The schedule is out, and we’re all looking ahead to guess wins and losses and prepare for the best matchups. For the Chargers, hopes are high to build off their strong season last year and hopefully make a playoff run. Today I’ll take a look at 5 of the toughest games on the Chargers schedule and go over why their so tough and what they can do to come out on top.
#5. Chargers @ Giants, Week 4
I know we’re not expecting the Giants to win a lot of games, but the defensive line that’s ripping apart the Chargers in this photo does scare me. And since this photo was taken, they added the best edge rusher (and arguably best player) in the draft AND a new DT. Between Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Dexter Lawrence this is a fearsome group that could easily disrupt the offense and win the game. The Chargers will have to establish the run and figure out some way to block these monsters. Hopefully, the defense can reign in Russ (or whoever it is) to keep the game low scoring.
#4. Commanders @ Chargers, Week 5
When the commies come to town, you know it’s gonna be a tough game for your D. Jayden Daniels is coming off the best rookie season in history, and I’m scared to see what he has in store for year two. They added a great tackle in Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel in free agency, as well as a young tackle in the first round, Josh Conerly Jr. To win this game, the Bolts will have to get after and contain Jayden Daniels. They’ll need a spy on him the whole game, and hopefully be able to run the ball and control the clock to keep it out of the kid’s hands.
#3. Chargers @ Broncos, Week 17
These week 17 divisional games always have huge implications, and this one could easily decide the division a playoff berth. Not only that, but the Broncos are a scary opponent. Bo Nix will be at the end of year two with a lot more experience under his belt. The Broncos’ defense was also upgraded hugely in the offseason. Jahdae Barron cements the best corner duo in the league, and two key 49ers came to Denver in Talanoa Hufange and Dre Greenlaw. To win this game, Justing Herbert will have to be at his best and avoid pressure and turnovers. Omarion Hampton will also be key since receivers are likely to be locked down. This could be an extremely exciting and important game to end LA’s season.
#2. Chargers @ Chiefs, Week 14
Playing the Chiefs is always tough, let alone in Arrowhead, let alone in December. It will be very cold in the stadium, and the stakes will probably be very high. This game could easily be another huge determining factor in who wins the AFC West. The pressure will be on in Arrowhead, and the Chargers need to be at their best. As always, getting after and containing Mahomes is the key to beating him. They also need to be at their best in crunch time and under pressure. Last year, they lost the division after a double doinked field goal by the Chiefs. They need to be at the top of their game for every play to take this one down.
#1. Eagles @ Chargers, Week 13 MNF
Whenever the champs visit you, that will be one of the toughest games on the schedule. Facing the Eagles and Chiefs in back-to-back weeks will be a gauntlet. Not only that, but this game will be in prime time, Monday night. To beat the Eagles, everyone knows they’ll have to be on top of Saquon. They lost Poona Ford, their best run-stuffer, in the offseason, so that could be a tall task. Perhaps they can unleash Omarion Hampton as their star RB to control the clock and keep the ball out of Jalen Hurts’ hands. This will be an important yardstick for whether the Chargers can be dangerous in the playoffs and compete with the best of the best. It will be one of the toughest, and probably one of the best games we watch the Chargers play all year.
