In the Spotlight: Los Angeles Chargers Look to Take the Next Step in 2026

The Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2026 NFL season looking to turn regular-season success into a meaningful playoff run. Los Angeles finished 11-6 in 2025, earning a postseason berth for the second consecutive season under head coach Jim Harbaugh before falling 16-3 to New England in the Wild Card round. Justin Herbert remains the centerpiece. Despite playing behind an injury-riddled offensive line, Herbert threw for 3,727 yards and 26 touchdowns last season while adding a career-high 498 rushing yards.

What to Watch

The biggest change comes on offense, where former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel takes over as offensive coordinator. McDaniel’s system could offer Herbert more opportunities to attack defenses creatively, and ESPN gave the Chargers an A- for their overall offseason. Protection should also improve with tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt returning after injuries disrupted their 2025 seasons. The interior was overhauled with additions including Cole Strange and Kayode Awosika, while second-round rookie Jake Slaughter adds another option. Free-agent center Tyler Biadasz was expected to start before suffering a season-ending injury. Los Angeles also reshaped Herbert’s supporting cast. David Njoku and Charlie Kolar were added at tight end, while Keaton Mitchell joins Omarion Hampton in the backfield. Defensively, veteran Dalvin Tomlinson arrives up front, and first-round selection Akheem Mesidor gives the Chargers another edge-rushing option.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks like DraftsKings and FanDuel see Los Angeles as a legitimate AFC contender. DraftKings listed the Chargers at +190 to win the AFC West as of Sept. 1, trailing only Kansas City at +170. Los Angeles is +830 to win the AFC and +1700 to win the Super Bowl. The Chargers’ win total sits at 9.5, with Over 9.5 priced at -140 and Under 9.5 at +115. They are also -168 to reach the playoffs. The schedule could make another 10-win season challenging, however, with road games against Buffalo, Kansas City, Baltimore and Denver among the tougher assignments.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 11-6, AFC Wild Card berth.
• Key players to watch: Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Omarion Hampton, Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, Khalil Mack and Derwin James Jr.
• Expected starting QB: Justin Herbert.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: David Njoku, Charlie Kolar, Keaton Mitchell, Cole Strange, Kayode Awosika, Dalvin Tomlinson, Akheem Mesidor and Jake Slaughter.
• Betting odds to win AFC West: +190.
• Betting odds to win AFC: +830.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +1700.
• Win totals over/under: 9.5 wins — Over -140 / Under +115.

2026-27 Los Angeles Chargers Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Time (ET)	TV
1	Sept. 13	vs. Arizona Cardinals	4:25 p.m.	CBS
2	Sept. 20	vs. Las Vegas Raiders	4:05 p.m.	CBS
3	Sept. 27	at Buffalo Bills	1:00 p.m.	FOX
4	Oct. 4	at Seattle Seahawks	4:25 p.m.	CBS
5	Oct. 11	vs. Denver Broncos	4:05 p.m.	CBS
6	Oct. 18	at Kansas City Chiefs	4:25 p.m.	CBS
7	Oct. 25	BYE	—	—
8	Nov. 1	at Los Angeles Rams	4:05 p.m.	FOX
9	Nov. 8	vs. Houston Texans	4:05 p.m.	CBS
10	Nov. 16	at Baltimore Ravens	8:15 p.m.	ESPN
11	Nov. 22	vs. New York Jets	4:05 p.m.	FOX
12	Nov. 29	vs. New England Patriots	8:20 p.m.	NBC
13	Dec. 6	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	1:00 p.m.	CBS
14	Dec. 13	at Las Vegas Raiders	4:05 p.m.	CBS
15	Dec. 17	vs. San Francisco 49ers	8:15 p.m.	Prime Video
16	Dec. 27	at Miami Dolphins	1:00 p.m.	FOX
17	TBD	vs. Kansas City Chiefs	TBD	TBD
18	TBD	at Denver Broncos	TBD	TBD

The schedule includes two prime-time games currently assigned to national broadcasts, along with a difficult closing stretch featuring San Francisco, Miami, Kansas City and Denver. Dates and kickoff information for the final two AFC West games remain subject to scheduling decisions.