Breaking Down the Chargers’ 2024 Schedule: Can Harbaugh Succeed?

THE @CHARGERS DID THEIR SCHEDULE RELEASE IN THE SIMS pic.twitter.com/9jxC4oXn7e

— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) May 16, 2024

During the first eight weeks, here are some matchups the Chargers are likely to be favored: Raiders, Panthers, Broncos, Cardinals, and Saints. That is five of the first eight contests.

Los Angeles also faces the Steelers and Chiefs in back-to-back matchups in Week 3 and 4. The good news is Harbaugh’s returns to the NFL with a modest schedule. Now for the bad news, the Chargers still share a division with the defending Super Bowl champs.

Here’s what you need to know about Harbaugh’s Chargers.

Chargers Begin and End With Favorable 2024 Schedule

The Chargers’ schedule is not without its challenges. In addition to facing the Chiefs twice, some of the more challenging matchups on LA’s slate of games include the Bengals, Ravens, Falcons, Chiefs, and Buccaneers.

The Chargers’ schedule release really has Baker Mayfield setting fire to a kitchen with a framed photo of none other than shirtless Antonio Brown in the background.

(Coincidentally, the Bucs return to the Meadowlands for the first time since, but to play the Giants) pic.twitter.com/58hHXsQQYt

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) May 16, 2024

There is a reason to be bullish on the Chargers just in time for the team to potentially make a playoff push. Los Angeles closes the final season with games against the Bucs, Broncos, Patriots, and Raiders.

The NFL is full of surprises each season, but only one of these teams made the playoffs in 2023.

Harbaugh Calls Chargers QB Justin Herbert the NFL’s ‘Crown Jewel’

We are too far into this article not to be talking about Justin Herbert. The quarterback has already had a strong start to his NFL career, but Harbaugh has helped a number of signal-callers throughout his coaching tenure.

“He just wants to win, and that’s a guy you want to play for.” 🗣️

Justin Herbert’s fired up to play for Jim Harbaugh 🔥 https://t.co/47ODiwEXIe pic.twitter.com/6hZM7nJkZo

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 27, 2024

After taking the new gig, Harbaugh referred to his new quarterback as the “crown jewel” of the NFL.

“I love Michigan, but I love the NFL, too,” Harbaugh said in an interview with CBS during the AFC Championship, per Yahoo Sports. “And there’s no Lombardi in college football. I’ve got so many sands left in the hourglass, and I want to take a crack at that. And there’s nowhere better to do it than with the Los Angeles Chargers — Susie Spanos, Dean Spanos, Ed McGuire, John Spanos and this great quarterback.”

Sorry, But Chargers Fans May Need to Look Toward 2025

Year one of Harbaugh’s tenure with the Chargers may be a bit early to be talking about Lombardi Trophies. The sportsbook agrees, with the Chargers listed as a longshot in Super Bowl odds at +3500.

Outside of hiring Harbaugh, the Chargers offseason lacks firepower. The franchise traded star receiver Keenan Allen to the Bears.

Harbaugh inherited a roster stuck in salary cap hell. The Chargers made modest moves like signing linebacker Denzel Perryman and tight end Hayden Hurst.

The new Chargers coach is sure to boost excitement in Southern California. I am just not sure this excitement equals contention. It would be an upset if the Chargers do not improve from their 5-12 record last season.

Yet, will it be enough to contend in the AFC West? The Chargers have a favorable schedule, but may not have a favorable roster to match. The betting odds show modest expectations for Harbaugh’s debut with the Chargers win total set at 8½.

Somewhere, that Chargers super fan is not liking what she’s hearing.

I feel like she’ll be on the next @chargers schedule release trailer 😄 pic.twitter.com/wfY0KE84Txhttps://t.co/14gjU9FOg6

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 17, 2023

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