The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Broncos.
Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 15:
USA Today: 29 (Previous: 23)
“Did you see JK Scott’s 83-yard punt Sunday, tied for the longest league-wide in the past decade? Yeah, it was the only good thing to happen to the Bolts on a day when QB Justin Herbert wrecked his passing hand.”
Touchdown Wire: 21 (Previous: 20)
“What exactly does Brandon Staley have to do to get fired? Sincerely. This team is a mess in every facet, and now we’re being treated to Easton Stick vs. Aidan O’Connell this week.”
NFL: 26 (Previous: 21)
“Everything went wrong Sunday — and yes, I’ve written that before in this space, but this time I really mean it. The offensive line was worked over (six sacks allowed), Justin Herbert was taken out with a finger injury and the feisty fans busted out multiple “Fire Staley” chants during the 24-7 loss to Denver, a game the Chargers never really threatened to win. It appears another season bearing so much hope is going to topple under its own weight. We know personnel changes are coming, with Austin Ekeler again hitting free agency and decisions to be made on some very pricey veterans. It’s clear we’re heading toward an offseason where everyone not named Herbert has to feel at least a little bit uneasy about their role. They can’t keep running things back with their talent.”
CBS Sports: 29 (Previous: 22)
“It’s over. Justin Herbert broke a finger, their playoff hopes are done, and change is likely coming at the head-coaching spot.”
ESPN: 25 (Previous: 22)
Biggest improvement: OLB Khalil Mack
“Mack had little impact generating sacks or pressures through the first three weeks of this season. He had a pass rush win rate at edge of 6.9% in that span, which ranked 53rd in the NFL. Then, in Week 4, Mack exploded for a career-high six sacks against the Raiders. He is now the NFL’s sack leader with 15 on the season, which ties his career high. In a season where the Chargers have fielded one of the league’s worst defenses, Mack has been a bright spot, playing like one of the league’s best outside linebackers since Week 4.”
Yahoo Sports: 27 (Previous: 22)
“Justin Herbert has a fractured finger and there’s no reason to bring him back this season. The only reason for him to play again would be Brandon Staley trying to save his job, but it’s possible that decision has been made already. This is a lost year for the Chargers and they need to start thinking about next season.”
The Athletic: 27 (Previous: 22)
Fantasy spotlight: Keenan Allen
“Along with Mike Evans in Tampa Bay, Allen is leading the way for the old-guy receivers this season. In his 11th year, Allen is third at his position in fantasy points (170.86). His 95.6 yards per game are the highest of his career, and he’s third in the league in target percentage, getting 32 percent of the Chargers’ throws. His only problem is quarterback Justin Herbert might be done for the season with a finger injury suffered Sunday.”
