Following the 2026 NFL schedule release, analysts and experts have shared their predicted records for the Chargers. With Jim Harbaugh entering his third season, Mike McDaniel now calling plays, and Justin Herbert leading a talented offense, expectations are high, despite having one of the league’s toughest schedules.
Here’s how several prominent analysts see the Chargers’ 2026 campaign going:
Ali Bhanpuri, NFL.com: 10-7
Bhanpuri has the Chargers making the playoffs and earning a wild-card spot as the sixth seed.
Opening the campaign against two teams with first-year head coaches projects positively for Jim Harbaugh’s group, whose Super Bowl aspirations is limited only by its health. After a snake-bitten season, the Chargers are replenished, battle-tested and talented enough to win every game on their calendar. Although I have the ball bouncing the wrong way in several of their high-profile affairs, I could just as easily see L.A. at 13-4 as I do 10-7. What ultimately matters most for Justin Herbert (and his O-line), though, is that they’re intact when January arrives. If the Bolts are fully charged, they could (finally) go the distance.
Tom Blair, NFL.com: 12-5
Blair has the Bolts winning the division and finishing as the second seed in the conference.
Daniel Popper, The Athletic: 10-7
The schedule is tough, but so was the schedule in 2025. Jim Harbaugh simply finds a way. Last season, the Chargers lost both their starting tackles and used almost 30 different combinations along the offensive line. Harbaugh still won 11 games and led the Chargers back to the playoffs. With McDaniel calling plays, the offense should be, at minimum, a top 10 unit, as long as the Chargers can stay mostly healthy. O’Leary is a bit of a wild card on defense, but I believe he will find his rhythm by the second half of the season. I see the Chargers overcoming this difficult schedule and making the playoffs for a third straight year under Harbaugh.
Eric D. Williams, Fox Sports: 10-7
The Los Angeles Chargers will miss departed defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, now the head coach in Baltimore. The Bolts could have used another playmaker on offense and another pass rusher on defense, but head coach Jim Harbaugh will have his team buttoned up and in position to make the playoffs.
Moe Moton, Bleacher Report: 12-5
Moton projects the Chargers to win the AFC West division.
Still, quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with a 66.4 percent completion rate. He also used his legs to move the chains, rushing for a career-high 498 yards and two touchdowns. The two-time Pro Bowler carried the Chargers offense with his arm and legs.
The Chargers lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who took the Baltimore Ravens’ head-coaching job. So, they may take a step backward defensively under first-time play-caller Chris O’Leary, but Los Angeles’ offense is equipped to outscore opponents in high-scoring battles this year.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers 2026 season: NFL analysts predict LA’s final record
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
