2026 NFL Team Hub: Los Angeles Chargers

Team record, game log, power ranking, schedule, needs, draft grade, and draft pick links.

The 2025 NFL Season – Team Record and Game Log

Season Review

Los Angeles Chargers

Record: 11-6-0 Diff: 28 Margin: 2.7 Season: 2025
View Game Log from 2025 Season
Game Result Score
Chiefs(0-0) at Chargers(0-0) WIN Chiefs 21 – Chargers 27
Chargers(1-0) at Raiders(1-0) WIN Chargers 20 – Raiders 9
Broncos(1-1) at Chargers(2-0) WIN Broncos 20 – Chargers 23
Chargers(3-0) at Giants(0-3) LOSS Chargers 18 – Giants 21
Redskins(2-2) at Chargers(3-1) LOSS Redskins 27 – Chargers 10
Chargers(3-2) at Dolphins(1-4) WIN Chargers 29 – Dolphins 27
Colts(5-1) at Chargers(4-2) LOSS Colts 38 – Chargers 24
Vikings(3-2) at Chargers(4-2) WIN Vikings 10 – Chargers 37
Chargers(5-3) at Titans(1-7) WIN Chargers 27 – Titans 20
Steelers(5-3) at Chargers(6-3) WIN Steelers 10 – Chargers 25
Chargers(7-3) at Jaguars(5-4) LOSS Chargers 6 – Jaguars 35
Raiders(2-10) at Chargers(7-4) WIN Raiders 14 – Chargers 31
Eagles(9-3) at Chargers(8-4) WIN Eagles 19 – Chargers 22
Chargers(8-4) at Chiefs(6-7) WIN Chargers 16 – Chiefs 13
Chargers(10-4) at Cowboys(6-7-1) WIN Chargers 34 – Cowboys 17
Texans(10-5) at Chargers(11-4) LOSS Texans 20 – Chargers 16
Chargers(11-5) at Broncos(13-3) LOSS Chargers 3 – Broncos 19
Chargers(11-6) at Patriots(14-3) LOSS Chargers 3 – Patriots 16

Walt’s Latest Chargers Power Ranking

Updated 5/13/2026 at 5:05 AM
View Full Power Rankings
Rank: 4 Previously: 13
The Chargers looked like the best team in the NFL through three weeks last year, clobbering the Chiefs and beating the Broncos. Things unraveled, however, when Joe Alt got hurt in Week 4. Both tackles will be back from injury, and I’m a fan of Mike McDaniel joining the team to potentially get the most out of Justin Herbert.

2026 NFL Season – Upcoming Schedule

Schedule
Week Opponent Time Result
1
vs Cardinals
9/13/2026 4:25:00 PM EST TBD
2
vs Raiders
9/20/2026 4:05:00 PM EST TBD
3
@ Bills
9/27/2026 1:00:00 PM EST TBD
4
@ Seahawks
10/4/2026 4:25:00 PM EST TBD
5
vs Broncos
10/11/2026 4:05:00 PM EST TBD
6
@ Chiefs
10/18/2026 4:25:00 PM EST TBD
8
@ Rams
11/1/2026 4:05:00 PM EST TBD
9
vs Texans
11/8/2026 4:05:00 PM EST TBD
10
@ Ravens
11/16/2026 8:15:00 PM EST TBD
11
vs Jets
11/22/2026 4:05:00 PM EST TBD
12
vs Patriots
11/29/2026 8:20:00 PM EST TBD
13
@ Buccaneers
12/6/2026 1:00:00 PM EST TBD
14
@ Raiders
12/13/2026 4:05:00 PM EST TBD
15
vs 49ers
12/17/2026 8:15:00 PM EST TBD
16
@ Dolphins
12/27/2026 1:00:00 PM EST TBD
17
vs Chiefs
1/2/2027 1:00:00 PM EST TBD
18
@ Broncos
1/9/2027 1:00:00 PM EST TBD

