 20

The Chargers out Vikings-ed the Vikings.

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Thursday, September 21, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers Week 3 NFL Power Rankings

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the Los Angeles Chargers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 17

Player: RB Austin Ekeler
Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season

In an offseason laden with running back contract drama, Ekeler was briefly at the center of it all. He requested a trade in March after the two sides couldn't agree to a multiyear contract extension. In May, Ekeler eventually agreed to a revised contract that added $1.75 million in incentives. In the Chargers' opening game of 2023, he led the backfield with 117 yards and a touchdown. With Ekeler out in Week 2 with an ankle injury, the running game stalled, as Chargers rushers totaled just 61 yards on the ground. -- Kris Rhim

NFL.com -- Rank: 16

If you've watched either of the Chargers' two losses, you might have noticed they really haven't been a function of poor effort. It's a matter of straight-up execution mistakes. Time and time again. Almost always at the worst possible moments. And while the offense isn't completely off the hook (too many sacks and settling for short field goals), it's really the defense that has been the bigger problem. At least the pass rush woke up (five sacks at Tennessee), but that doesn't make up for the fact that the Bolts have been bombarded by deep passes. It's a maddening storyline that won't evaporate until the defense proves it can stop someone.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

This team is 0-2, and the heat is certainly on as they ready to play the Vikings on the road. The defense has been bad.

USA Today -- Rank: 21

HC Brandon Staley claims "the men in that locker room are finishers," yet the Bolts have lost four straight — going back to 2022 — by a total of nine points, including (yes, Coach Staley) last season's wild-card implosion. They are the first team in the Super Bowl era to score at least 50 points while committing zero turnovers yet start 0-2.

The Athletic -- Rank: 25

Another "offense is not the problem" team. Quarterback Justin Herbert is third among quarterbacks in offensive EPA per play (.23) and his yards per attempt are up from last season (7.2 compared with 6.8). Herbert is going to be a selling point when Los Angeles goes out looking for another head coach in the offseason (or sooner?).

FOX -- Rank:

Someone make sense of this silly team for me. Justin Herbert isn't the problem; he's completing 68% of his passes for an average of 267 yards per game. The run game churned out 234 yards last week. The Chargers have yet to turn the ball over. They've had the lead in the fourth quarter two weeks in a row. They just can't finish. It's frustrating to watch as an outsider. I can't imagine how it feels for head coach Brandon Staley, his staff and his locker room.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 21

The defensive issues the Chargers have are troubling. Brandon Staley was supposed to be a defensive guru. That's how he was billed when he came over from the Rams. His defense struggling like it has is not a good look, to say the least.

PFT -- Rank: 22

Coach Brandon Staley got a little salty with reporters after the latest loss. His team and the rest of us need to see that version of him a little more often, if he hopes to make it to 2024.

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Friday, September 15, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 2 roundup for the Los Angeles Chargers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 10

Best debut performance: OC Kellen Moore
Week 1 stats: Moore's run offense totaled 234 yards on 5.9 yards per carry

Moore kick-started the rushing offense in his first game with Los Angeles. Austin Ekeler benefitted from the new scheme, netting 55 more rush yards than expected, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. RB Joshua Kelley, who had a career-high 91 rushing yards, appreciated Moore's willingness to stick with what was working on the ground. "Once you get in that rhythm you get a feel for the defense, how everything's going, so he's calling it, man. I love it," Kelley said. If opposing defenses have to commit an extra man to the box going forward, it can make the Justin Herbert-led passing game even more dangerous. -- Daniel Greenspan

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

On a day when the offense was terrific, the defense turned in a mostly abysmal performance -- the kind that makes me question the Chargers. The Bolts' D, which is littered with talent, has continuity with nine returning starters. But the unit was picked apart by the Dolphins, one chunk play at a time, to the tune of 466 passing yards, the most ever allowed by any team with Brandon Staley as its head coach or coordinator, per NFL Research. Yes, Staley's defense looks worse than it did a year ago, even if one game is admittedly too small a sample size for grand pronouncements. The Chargers must find a way to avoid squandering Justin Herbert's prime, and right now that starts on D.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 15

The defense was gutted in the loss to the Dolphins, especially the pass defense. Where was the pass rush? That unit has to get better.

USA Today -- Rank: 13

Felt like the last team to have the ball would win ... except the Bolts had it with the chance to prevail and folded in their 36-34 setback to Miami. But give new OC Kellen Moore points for cutting against his reputation by running 53% of the time, while we have to dock HC Brandon Staley for again fielding a D that's less than the sum of its parts.

