Throughout the 2022 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 2022 NFL Power Rankings.
ESPN -- Rank: 4
Rookie who stood out: FB Zander Horvath
A seventh-round pick from Purdue, Horvath made his debut in a 24-19 win over the division rival Raiders. The rookie fullback proved dependable in the second quarter, when he caught a 1-yard pass from quarterback Justin Herbert to put the Bolts up 10-3. He finished the game with one carry for 2 yards and two catches for 6 yards and a touchdown. Not huge numbers by any stretch, but a solid -- if not unexpected -- contribution from a seventh-round pick.
A seventh-round pick from Purdue, Horvath made his debut in a 24-19 win over the division rival Raiders. The rookie fullback proved dependable in the second quarter, when he caught a 1-yard pass from quarterback Justin Herbert to put the Bolts up 10-3. He finished the game with one carry for 2 yards and two catches for 6 yards and a touchdown. Not huge numbers by any stretch, but a solid -- if not unexpected -- contribution from a seventh-round pick.
NFL.com -- Rank: 5
The Chargers received impact performances from a host of newcomers in a promising 24-19 win over the Raiders. TE Gerald Everett and WR DeAndre Carter both scored touchdowns, while OLB Khalil Mack had three of L.A.'s six sacks of a rattled Derek Carr at SoFi Stadium. Justin Herbert was predictably great, finding ways to move the offense even after Keenan Allen left the game with a hamstring injury. Allen's availability is in doubt on Thursday night for a huge early-season litmus test against the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Will J.C. Jackson, the team's prized free-agent addition at cornerback, make his debut? The Bolts sure could use him with that Mahomes guy looming.
CBS Sports -- Rank: 5
With that passer in Justin Herbert and those pass rushers in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, they have the two main things needed to win it all. Now they have a chance to show the Chiefs this week in a big early game.
USA Today -- Rank: 5
As his remarkable young career continues to unfold, QB Justin Herbert has thrown at least three TD passes in 14 of his 33 NFL starts.
The Athletic -- Rank: 4
So many of the big-name players to change teams this offseason made immediate splashes. A.J. Brown caught 10 passes for 155 yards, setting a record in his first game as an Eagle. Von Miller was as advertised for the Bills, with two sacks against his former team. Davante Adams caught 10 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown for the Raiders, while Hill caught eight passes for 94 yards for the Dolphins. But perhaps no team needed its contribution from the big-ticket newcomer more than the Chargers needed Khalil Mack, who had three sacks, including one on the game-deciding play against the Raiders.
"People who are trying to figure out Khalil Mack — what they're gonna get or is he the same Khalil Mack? — are out of their mind," Chargers defensive lineman Morgan Fox told Daniel Popper after the game. "He's the same or better. He's an amazing, amazing player."
After finishing 20th in the league in sack rate in 2021, the Chargers sacked Derek Carr five times in Sunday's 24-19 win, the most sacks of Carr since 2018.
"People who are trying to figure out Khalil Mack — what they're gonna get or is he the same Khalil Mack? — are out of their mind," Chargers defensive lineman Morgan Fox told Daniel Popper after the game. "He's the same or better. He's an amazing, amazing player."
After finishing 20th in the league in sack rate in 2021, the Chargers sacked Derek Carr five times in Sunday's 24-19 win, the most sacks of Carr since 2018.
The Ringer -- Rank: 4
Justin Herbert is a top-three quarterback in the NFL, and the defense is showing massive improvement from last season. Buy the hype. This Chargers team is legit and they'll get a chance to prove it when they face the Chiefs on Thursday night.
Yahoo! -- Rank: 6
The Chargers didn't play great but still won, which is actually a step forward. This Thursday night, when the Chargers play at the Chiefs, will be a phenomenal measuring stick for Los Angeles in what's supposed to be a breakout season.
PFT -- Rank: 11
Great start. Consistency, and health, will be the key.
Previous updates:
- Los Angeles Chargers 2022 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 1
- Los Angeles Chargers 2022 Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Draft
- Los Angeles Chargers 2022 Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Super Bowl 56
More Los Angeles Chargers pages:
- Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft Roundup
- Los Angeles Chargers Snap Counts
- Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Leaders
- Los Angeles Chargers Draft History
- Los Angeles Chargers Schedule
- Los Angeles Chargers Tickets
More of our content:
Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.
