The Los Angeles Chargers have five opponents to face before their 2019 season comes to an end.
Sitting at 4-7, their playoff chances aren’t mathematically diminished, but they will still have a tough road ahead, and they will likely have to get some help from other teams if they wish to keep playing in January.
With that, we decided to rank the Bolts’ remaining regular season opponents from the toughest to the weakest to show what they will be tasked with in the final stretch of the year.
1. Week 15 vs. Minnesota Vikings (8-3)
The Vikings are looking to be crowned NFC North champs, and they have certainly been playing like it in all facets of the game.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is having one of his best seasons yet, passing for 2,020 yards, 18 touchdowns and one interception since Week 5. Running back Dalvin Cook has been a threat out of the backfield. Wide receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs are still one of the most dynamic duos.
Meanwhile, their defense continues to be impactful on a weekly basis, particularly the front seven, who’s allowing 94.2 yards per game on the ground and has gotten to the quarterback 31 times.
2. Week 17 @ Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)
The Chargers had their opportunity to keep their playoff hopes alive this past week against the Chiefs, but they were unable to seal the deal.
Playing Kansas City in Arrowhead Stadium is never an easy task for any team, as it’s one of the most hostile environments in the league. But Los Angeles will be catching them again in the last week of the season, where the Chiefs will be looking to be awarded division champs for the fourth consecutive season.
I expect quarterback Patrick Mahomes to perform at his best, wide receiver Tyreek Hill will likely be playing and the defense will look to swallow up quarterback Philip Rivers in what could be the last time he plays in the blue and gold uniform.
3. Week 16 vs. Oakland Raiders (6-5)
Like the Chiefs game, the Chargers had their opportunity to take out their division rival in primetime, but they were unable to seize the moment on the final drive.
The Raiders now have momentum on their side, as they’re only one game back from first place in the AFC West and they have a good shot of staying in contention facing the Jets, Chiefs and Titans the next three games.
Coach Jon Gruden’s team is more balanced, disciplined and talented team than previous seasons and they’re looking to give the fans of Oakland something that they haven’t been able to endure in quite sometime before moving to Las Vegas in 2020.
4. Week 14 @ Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6)
Like the Chargers, the Jaguars’ playoff aspirations were nearly killed last week as they were knocked off by the Colts.
After rolling with rookie Gardner Minshew for consecutive weeks, they resorted back to quarterback Nick Foles to hopefully guide them to success. Running back Leonard Fournette has been the heart and soul of the offense, rushing for 854 yards on the season.
But on the other side of the ball, Jacksonville could struggle to stop Los Angeles’ rushing attack, as they’re allowing 134.6 yards per game.
It could ultimately be a close game with where both teams are at this point of the season, but I expect the Chargers to squeak it out.
5. Week 13 @ Denver Broncos (3-7)
In another game that should’ve been won by the Chargers, they will look to get revenge after the bye week.
Los Angeles will be facing a third-string quarterback in Brandon Allen after Joe Flacco went out with an injury. Rookie Drew Lock, who was sent to the injured reserve with a thumb injury, was supposed to be activated but the team has not done that yet.
Coach Vic Fangio’s team has had its high this season, but they’ve had more lows as they have struggled to close out games in the fourth-quarter. They don’t look motivated, and I expect the Chargers to take advantage of that fresh off the bye.
