2025 Los Angeles Chargers projected win total, prediction

After making the playoffs in their first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, expectations are high for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025. Per BetMGM, they're expected to win more than nine games for a second consecutive year.

Regular-season win total: 9.5

Outlook: In free agency, the Chargers signed running back Najee Harris to a one-year, $5.25M deal. In four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 2021 first-round pick made one Pro Bowl and rushed for 1,000 yards or more each season. 

In the NFL Draft, the Chargers took North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton (pick No. 22), who rushed for 1,660 yards in 12 games last season.

It's unclear how Hampton and Harris will split carries, but the rookie told Westwood One's Jim Rome they'll be a "dominant backfield duo" on April 29. 

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's numbers dipped last season due in part to learning a new offense. In 17 regular-season starts, the QB averaged a career-low 227.6 passing yards per game. 

Perhaps Herbert's increased trust in second-year wide receiver Ladd McConkey will help him rebound. Last season, the former Georgia star finished 10th in the league in receiving yards in the regular season (1,149 in 16 games). 

The Chargers also added rookie WR Tre Harris (pick No. 55). He logged 60 receptions for 1,030 yards and seven touchdown catches in eight games at Ole Miss in 2024. 

This offseason, the Chargers released EDGE Joey Bosa, a five-time Pro Bowler. The 29-year-old recorded five sacks in 14 regular-season games last season, the second fewest in his career.  

Still, cutting Bosa is risky for the Chargers. EDGE Khalil Mack, 34, may be slowing. In 16 games last season, he had six sacks, tied for the second fewest in his career. 

The Chargers selected South Carolina EDGE Kyle Kennard (pick No. 125) to mitigate these concerns. He won the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy as college football's best defensive player after finishing with 11.5 sacks in 12 games.