Walt’s Team Needs Assessment

Needs
  • Two Guards: Mekhi Becton was a huge bust last year, while Zion Johnson is an impending free agent. The Chargers may want to bring in two new guards. Re-signed Trevor Penning
  • Center: The Chargers had issues at tackle last year, but only because of injury. Their problems at center stemmed from a lack of talent. Signed Tyler Biadasz
  • Two Defensive Tackles: The Chargers need to address the trenches on both sides of the ball. Their defensive line was rather weak last year.
  • Two Cornerbacks: The Chargers had a high-rated defense, but their cornerbacks were rather underwhelming for the most part.
  • Offensive Tackle Depth: The Chargers need to make sure they don’t experience another instance of last year’s debacle concerning their tackles.
  • Two Edge Rushers: Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh are both impending free agents. The pass rush will be severely diminished if they leave.
  • Linebacker: Denzel Perryman is another free agent who will need to be re-signed or replaced.

Walt’s 2026 NFL Draft – Overall Team Grade and Selection Grades

Draft Review
Walt’s Draft Grade: C+ Grade
Walt’s Grade Summary
The Chargers spent a whopping four picks on offensive linemen, but they took a quick detour in the first round when they addressed the other side of the trenches with Akheem Mesidor. This wasn’t a very good pick because Mesidor is an old prospect who was able to benefit from the presence of Rueben Bain. He was a second-round prospect, so the Chargers should have traded down or targeted another player.

The first blocker was chosen with the next pick, as Jake Slaughter was targeted to play the interior. Slaughter can start at guard and center, so his versatility will be key if the Chargers have mass injuries again. Fourth-round tackle Travis Burke can play both the left and right side, so his presence will be important for the same reason. Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey were both strong values toward the end of the draft. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if one of them eventually fought for a starting job at guard.

The Chargers had some other decent picks, including fourth-rounder Brenen Thompson, a dangerous threat as a slot receiver who can replace Keenan Allen’s production. There’s also Genesis Smith, who may not have sonic speed, but possesses great instincts at the position.

I’d say the Chargers came away with a passable draft class. I would not call it great, or even good though. The Chargers had eight picks, and only one (Taylor) scored higher than a B+. They also whiffed on their opening-round choice.

Draft Picks / Prospect Links
Pick 22
C-
Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
DE Miami
I’m not a fan of this pick. It fills a need, but Akheem Mesidor is an old prospect (25), so there’s not much upside. Mesidor was also able to ride Rueben Bain’s coattails, so there’s no way of knowing how he would have performed if opposing teams were able to focus on him.
Pick 63
B+
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
C Florida
The Chargers had a disaster of an offensive line last year. Part of that was the injury to the tackles, but the other part was poor interior blocking. This will help. Jake Slaughter is a solid prospect who is strong and athletic.
Pick 105
B+
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
WR Mississippi State
Rnk: 153
Brenen Thompson is an undersized slot receiver, but he’s a dangerous threat. The Chargers needed a receiver with Keenan Allen gone, so they had to address the position. I thought Thompson could’ve gone in Round 3, so I like the value.
Pick 117
B
Travis Burke, OT, Memphis
OT Memphis
Rnk: 447
The Chargers needed another tackle in case Rashawn Slater can’t stay healthy. Travis Burke is a huge and long tackle with upside, but has slow feet. He’ll probably be a backup, but there’s a chance he could emerge as a starter down the road.
Pick 131
B
Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
S Arizona
Rnk: 170
Genesis Smith may not have sonic speed, but he’s an instinctive safety with great length. I had him slotted around this range, so this pick makes sense.
Pick 145
B
Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina
DT South Carolina
Rnk: 425
Nick Barrett is a stout defensive tackle, but doesn’t have much quickness. He’s also raw and inexperienced. There’s some upside though, and he could potentially fill a need. I had him going around this range.
Pick 202
A
Logan Taylor, OT, Boston College
OT Boston College
Rnk: 437
Logan Taylor is a strong lineman, but lacks any sort of quickness. Still, I had Taylor slotted in the fourth round, so I love the value the Chargers are getting. Even better, they’re filling a need and making Justin Herbert happy.
Pick 206
B+
Alex Harkey, OT, Oregon
OT Oregon
Rnk: 422
Another lineman. Justin Herbert must be thrilled. Alex Harkey is a nasty run blocker, but must improve his pass protection. So, maybe it’s Omarion Hampton who is happier. Still, the more blockers, the better.