Los Angeles Chargers Futures 2019

2018

Last season's record probably had a lot to do with this season total being so high. Chargers finished the regular part with a 12-4 record, which was enough for 2nd place in their division and a Wildcard spot in the playoffs. They defeated the Ravens, there, before getting eliminated in the next round by Patriots. Did they make any improvements that could help them top that? I don't see it. They probably peaked last year and those 12 wins will be extremely difficult to duplicate, with the AFC West getting way stronger this year.

Kansas City is one of the top favorites to win the Superbowl this year. But the real problem for the Chargers is that the wins vs Oakland and Denver will not come as easy in 2019. New Raiders GM Mike Mayock made some smart moves in the offseason. By signing Trent Brown and Richie Incognito, Derek Carr's protection should be way stronger this year. And speaking of the offensive weapons... Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams (former Charger), Hunter Renfrow and Josh Jacobs are just some of the guys that will make this offense way more potent and explosive compared to last year. Denver Broncos didn't make many changes to the roster, but those few that they did could be crucial. NFL fans are often mocking Joe Flacco, but he is the best QB that this franchise had since Peyton Manning retired. Vic Fangio replaced Vance Joseph as the head coach. He was one of the most respected defensive coordinators in the league. He has an easy job with all the talent on that defense. I'm sure he'll put them in right spots to make this unit as stout as it was a couple of years ago.

Injury bug

This team can't shake off injuries. Last year, they were without Joey Bosa, Hunter Henry and bunch of lineman for the most part. This year, they will probably start the season without some key players. Starting left tackle Russell Okung has a heart condition and is out indefinitely. All-Pro safety Derwin James had foot surgery and is out for the start of the season. Their No.1 wide-out Keenan Allen is nursing an ankle injury and is questionable. Running back Melvin Gordon (1375 all-purpose yards and 14 TDs) is in the middle of a contract dispute with the team and is holding out at the moment. It's impossible not to be hurt by so many absences and the season is very long. If somebody else goes down, they will be forced to dig really deep into their roster for replacements.

What else might go wrong?

Chargers have no home-field advantage. Since leaving San Diego (to be honest, the crowd wasn't that rowdy there either), their fans were often outnumbered in their own stadium. Especially when playing against some of the divisional rivals.

Philipp Rivers is pushing 38. He will start the season without his blind-side protector Russell Okung, while the rest of his O-line isn't all that impressive. With Trent Scott and Sam Tevi being the bookend tackles, I wouldn't be shocked seeing Rivers hit a lot this year. Especially in a division with pass rushers like Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Frank Clark, and Chris Jones. Even if he manages to stay healthy, being under pressure and getting hit often will have an impact on his performance.

Their schedule starts nice and slow, but it gets way more challenging in the second half of the season. It is crucial for them to start strong and get as many wins as possible early. But with all the injuries they're dealing with at the moment, they might not win as much as they'd like.