The Chargers’ roster is loaded with talent, but they will face stiff competition that will try to prevent them from winning every week.
Here is the best player from Los Angeles’ opponents in 2024 who could be the ultimate difference-maker.
Raiders: EDGE Maxx Crosby
An assassin off the edge, Crosby posted 14.5 sacks and nearly had the most quarterback pressures last season. Not only is he a terror to opposing signal-callers, but he can disrupt the run game.
Panthers: DT Derrick Brown
The Chargers want to run the ball efficiently, but it’s not going to be an easy task with Brown in the middle of the defensive line. Brown is coming off a record-setting season in 2023 where he finished with 103 tackles, the most for a defensive lineman in league history. On top of that, he tallied two sacks, 15 quarterback hits and six passes defended.
Steelers: EDGE T.J. Watt
After facing Crosby in Week 1, Joe Alt is in for another tough test. A prolific pass rusher, Watt finished the 2023 season with a league-leading 19 sacks. This came after an injury-shortened 2022 campaign.
Chiefs: QB Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes had a “down year” statistically in 2023, which could be attributed to a lack of a supporting cast in receivers. It likely won’t repeat itself after the Chiefs added Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy this offseason. But Mahomes came through when it mattered, leading Kansas City to their second consecutive Super Bowl. If they win their third straight, it might be time to consider him the best to play.
Broncos: CB Patrick Surtain II
Surtain has solidified himself as one of the top corners in the league in his first three seasons, earning trips to the Pro Bowl in the past two years. He only notched one interception in 2023, but he posted a third-straight double-digit campaign in passes defended while adding a career-high 69 tackles.
Cardinals: TE Trey McBride
Many would’ve assumed that Marvin Harrison Jr. would be here, but I’m sticking with a criteria that they had to play at least one season. McBride was Kyler Murray’s favorite target in 2023, finishing with 81 receptions for 825 yards and three touchdowns. Despite the addition of Harrison, McBride should continue to see a high volume of usage in the passing game and emerge as one of the league’s top tight ends.
Saints: WR Chris Olave
On a lackluster offense, Olave provides the spark. In his first two seasons, he has gone over 1,000 yards receiving. Olave’s only posted four and five touchdowns, respectively. Look for him to take a leap in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system.
Browns: EDGE Myles Garrett
Garrett won Defensive Player of the Year last season for continuing to be a game-wrecker. He finished with 14 sacks and 86 QB pressures.
Titans: CB L'Jarius Sneed
The Chargers will see a familiar face in Sneed, who played for the Chiefs the past four seasons before being traded to the Titans. One of the most physical corners in the league, Sneed did not allow a single touchdown in 2023.
Bengals: WR Ja'Marr Chase
Some people will also think Joe Burrow belongs in this category, but I’m going with Chase, the premier wideout who flourished while Burrow missed time due to an injury. He finished with a career-best 100 catches and seven touchdowns.
Ravens: QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson won his second MVP award in 2023 after continuing to thrive as a runner but as a passer, posting career-best marks in passing yards (3,678) and yards per attempt (8.0). He also added 29 total touchdowns. In his second season in Todd Monken’s offense, Jackson is another for another strong campaign.
Falcons: OL Chris Lindstrom
Yes, an offensive lineman. Lindstrom is coming off a season in which he was named Second-Team All-Pro. He is a road grader to pave the way for Bijan Robinson, and he has gotten better as a pass blocker.
Buccaneers: OT Tristan Wirfs
Another offensive lineman! After making the change from right tackle, Wirfs may already be the best blindside blocker in the league, and he is integral in keeping Baker Mayfield upright.
Patriots: DT Christian Barmore
There’s not a lot of talent on the Patriots, but Barmore has proven to be a bright spot. After posting his best season, which included 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits and a career-high 64 tackles, Barmore was rewarded with the largest non-Tom Brady contract handed out by New England in the franchise’s history.
