2022 NFL Preview: Los Angeles Chargers

Read on for all you need to know about the LA Chargers in this preseason series of NFL betting previews. We’ll check the latest NFL picks, stats, injury reports, and NFL odds before capping it all off with NFL predictions for your consideration.

Los Angeles Chargers Odds

• To win AFC West +250
• To win AFC +700
• To win Super Bowl LVII +1400
• To make Playoffs Yes -190/ No +155

Chargers Offense

The NFL scout(s) that dubbed Justin Herbert “soft”, “immature” and lacking in leadership qualities must be roundly kicking themselves right now. How could they get it so wrong?

Had it not been for the absurd mishap of Tyrod Taylor’s punctured lung, which thrust Herbert unexpectedly into the starting role in Week 2 of the NFL 2020 season, we might all have never known.

Fast forward two years into Herbert’s career and his stats are nothing to sneeze at. He’s put up 9,350 yards passing (including topping 5,000 yards in 2021), 69 touchdown passes, eight rushing TDs and 25 interceptions.

Herbert and the Chargers combine for one of the most dynamic and electric offenses. There’s plenty of talent and skill with the wide receivers room that comprises Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, Jalen Guyton and DeAndre Carter, along with a tight ends group that includes Gerald Everett, Donald Parham and Tre’ McKitty

Player to Watch: QB Justin Herbert

Chargers Defense

As important as Herbert is to the offense, defensive end Joey Bosa is the integral cog in the defense’s wheel. The All-Pro pass rusher was a big part of the Chargers’ pass rush as he helped his side finish 12th in the league against the pass with 221.2 passing yards allowed per game.

The Los Angeles Chargers bid adieu to Michael Ingram but brought in Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day instead. These savvy defensive moves in the offseason could pay dividends. Mack and Jackson join two of the NFL’s best players in their respective positions, Bosa and safety Derwin James.

Where the defense struggled the most was against the run. They couldn’t stop anybody and that put a strain on the entire defense, causing them to yield the third most points and, ultimately, it cost them the season. Overall, the Chargers ranked nearly dead last in this category.

Player to Watch: DE Joey Bosa

Chargers Team Strength

Put simply, Herbert is the X-factor on this team. From the first game he played, he proved to be a revelation and he capped off his rookie season by winning the 2020 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

In his second year, Herbert didn’t simply stay good. He got better. He thrived under new head coach Brandon Staley. He had a second statistically sound season and led the Chargers to a 9-8 record.

A player that retired Broncos linebacker Ryan Harris believes is the greatest quarterback he’s ever seen play, and he’s seen some pretty good ones in his career, including Peyton Manning.

Former Peyton Manning teammate (@salaams_from_68) says Justin Herbert is a better quarterback. pic.twitter.com/DzdGR3QWLg

— CBS Sports Radio (@CBSSportsRadio) August 25, 2022

Chargers Team Weakness

DEFENDING THE RUN! Last year’s Chargers were terrible against the run. They couldn’t stop anybody. Heck, a grandma whizzing by on a mobility scooter could have gotten past the Chargers’ defense.

Chargers Forecast

The Chargers went into the offseason one or two players short of a Super Bowl-caliber winning team. They’ve addressed those shortcomings. How it all comes together remains to be seen, but if the defense can keep up with the offense, the Chargers are going to be one of the teams to beat.

Toppling the Chiefs from the AFC West throne will take some doing, but color the world shocked if the Chargers don’t make the playoffs at the very least.