Despite an overhauled offensive line and key veteran signings, skepticism looms over Los Angeles as experts question if a revamped roster can finally silence doubters and deliver postseason results.
The Los Angeles Chargers are being doubted heading into a pivotal season for the franchise. The Chargers ranked No. 14 in ESPN's preseason power rankings for the upcoming year.
The Chargers' postseason loss to the New England Patriots may have added fuel for the doubters, but Los Angeles did plenty to improve over the offseason. Some believe the biggest help could come on the offensive line.
Kris Rhim of ESPN identified the Chargers' most improved position after the 2026 offseason. Rhim writes that the center position is set to take the biggest leap for the team. Here was the reasoning given for that assertion.
"Bradley Bozeman ranked 30th out of 31 qualifying NFL centers in pass block win rate last season (92.5%). After Bozeman's retirement, the Chargers signed former Commanders center Tyler Biadasz (94.5%), who ranked 15th in pass block win rate in 2025. Then L.A. used a second-round pick on Florida's Jake Slaughter, with Harbaugh calling him the "top center in the draft." In Year 1, Slaughter will likely be the team's starting left guard, where the Chargers also need help after a weak performance in 2025."
Ranking NFL teams before the season is underway is an inexact science. There is no true clear favorite in a league where most teams are capable of playing up or down to an 8-9 or 9-8 record. Nevertheless, the ranking saw peculiar inclusions.
The Philadelphia Eagles, who the Chargers defeated last year, surprisingly check in at No. 5 on the power rankings. Their ranking may not invalidate the list, but it does raise questions after the team's 2025 collapse.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) spikes the ball after scoring a two point conversion during the fourth quarter of an NFL first round playoff football matchup. Corey Perrine/The Times-Union-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesFew Chargers fans will take serious issue with the Houston Texans ranking ahead of them in the rankings. The Texans defeated the Chargers on their way to a nine-game winning streak to end the season. The team in front of both the Texans and Chargers may draw skepticism.
The Kansas City Chiefs rank at No. 12 in the power rankings despite a down year in 2026. The Chiefs also face some uncertainty heading into the year with quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovering from injury. Even so, they do have the Super Bowl pedigree to be over-ranked in a power ranking.
The No. 14 designation for Los Angeles sends a clear message to the Chargers: The team is going to have to prove itself in the postseason. The Chargers will look to change narratives in 2026.