The 2020 Los Angeles Chargers Schedule Preview

So I did one of these for the Raiders, and it got me thinking. Why not do picks? Why not do way-too-early week one predictions? I got started, and before ya knew it, I had a spreadsheet with all 32 schedules marked out. I started coding the teams green and red for wins and losses, and I realized it would be significantly easier to just publish a schedule prediction for each of the 32 NFL teams.

Here’s my take on the 2020 Los Angeles Chargers.

The 2020 Los Angeles Chargers Schedule Preview

Week One: @ Cincinnati Bengals

Predicted Winner: Los Angeles Chargers

I’m assuming at this point, the Chargers will still be starting Tyrod Taylor, giving them a veteran presence under center that the Bengals won’t have. The Bengals are a young, up-and-coming team, but I’m not a big fan of them yet. Chargers actually get off to a 1-0 start.

Confidence in Pick: 55%

Week Two: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Predicted Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

Going from a rookie making his first start to the league’s best quarterback… not a great sign. It’s hard to imagine a team like the Chargers hanging with the Chiefs this early in the season.

Confidence in Pick: 75%

Week Three: vs. Carolina Panthers

Predicted Winner: Carolina Panthers

I think the Panthers could be decent in 2020. Teddy Bridgewater is a big step up from Kyle Allen, and Christian McCaffrey is still Christian McCaffrey. This one could go either way, but I’m not very high on the Chargers this year.

Confidence in Pick: 55%

Week Four: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Predicted Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On paper, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the very best teams in football this year, it’s not a great look for the Bolts IN Tampa.

Confidence in Pick: 80%

Week Five: @ New Orleans Saints

Predicted Winner: New Orleans Saints

See what I said the week before about the Bucs? The exact same applies to this game… IN New Orleans.

Confidence in Pick: 75%

Week Six: vs. New York Jets

Predicted Winner: Los Angeles Chargers

Here’s a win for the Bolts! I think the Jets are going to be absolutely terrible this year because Adam Gase is more of a meme than a head coach. The Bolts can pull off a win at home.

Confidence in Pick: 60%

Week Seven: @ Miami Dolphins

Predicted Winner: Miami Dolphins

However, traveling to “Bizarro World” in Miami, I don’t know that they’ll fare very well. Neither team is great, but playing in Miami is rough, and the Phins did take a big step forward this off-season.

Confidence in Pick: 55%

Week Eight: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Predicted Winner: Los Angeles Chargers

I genuinely think either the Jets or Jaguars will be the worst teams in the NFL this year… It’s a shame they don’t play each other.

Confidence in Pick: 70%

Week Nine: vs Las Vegas Raiders

Predicted Winner: Las Vegas Raiders

I think the Raiders are secretly the second best teams in the AFC West. After a strong off-season where they finally spent some money on their defense, I think they’re ready to make their way into the wildcard conversation.

Confidence in Pick: 70%

Week 10: Bye Week

Week 11: @ Denver Broncos

Predicted Winner: Denver Broncos

Playing in Denver is never easy, and I just don’t know that the Chargers have the firepower to win there just yet.

Confidence in Pick: 70%

Week 12: @ Buffalo Bills

Predicted Winner: Buffalo Bills

I’m not the biggest fan of Josh Allen or Buffalo’s offense, but I am a fan of their defense. And I don’t envy a California team traveling to Buffalo to play them as late as week 12.

Confidence in Pick: %

Week 13: vs. New England Patriots

Predicted Winner: New England Patriots

I fully expect Justin Herbert to be starting at this point, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned throughout 900 pre-show rants, it’s that rookie quarterbacks struggle vs. Bill Belichick.

Confidence in Pick: 50%

Week 14: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Predicted Winner: Atlanta Falcons

I just think the Atlanta Falcons are too explosive for the Los Angeles Chargers to keep up. Maybe LA’s pass rush can wreak havoc on Matt Ryan, but if not… I’m not optimistic.

Confidence in Pick: 75%

Week 15: @ Las Vegas Raiders

Predicted Winner: Las Vegas Raiders

When it comes to the Raiders, the Chargers really only have away games. Assuming the Raiders stay healthy, I think they beat the Chargers in Vegas as well.

Confidence in Pick: 70%

Week 16: vs. Denver Broncos

Predicted Winner: Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are a young team, and running into them this late in the year? Could get ugly for the Chargers.

Confidence in Pick: 70%

Week 17: @ Kansas City Chiefs

Predicted Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

Let’s be honest folks, after a rough season, the only way the Chargers win this one? Is if the Chiefs are resting their starters.

Confidence in Pick: 65%

Okay Chargers fans, if you-hahahaha I’m just kidding, there’s no such thing.