ESPN’s betting analysts Liz Loza and Pamela Maldonado selected their favorite (early) futures, props and game picks. Among their 10 best bets was the Chargers to win over 10.5 games.
Here is what Loza had to say about why you should make this bet:
After starting last season with three straight wins, injuries to the offensive line ultimately upended the Bolts’ 2025 campaign. This time around, the bolstered offensive line is back to health. The addition of coordinator Mike McDaniel should lift the run game and provide offensive balance. With a fresh slate, the Chargers are in a position to at least match last year’s 11-win total.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has already delivered back-to-back 11-win seasons in Los Angeles despite immense adversity, namely injuries to key players, including tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Alt and Slater are back to protect quarterback Justin Herbert. They will be joined by new players along the interior in a revamped scheme under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, which should maximize Herbert’s play.
On the other side of the ball, the core remains solid. There will also be another new coordinator calling the shots in Chris O’Leary. While O’Leary is a first-time NFL defensive coordinator, he worked directly under former DC Jesse Minter in 2024, and he knows the personnel, so the transition should be seamless for the players. The unit also features new members, including first-round pick Akheem Mesidor.
While their schedule won’t be a cakewalk, the Chargers are not only positioned to win at least 11 games for the third straight season but could also win the AFC West for the first time since 2009, thanks to a re-engineered coaching staff, a fully healthy offensive line, and an upgraded offensive system around Herbert.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: ESPN believes you should place this bet on Chargers ahead of season
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
