Former Pro Bowler continues backing Jim Harbaugh with bold Chargers prediction

Former Pro Bowl safety Donte Whitner said during an April appearance on the "Up and Adams" podcast that Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh would lead his new team to the AFC Championship Game in his first season.

Whitner doubled down on that prediction in another spot on Kay Adams' show on Friday, saying that not only would the Chargers start the 2024 season 4-0, but that they'd face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title match over the winter.

"I do believe that Week 4, we will see two 3-0 teams, and that's when they'll have an opportunity to go head-to-head," the 2006 first-round pick said. "It'll be (Chiefs head coach) Andy Reid vs. Coach Harbaugh. (Chargers quarterback) Justin Herbert vs. the top quarterback in the league in Patrick Mahomes. So, that week (Los Angeles) will put the NFL on notice."

"I think they will beat KC in that game," he added. "...After four weeks, the L.A. Chargers will be 4-0."

Whitner played under Harbaugh for three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-13. The younger brother of Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh coached the Niners for four years, earning one AP Coach of the Year honor and leading the team to one Super Bowl appearance and three playoff berths.

Los Angeles began its 2024 campaign with a 22-10 home victory against the Las Vegas Raiders and will face the Carolina Panthers (0-1) on the road in Week 2 on Sunday.

The Chargers then play the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) on Sept. 22 on the road in Week 3 before their Sept. 29 showdown with the Chiefs. Los Angeles has an early bye in Week 5.

With the likes of the Chiefs, Ravens, Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans looking like some of the top contenders in the AFC, Whitner's prediction for Harbaugh is certainly bold, but the team is off to a good start.