Experts give Chargers 100 percent chance to make playoffs

The Los Angeles Chargers haven’t made the postseason since 2018, but experts at The Athletic are convinced this is their year. The online publication gave the Bolts a 100 percent chance of making the playoffs.

The Buffalo Bills were the only other AFC team with a 100 percent chance. Kansas City was given a 98 percent chance to make the playoffs.

The Chargers boast plenty of talent, including a Tier 1 quarterback in Justin Herbert, according to The Athletic, but they don't seem like a 100 percent lock. The Chiefs have won the AFC West title six consecutive seasons, and the Raiders and Broncos improved this offseason. 

The Bolts addressed their run-defense needs in the offseason, strengthening their team’s key weakness from last season. Edge defender Khalil Mack and defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, added to a defensive line starring Joey Bosa, should keep the Chargers from allowing the third-most rushing yards (2,361) again.

Las Vegas traded for arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in Davante Adams, and Denver added quarterback Russell Wilson to spread the ball around to wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and others. Denver hasn't had such stability at QB since the Peyton Manning era.

In addition to six games in the AFC West, the Chargers face the 49ers, Rams and Cardinals -- all playoff teams from last season. The Athletic predicted those teams, as well as the Colts, another Chargers opponent, would be in the hunt for at least a wild card spot this season.