CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 09: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers scrambles during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Chargers entered the Jim Harbaugh era in 2024. The newly hired head coach, who had just won a national title with Michigan, stepped back into coaching the NFL after a nine-year break. The Chargers had a great season, going 11-6 and making the playoffs, led by quarterback Justin Herbert. The playoffs would end in typical Chargers fashion, with a 32-12 loss to the Texans, marked by Herbert throwing four interceptions. Los Angeles exceeded preseason expectations, having a breakout season from rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who went for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.
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The Chargers entered the offseason needing to add more pieces to their roster, which was already a contender for the Super Bowl. They signed running back Najee Harris from the Steelers, who has had over 1,000 yards every season since being drafted in 2021. They also boosted their running game by signing guard Mekhi Becton from the Eagles, who was a key part of their Super Bowl run from a season ago. They also signed other notable players, including cornerback Donte Jackson, quarterback Taylor Heinicke and tight end Tyler Conklin. After upgrading the offense, the Chargers’ run game will dominate, which Harbaugh has been known for throughout his entire coaching career.
In the draft, Los Angeles held the 22nd overall pick and selected running back Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina University. Hampton will pair up with Harris in what should be one of the better backfield duos in the NFL. They also made other significant selections, such as wide receiver Tre Harris from Ole Miss in the second round, giving Herbert another weapon to expand the offense. They then added to the defense by drafting defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell out of Oregon in the third round.
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The Chargers enter 2025 with Super Bowl hopes, having the 12th most challenging schedule in the NFL. Their biggest game of the year comes in week one, against their division rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, in São Paulo, Brazil. The Chargers will need to get past the Chiefs this season if they want to win their division for the first time since 2006. Other key games for the Chargers will be Week 5 vs. the Commanders, Week 10 vs. the Steelers, and Week 14 vs. the Eagles. The Chargers will have their work cut out for them in 2025, aiming to secure Justin Herbert’s first career playoff win and return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1996.
The Chargers head into the season with +2800 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +1400 odds of winning the AFC championship. They will, however, be underdogs in their opening game vs the Chiefs at +2.5, but are favored in 13 of their games this season.
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