The Los Angeles Chargers offseason has been full of ups and downs. They added Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz and revamped most of the coaching staff. They dug themselves out of massive salary cap overage, but in doing so parted ways with fan favorites, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, AND Keenan Allen.
The ultimate question is will this team be any good come football season? The national media has taken their best shot at assessing where the Chargers stand after free agency with the latest versions of power rankings.
Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Over/Under Win Total
Let’s take a look at those rankings. Did the Chargers go up or down after their free agency renovations?
Where do the Los Angeles Chargers Rank Post Free-Agency?
NFL.com Riding the Harbaugh Wave: #16 (up 9 spots)
Eric Edholm of NFL.com is still high on the Chargers chances. He initially ranked them 25th in his power rankings, but after free agency, he vaulted them to 16. Although not without some trepidation.
This is where I’m bracing for impact. No, you haven’t read this placement wrong — and I’m prepared for the worst.
Los Angeles Chargers Super Bowl Odds Adjusted After Free Agency Upheaval
But he gave sound reasoning for his high placement, despite glaring weaknesses at certain positions.
The more I think about it, the clearer it is to me that the most difference-making move of any team so far this offseason was Harbaugh joining the Bolts. The guy wins. I don’t know how he’ll do that exactly, but he’ll definitely make this team more mentally tough and disciplined in Year 1. Everywhere he’s been, he’s done that.
He also warns, “Sleep on them at your own peril.”
ESPN Isn’t Buying the Hype: #26 (down 1 spot)
ESPN’s Kris Rhim writes that the most notable moves have been departures. He cites Will Dissly as the best under-the-radar signing. But given the low rank, it’s obvious that he doesn’t think the additions outweigh the exits.
Sharp Analytics Falls Right Between: #21
Sharp Football Analysis’ Raymond Summerlin is skeptical of the current roster construction but admits that the Chargers have two very significant things for them.
..they still have Justin Herbert, and Jim Harbaugh simply wins wherever he goes. Perhaps this is the year the Chargers outperform rather than under.
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