NFL Football Chargers Analysis
The San Diego Chargers begin another campaign Monday, September 8 with some promise and some hype of making the postseason yet again.
In their way is the fourth toughest schedule in the NFL – two tough games against NFC West teams start off their season and the year concludes with four of their remaining five games against playoff teams from last year – three of those being on the road.
Vegas has set out a win total of 8.5. Will the Chargers eclipse that or will they enter the all-too-familiar underachiever category this year? Let’s take a look.
Chargers Odds [dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Odds to win the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX: 33/1
Odds to win the 2015 AFC Conference: 12/1
Season Win Total: 8.5 wins
Week 1: Monday, Sept. 8, at Arizona, 10:20 p.m.
Perhaps no team is as big a breakout candidate as the Cardinals in 2014. Heck they finished 10-6 last year – better than the Chargers and missed the playoffs! A stout run defense and a secondary that boasts a wealth of talent including Patrick Peterson will do enough on home turf to secure the win for Arizona – consider it a loss for the Chargers.
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 14, Seattle, 4:05 p.m.
At least the Chargers get the Hawks in San Diego! Still, the Seahawks enter the season looking like the team to beat again – only the elite teams will touch them this year – the Chargers definitely aren’t elite.
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Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 21, at Buffalo, 1 p.m.
A trip to the Eastern Time zone always plays havoc on West Coast teams but the Bills have had troubles scoring the past few years – I don’t think that changes this year. The Bills traded Stevie Johnson, their best receiving threat and have become very one-dimensional – something the Chargers will be able to take advantage of.
Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 28, Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m.
This is their one gift game on the schedule!
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 5, NY Jets, 4:25 p.m.
Home against the Jets – I really don’t know what to make of New York this year. The Jets were just 2-6 on the road last year – they certainly had their troubles on offense! But Mike Vick should be the starter, Eric Decker is an upgrade in the receiving category and Chris Johnson has a ton to prove.
With an improved offense and a typically stout Rex Ryan defense, I think the Jets steal one on the road.
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 12, at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.
The Chargers lost in Oakland last year and the Raiders go a tad better on both sides of the ball – they likely won’t be the pushover teams have come to love. Still, if the Chargers fancy themselves a playoff team this is the type of team they HAVE to beat – I think they get it done.
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 19, Kansas City, 4:05 p.m.
The Chargers beat the Chiefs backups last year – big deal! On paper these teams look equal – in that case I have to take the home team to prevail.
Week 8: Thursday, Oct. 23, at Denver, 8:25 p.m.
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I see the Broncos going 14-2 or 13-3 this year – the Chargers won’t be one of the 2 or three teams that beat them, especially in Denver!
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 2, at Miami, 1 p.m.
The Dolphins may be a better team than anyone gives them credit for. Miami beat the Chargers last year in Miami in a game that anyone could have won.
With the bulk of the turmoil behind them, Miami could be a surprise team this year – my guess is they hold serve against the average teams in the league – San Diego being one of them.
Week 10: BYE
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 16, Oakland, 4:05 p.m.
Home against Oakland – the Chargers have to win this one!
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 23, St. Louis, 4:05 p.m.
The Rams had arguably the best draft of anyone – four players selected will likely step right I and have an immediate impact. St. Louis will be no pushover, that’s for sure but the Rams have proven to be a poor road team the last few seasons – something the Chargers take advantage of.
Week 13: Sunday, Nov. 30, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
The Ravens may be the most motivated team in the NFL for a bounce back year. In Week 13, they will be right in the thick of a playoff run. Baltimore is 12-4 in the last two years at home and the Ravens run stopping ability will be enough in this game to send the Chargers home with a loss.
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 7, New England, 8:30 p.m.
Prime time game against New England at home – should be interesting! The Pats were just 4-5 on the road last year including playoffs but New England gets a couple of key run stoppers on defense. During a playoff run, look for Tom Brady to get the better of Phil Rivers in this one.
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 14, Denver, 4:05 p.m.
As previously mentioned only a couple of teams will get the better of Denver in 2014 – the Chargers likely aren’t one of them.
Week 16: Saturday, Dec. 20, at San Francisco, 4:30 p.m.
Ugh – tough game against a team that may be locked in a battle for a first round bye at this point of the season. The Niners were 6-2 at home last year and look as though they have gotten better.
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 28, at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Arrowhead in December for a likely playoff spot. The Chargers won this matchup in KC last year – I think it was the exception – not the rule.
To think that any team can win in Kansas City two years in a row is a bit of a stretch indeed.
Prediction: The Chargers’ schedule is definitely going to be rough this year – unless San Diego can find another gear they may be lucky to get to the .500 mark. I see this team finishing 8-8 – Under the 8.5 wins that Vegas has set out.
Blame the schedule makers here!
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