The Chargers, standing at 4-3, are heading into a 10-consecutive game stretch after their bye week.
With a slew of injuries to players at various positions, Los Angeles is hopeful that the week off was a time to regain full health for some of them and that the adjustments pay off.
As we head into the second half of the season, let’s take a crack at predicting the Bolts’ final 10 games.
Week 9: at Falcons
Coming off the bye, the Chargers travel to Atlanta, hoping to get off on the right track. Quarterback Marcus Mariota has struggled, so it should be a one-dimensional offense. Defensively, the Falcons have struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks and their secondary is banged up.
Prediction: Win (5-3)
Week 10: at 49ers (SNF)
San Francisco will be coming off a bye week after seeming to turn it up a notch with the addition of Christian McCaffrey. That, and the Niners should be getting a healthy Deebo Samuel back, which could be a disaster for a Chargers team that has struggled with making plays in open space. Further, the 49ers have one of the most physical defenses.
Prediction: Loss (5-4)
Week 11: vs. Chiefs
After losing to Kansas City in Week 2, the Chargers will seek revenge on their home turf. Los Angeles could possibly be getting Mike Williams back from his MCL sprain injury. But it might not be easy to keep pace with Patrick Mahomes and company, especially with his wide receiver group starting to come on strong. The Bolts will still be without Joey Bosa, a key component in containing Mahomes.
Prediction: Loss (5-5)
Week 12: at Cardinals
Coming off back-to-back losses, the Chargers will be looking to get back on track on the road. I expect them to do it against a Cardinals team that can’t find any consistency week-to-week on offense and defense.
Prediction: Win (6-5)
Week 13: at Raiders
The Raiders’ defense has been a problem all season, and it’s hard to see them turning it around, as they could be vying for an early draft pick. Look for Justin Herbert to light up Las Vegas’ secondary once again after finishing 26-of-34 passing for 279 yards and three touchdowns earlier this season.
Prediction: Win (7-5)
Week 14: vs. Dolphins
This could be around the time Joey Bosa might return from his groin injury, and his presence will be much-needed to get pressure on Tagovailoa. Even then, I have a hard time seeing the Chargers slowing down the league’s most lethal wide receiver tandem in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Prediction: Loss (7-6)
Week 15: vs. Titans
Having Joey Bosa back for this game would be crucial, as his absence has led to many big carries outside the tackles by opposing running backs due to the lack of firm edges being set. Derrick Henry is running wild this season, yet again, and I could see him churning his way into helping the Titans get a top seed for the playoffs.
Prediction: Loss (7-7)
Week 16: at Colts (MNF)
The Chargers will be facing another premiere running back a week after Henry, that being Jonathan Taylor. But even with Taylor in the backfield, the Colts’ offense has been flooded with mistakes, and Matt Ryan has taken a beating due to a poor offensive line.
Prediction: Win (8-7)
Week 17: vs. Rams (SNF)
The Rams haven’t looked a team that won the Super Bowl a season ago. Their issues have come on the offensive line, where they have struggled due to injuries. While they should have some stability, their porous rushing offense won’t likely have competency. In the first battle of L.A., it’ll be a close game, but I’m giving the slight edge to the Chargers, who could possibly be getting Rashawn Slater back from injury.
Prediction: Win (9-7)
Week 18: vs. Broncos
Playing the Broncos in Denver is never an easy task. The Chargers have not won there in the last three seasons. Likely not to be in playoff contention, the Broncos will still be looking to play spoiler. But in another low-scoring affair, I’m rolling with the Chargers to win and secure a wild card spot after Dustin Hopkins nails a 50-yard field goal as time expires.
Prediction: Win (10-7)
