The Chargers enter year two of the Jim Harbaugh era still searching for answers after a brutal end to 2024.
Last season ended with promise unfulfilled: a well-balanced roster that ranked fourth in turnover differential, 12th in offensive EPA per play, and fifth defensively — including a league-best mark in scoring defense — could not overcome a playoff collapse. Justin Herbert, steady during the regular season with only three interceptions, threw four in a first-round loss to Houston, extending his search for a postseason victory.
The regular season is unlikely to define Los Angeles in 2025. Expectations remain high that the team will return to the playoffs, but questions linger about whether this roster can advance deep into January.
The offensive line represents the most immediate challenge. Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater is out for the season with a training camp injury, forcing second-year standout Joe Alt to move to the left side. Alt excelled as a rookie, ranking fourth among all tackles in pass block win rate, but his shift creates uncertainty at right tackle, where Trey Pipkins is serviceable but unproven as a long-term answer. The addition of Mekhi Becton at guard could provide stability, though his durability remains a concern.
The secondary also appears vulnerable. Safety Derwin James remains the centerpiece, and there is promise in young players such as Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart, and Alohi Gilman. However, depth at cornerback is limited, and the free-agent additions of Benjamin St-Juste and Donte Jackson have not eased concerns. Up front, the defense will look to maintain its strong form despite losing Poona Ford. Coordinator Jesse Minter has shown the ability to maximize available talent, but the unit lacks elite playmakers.
Offensively, the arrival of first-round running back Omarion Hampton has drawn significant attention. The former North Carolina standout offers power between the tackles with enough speed to create explosive plays — a dimension the Chargers’ backfield lacked in 2024. The signing of Najee Harris was meant to bolster depth, though his offseason eye injury clouds expectations.
Herbert may also benefit from what could be the strongest receiving corps of his career. Ladd McConkey emerged as a reliable No. 1 option in his rookie campaign with 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. Rookie Tre Harris brings immediate upside, while fifth-round pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith has impressed in the preseason. If Quentin Johnston can build on his improved second year, Los Angeles could field a top-tier passing attack.
The offensive line remains the swing factor. Without Slater, Los Angeles must protect Herbert well enough to sustain Harbaugh’s ball-control approach. A compromised line would hinder both the passing game and a run-first scheme built around Hampton.
Herbert remains the franchise cornerstone. At 6-foot-6 with elite arm strength and underrated mobility, he has the physical profile and production to rank among the league’s top quarterbacks. Still, his postseason record — two starts, two losses — continues to shape perception. Until he delivers a signature playoff win, national respect will remain limited.
The road to the 2025 postseason begins on Friday night, when the Chargers take on the four-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chargers have lost seven straight games against Mahomes and Kansas City, with their last win over the Chiefs dating back to Week 3 of 2021 in Arrowhead.
Los Angeles needs a statement win to kick off their 2025 season, and what better way to put its name in the conversation than a primetime Friday night victory over Kansas City?
