Super Bowl aspirations reignited! With a new offensive guru and returning stars, the Chargers aim to dominate and prove doubters wrong.
The Los Angeles Chargers did not live up to expectations in last year's postseason. Whatever the expectations were, they almost certainly had the Chargers making into the end zone in the playoffs. Los Angeles saw its playoff aspirations cut short against the New England Patriots.
Were the game to be played again, we probably see a similar result. That said, next year's Chargers are set for a resurgence because of one more in particular: The Bolts found their offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel.
McDaniel adds an offensive guru to help the team navigate past its offensive struggles. Now the Chargers will look to add help along the offensive line if possible. Even so, some think the McDaniel move alone is a sign the team will break out in 2026.
Two ESPN Analysts made the following Super Bowl predictions.
"Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst: Rams over Chargers: That's right, I'm predicting a fight for Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. Two home teams! The Rams were No. 1 in offense this season, and offense is more consistent than defense. The Chargers will get back their offensive tackles and added Mike McDaniel to coordinate the offense, plus they have a ton of cap space to address their offseason needs
Seth Walder, NFL analyst: Chargers over Packers. Am I falling for the Chargers in the offseason, just like we all do every year? Sure. But this time will be different! The 2025 Chargers' biggest weakness -- the offensive line -- already has a built-in solution with their two excellent tackles (Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater) returning to health. Add McDaniel as offensive coordinator and I find myself truly believing."
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) scrambles during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. David Butler II-Imagn ImagesFormer NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum may not have the Chargers winning the Super Bowl, but he appears to have the team overtaking the Kansas City Chiefs next season. Tannebaum made his "big prediction" for 2026.
"The Chargers will take a big step and win the AFC West. With offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater healthy, and Mike McDaniel bringing some energy, Justin Herbert & Co. get over the hump and win the division."
Whether or not the hype is real or legitimate, it is still exciting for Chargers fans to see. The team has a chance to rewrite its past failures and make a splash in their next trip to the football field.
The Chargers will look to bolster their roster over the next few months in preparation for a 2026 run.