There is a lot of buzz surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers this season. They have become the third-most popular pick to win the AFC behind Buffalo and Kansas City, as the pieces are in place for the Chargers to take the league by storm in 2022. Justin Herbert is entering his third year, and he appears to be ready to become one of the five best quarterbacks in the league, and the defense has the potential to be a top eight unit if its superstars can stay healthy. That has been a huge issue with the Chargers in recent years, so avoiding the injury bug will play a big role in LA’s success or failure this season.
Los Angeles Chargers Season Win Total
Over 10 Wins -145
Under 10 Wins +125
2022 Los Angeles Chargers Schedule
WEEK | MATCHUP |
1 | Vs. Las Vegas Raiders |
2 | @ Kansas City Chiefs |
3 | Vs. Jacksonville Jaguars |
4 | @ Houston Texans |
5 | @ Cleveland Browns |
6 | Vs. Denver Broncos |
7 | Vs. Seattle Seahawks |
8 | BYE WEEK |
9 | @ Atlanta Falcons |
10 | @ San Francisco 49ers |
11 | Vs. Kansas City Chiefs |
12 | @ Arizona Cardinals |
13 | @ Las Vegas Raiders |
14 | Vs. Miami Dolphins |
15 | Vs. Tennessee Titans |
16 | @ Indianapolis Colts |
17 | Vs. Los Angeles Rams |
18 | @ Denver Broncos |
Los Angeles Chargers Offense
Justin Herbert has all the makings of a star. Herbert was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, and he threw for over 5,000 yards in his second season in the league. He has the touch and the accuracy that teams want in a quarterback, and he has some mobility to boot despite being 6’6. Herbert is one of the favorites to be named NFL MVP, so the Chargers are in great hands.
The Chargers also have a lot of talent at the skill positions. Austin Ekeler is one of the most versatile running backs in the league, and he had over 1,500 total yards and 20 touchdowns last season. Injuries have been a bit of a concern, so the Chargers drafted Isaiah Spiller out of Texas A&M to back him up alongside Joshua Kelley.
Keenan Allen is one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL, and both Allen and Mike Williams finished last year with over 1,100 receiving yards. Allen had over 100 receptions as the underneath threat, while Williams averaged 15.1 YPR as the deep target for Herbert and the Chargers. The lack of a third receiver or a solid tight end could hurt this team, and there is a chance that they trade for one of the two before the deadline.
Head coach Brandon Staley isn’t afraid to take chances with this offense although he is a defensive coach. Staley has embraced modern analytics more than any other head coach, and it largely worked out for the Chargers in 2021 despite what we heard from his detractors.
Los Angeles Chargers Defense
There is a lot to like about this defense as there is a standout player at every level of the unit. Joey Bosa is the main player to watch in a hybrid role up front for the Chargers. Bosa is one of the most elite pass rushers in the NFL, and he has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times in his career. He has 58 sacks through his first six seasons, and he is one of the favorites to be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Khalil Mack was traded from Chicago to the Chargers this offseason, giving the linebacking corps a huge boost. Mack is coming off an injury that limited his effectiveness in 2021, but he is one of the most disruptive outside linebackers in the NFL. His presence should free up other players along the front for the Chargers.
This secondary should be one of the premier units in the league too with J.C. Jackson signing a massive five-year deal with the team in March. Jackson is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he will be joining forces with the immensely talented Derwin James. Asante Samuel Jr. and Nasir Adderley are quality defensive backs too, so teams will find it difficult to throw on the Chargers.
Prediction
The cat is out of the bag with the Chargers. They should be one of the best teams in the NFL, leading to the action on the ‘Over’ despite the number being set at 10. The juice is a little tough to swallow in the toughest division in football, but the ‘Over’ is still the play at 10.
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