The Los Angeles Chargers are facing one of the most unpredictable forecasts of the upcoming NFL season. While expectations are high under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr has delivered a surprising projection that places the Chargers in a unique position. Despite finishing third in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos, the Chargers are still expected to punch their ticket to the postseason. The prediction has sparked intrigue among fans and analysts alike.
Key Highlights
Sports Illustrated projects the Chargers to finish third in the AFC West
Predicted final standings: Chiefs 11-6, Broncos 10-7, Chargers 10-7, Raiders 8-9
The Chargers are expected to beat the Chiefs in Week 1 in Brazil
Jim Harbaugh’s team will split games with the Chiefs and Raiders but get swept by the Broncos
Despite the divisional drop, Los Angeles is still projected to secure a Wild Card berth
Connor Orr’s Prediction
Sports Illustrated’s annual predictions from Connor Orr are known for sparking debate, and this year’s Chargers forecast is no exception. He outlined a season where the team remains competitive throughout but falls short of challenging the Chiefs’ dominance in the division. According to Orr, Kansas City is on track for its 10th straight AFC West title while Denver leapfrogs Los Angeles in the standings thanks to improved play behind quarterback Bo Nix. Orr emphasized that the Chargers’ roster remains strong, even after losing star offensive lineman Rashawn Slater.
“I have the Chargers finishing in third place but still making the playoffs. I toyed with a version of this prediction matrix that had L.A. winning the division, which doesn’t sound so far-fetched when you remember that Jim Harbaugh took a really bad team to the playoffs in 2024. The roster continues to churn and get better. This offense is going to be more stable, even without the help of Rashawn Slater, who is a devastating loss but is backed by Joe Alt moving to left tackle and the experienced Trey Pipkins III slotting over on the right side.” – Connor Orr
Projected Standings and Key Games
The forecasted AFC West standings show the Chiefs finishing at 11-6, the Broncos at 10-7, the Chargers also at 10-7, and the Raiders bringing up the rear at 8-9. The Chargers’ journey to the postseason is projected to be anything but straightforward. Orr has them starting strong with a statement win over the Chiefs in Week 1 in Brazil. From there, Los Angeles is expected to endure an inconsistent campaign, never stringing together more than two wins or two losses in a row. Crucially, Orr predicts the Chargers will split their games against the Chiefs and Raiders but will lose both matchups to the Broncos, including a Week 18 defeat in Denver that could shape playoff seeding.
The Jim Harbaugh Factor
Jim Harbaugh’s impact continues to be a focal point of any Chargers discussion. Having led the team to the playoffs in 2024 despite a difficult roster situation, Harbaugh has brought renewed belief to Los Angeles. The projection notes his ability to stabilize the offense even without Rashawn Slater. Rookie Joe Alt’s move to left tackle and Trey Pipkins III stepping into a more prominent role are seen as key adjustments that could allow the Chargers to maintain offensive balance. While third place in the division may feel like a setback, Harbaugh’s track record of overachieving ensures the team remains in the playoff conversation.
News in Brief: NFL Prediction for AFC West
Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr has predicted the Los Angeles Chargers will finish third in the AFC West with a 10-7 record but still secure a Wild Card playoff spot. Orr projects the Chiefs to win their 10th straight division crown at 11-6, with the Broncos also at 10-7 but ahead of Los Angeles in tiebreakers, while the Raiders finish 8-9. The Chargers are forecast to beat the Chiefs in Week 1 in Brazil, split with Kansas City and Las Vegas, but get swept by Denver.
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