Is a Chargers AFC West Title Possible? Analyst Offers Roadmap to Victory

Optimism is at an all-time high among fans of the Los Angeles Chargers . And for good reason. They just hired a proven coach, solidified their offensive line with a top-five draft pick and lest we forget, they still have one of the best quarterbacks in the game.

On the analyst side, predictions are all over the place. But one thing everyone can agree on is they will almost certainly be better than last year. But can they win enough games to dethrone the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs from their place atop the AFC West standings?

Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report believes they can, but they will need to hit several keys to get there. Here is what Moton writes about the Chargers.

What Do the Chargers Need To Do To Win the AFC West

“With the exception of the San Diego Toreros, Jim Harbaugh ‘s teams (college and pro) have won more games in his first year than in the campaign before his arrival. In 2009, the San Francisco 49ers went 6-10 and finished third in the NFC West. The following year—Harbaugh’s first at the helm—they went 13-3, won their division and made it to the NFC Championship Game. They advanced to the Super Bowl the following season.

Harbaugh could have a similar impact on the Los Angeles Chargers, who finished last in the AFC West with a 5-12 record in 2023. After winning a national championship with the 15-0 Michigan Wolverines this past season, Harbaugh is now taking over a roster that features a Pro Bowl quarterback in Justin Herbert and a few Pro Bowl/All-Pro-caliber defensive players in Khalil Mack , Joey Bosa , Derwin James Jr. and Denzel Perryman .

The Chargers also spent the No. 5 overall pick on offensive tackle Joe Alt , who will line up on the opposite side of 2021 Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater .

Los Angeles needs wide receivers Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston and rookie second-rounder Ladd McConkey to fill a major void following the departure of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams . With that said, offensive coordinator Greg Roman could operate a run-heavy offensive attack that features running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins .

The Chargers offense has question marks with Alt moving to the right side and big cleats to fill at wide receiver. Yet Harbaugh’s track record suggests that this team could be the biggest threat to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West this year.”

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