Magic 8 Ball predictions for the 2024 Los Angeles Chargers

Mattel's Magic 8 Ball has been making predictions about the future since 1946. We ran a few questions about the Los Angeles Chargers by one, and the results were rather optimistic.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, users ask yes-no questions to the ball, give it a shake and then turn it over to reveal the answer. We opted for an online version to ask the following:

Will new head coach Jim Harbaugh lead the Chargers to the playoffs in his first season?
Magic 8 Ball says: Without a doubt 
 
Harbaugh has reinvigorated teams throughout his career, guiding the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII and helping his alma mater, Michigan, win its first national title in 26 years. He may produce similar results in L.A.

Harbaugh should also help the Chargers win more close games. Per Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith, they had seven losses by three points or less last season. Edge-rusher Khalil Mack shared Los Angeles has focused on late-game situations throughout its offseason program to fix this issue.  

Roster concerns remain. Pro Football Focus' Jim Wyman and Dalton Wasserman rank L.A.'s squad 26th in the league. However, Harbaugh and Co. should benefit from a manageable schedule. The Chargers' opponents posted a .478 win percentage last season, giving them the fifth-easiest schedule in the NFL.

Will quarterback Justin Herbert win his first MVP?
Magic 8 Ball says: Ask again later
 
When the Chargers hired Harbaugh in January, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky claimed Herbert would vault into the elite QB conversation, which includes two-time MVPs Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) and Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens).

Herbert — who has a 30-32 record in four seasons — should win more games with Harbaugh as his HC. But his numbers may dip, which would hurt his MVP case. Throughout the offseason, the new coaching staff has emphasized improving the run game to take pressure off the 26-year-old passer.

According to ESPN's Kris Rhim, Herbert has averaged 39.1 passing attempts per game through four seasons, the highest mark in NFL history. He doesn't seem to mind if he throws the ball less next season.

"Selfishly, as a quarterback, I'd love to throw the ball every time," Herbert said in a recent news conference. "If we throw it one time or we throw it 100 times, as long as we're winning and finding a way to do that, it's good with me."  

Will a No. 1 wide receiver emerge?
Magic 8 Ball says: Signs point to yes
 
In March, the Chargers dealt six-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears. Perhaps second-round pick Ladd McConkey — who registered 119 receptions for 1,687 yards and 14 TD catches in three seasons at Georgia — will fill his shoes.

The 22-year-old wideout has already impressed Herbert. The QB recently told the media McConkey looks like "a four- or five-year vet."

It's clear the Chargers also have plenty of confidence in McConkey. On Monday, the WR's agent, Chris Cabott, told NFL Media's Ian Rapoport that his rookie deal includes the most guaranteed money for a 34th overall pick in league history.  

Is edge-rusher Joey Bosa poised for a rebound?
Magic 8 Ball says: Outlook not so good
 
The 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year has missed 19 games over the past four seasons with knee, toe, groin and hamstring injuries.

Bosa, who signed a five-year, $135M extension in 2020, was a potential trade or cut candidate this offseason before he agreed to restructure his contract in March.

When healthy, the four-time Pro Bowler is elite, logging 67 sacks and 82 tackles for loss in eight seasons with the Chargers. The injuries may be taking their toll, though. Per PFF, the 28-year-old recorded 24 pressures in nine games in 2023, the second-lowest figure of his career.