The Athletic -- Rank: 18

A year ago, Los Angeles held Miami to 219 yards, and Chargers coach Brandon Staley was hailed as the Dolphins Stopper. On Sunday, Miami had 536 yards of offense, including 466 through the air. Now Mike McDaniel is going to be hailed as the Staley Stopper because this was the beginning of the end of that head coaching tenure.

FOX -- Rank: 11

On one hand, it feels harsh to penalize the Chargers for dropping a Week 1 thriller to a playoff contender. On the other hand, at some point doesn't it feel like the Chargers never find a way to win these? How is it possible to run for 234 yards, finish +2 in turnover differential and still lose the game? The latest example of Peak Chargers behavior.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 14

Brandon Staley got the Chargers job because he was a supposed defensive genius. His defense gave up 536 yards to the Dolphins in a disappointing Week 1 loss. It couldn't get enough stops in the playoffs last season to hold a 27-0 lead against the Jaguars. Staley is entering a make-or-break season and it's not off to a great start.

PFT -- Rank: 16

"Hey, I have an idea. Let's put only one guy on Tyreek Hill."

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Friday, September 8, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers Week 1 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 1 roundup for the Los Angeles Chargers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 9

On the hot seat: GM Tom Telesco, coach Brandon Staley

Entering his 11th season as general manager, Telesco has an outstanding record of first-round draft picks (including DE Joey Bosa, S Derwin James Jr., LT Rashawn Slater and QB Justin Herbert) but a less-than-stellar record on the field, where the Chargers have earned only three playoff berths. Staley is in his third season as coach and must lead this stacked roster to a playoff victory after his previous two seasons ended in painful disappointment, including a crushing 31-30 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 2022 wild-card playoff game despite holding a 27-0 lead with a minute left in the first half. If the Chargers don't produce in 2023, both Telesco and Staley are likely gone. -- Lindsey Thiry

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

Is Justin Herbert ready to make an MVP run? I'm not ruling it out. The Chargers' offensive line is as strong as it has been since his arrival. Assuming good health, I would say the same thing about the wide receivers. Austin Ekeler is back, still likely motivated by his contract desires. Throw in some weapons at tight end, and everything is there for Herbert to have a monster season -- even with a wicked schedule. Last season, Herbert played through a painful rib injury and a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. That shortened some of his pass attempts and minimized the threat of him scrambling. With Herbert and the offensive line healthy, new coordinator Kellen Moore can marry his north-south run game and vertical passing game to make this one of the NFL's most dangerous units.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 12

Will new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore unleash the power arm of Justin Herbert even more than in years past? He'd better do so. The Chargers have the talent, but it's time for Herbert and gang to win a playoff game.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

With Kellen Moore now calling the plays, QB Justin Herbert and a star-studded offense could be poised to set the league-wide pace on that side of the ball.

The Athletic -- Rank: 9

Best-case scenario: Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore proves to be the adult in the room Justin Herbert needed all along, and the offensive scheme finally embraces the power of his downfield passing ability after ranking a preposterous 31st in air yards per pass attempt a season ago. Last year's injuries along the offensive line prove to be a blessing in disguise, and Rashawn Slater and Zion Johnson form the best left side of an offensive line in the NFL. The defense remains about league average, but Joey Bosa and Derwin James help turn it into a turnover-forcing menace. Injuries in Kansas City open up the division to Los Angeles' taking.

Worst-case scenario: For what feels like the 100th consecutive year, the Chargers underperform their underlying ability and choke away another lead to close the season. Change-averse ownership chooses to run it all back again anyway.

FOX -- Rank: 11

Somehow, the Chargers managed to turn a playoff berth into a disappointment — which feels like Peak Charger Behavior. Kellen Moore is now on hand to unlock the offense, and his track record gives plenty of confidence that he will. Moore is going to find that there are much fewer eyeballs on him here than there were in Dallas, but the expectations should feel familiar. For Justin Herbert, nothing less than a real playoff run will suffice.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 14

The reports on first-round receiver Quentin Johnston weren't great. It also wasn't great that he played a lot in the preseason while Los Angeles' starters sat. Josh Palmer didn't play at all in the preseason, indicating Johnston hasn't passed him on the depth chart. There's still plenty of time for Johnston to get involved, but it might be slow at the beginning.

PFT -- Rank: 15

The seat can't get much hotter for Brandon Staley, and the only man who can put out the fire is Kellen Moore.

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