Los Angeles Chargers schedule 2026: Takeaways, predictions
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- The Los Angeles Chargers' 2026 schedule was released, featuring a challenging slate with the ninth-hardest strength of schedule and a projected win total around 10.5 games.
- New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, known for creating explosive offenses, joins the Chargers, raising hopes that the team can overcome past playoff disappointments and contend for a championship in Jim Harbaugh's third season.
- The Chargers will experience significantly less travel in 2026, reducing fatigue and potentially improving consistency, as they avoid international trips and cut their travel miles from over 37,000 to about 24,800.
- A key game to watch is the November 29 Sunday Night Football matchup against the New England Patriots, offering a chance for quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers to redeem themselves after a poor playoff performance against the same team last season.
- The Chargers aim to start the season 3-0 for the first time in over two decades and hope to finally win the AFC West, a division title that has eluded them for 16 years despite a strong start last season.