Los Angeles Chargers 2024 NFL Season Preview: Key Predictions and Insights

How Far Can the Los Angeles Chargers Go in the 2024 NFL Season?

The Los Angeles Chargers are entering the 2024 NFL season with significant changes and renewed optimism. With Justin Herbert leading the offense, Jim Harbaugh as the new head coach, and young talents like Ladd McConkey and Joe Alt joining the ranks, the team has both challenges and opportunities to potentially dethrone the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors shaping the Chargers’ prospects this season:

Justin Herbert: The Franchise Leader

Justin Herbert remains the cornerstone of the Chargers’ ambitions. Herbert’s performance will be critical as he adapts to Harbaugh’s system, which emphasizes a balanced attack with a focus on protecting the quarterback. Herbert is expected to thrive in play-action scenarios, utilizing his accuracy and arm strength to exploit defenses. His health, particularly lingering plantar fascia issues, will be closely monitored throughout the season​ as fans hope he can return to his mobile form and put numbers like he did early in his career.

2024 Season Rookies to Watch: Ladd McConkey and Joe Alt

Ladd McConkey: Drafted in the second round, McConkey adds a dynamic, three-level receiving threat to a revamped wide receiver corps. He has already showcased chemistry with Herbert during training camp, and his precise route-running complements Herbert’s ability to deliver on-target throws. McConkey’s contributions will be vital as the Chargers look to overcome the offseason departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams​.

Joe Alt: Selected fifth overall, Alt is the other cornerstone for the offensive line's future. Slated to start at right tackle, his presence should bolster Herbert’s protection, especially against elite AFC West pass rushers. Alt’s development will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Chargers’ offense can sustain long drives and capitalize in the red zone​.

Defensive Anchor and Promising 2nd year LB: Khalil Mack and Daiyan Henley

Khalil Mack: Entering the season at age 33, Mack remains a crucial part of the Chargers’ defense. Coming off a dominant 2023 season racking up 17 sacks and 5 forced fumbles. Pairing with Joey Bosa, he forms one of the league’s most formidable pass-rushing duos—provided both stay healthy. Mack’s leadership and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks will set the tone for a defense with high expectations​.

Daiyan Henley: Henley, in his second season, is emerging as a key piece in the linebacker corps. His speed and instincts make him a potential breakout player, especially in Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter's aggressive defensive schemes. If he and veteran Denzel Perryman can anchor the middle, the Chargers could see a significant improvement in run defense​.

Strengths and Challenges

Offensive Potential

The Chargers boast an upgraded offensive line and an intriguing mix of receivers, including McConkey, Josh Palmer, and DJ Chark. Hayden Hurst adds reliability at tight end, and the running back tandem of Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins hopefully provides a much-needed balance. Herbert’s ability to maximize this group will dictate the team’s scoring efficiency​.

Defensive Vulnerabilities

While the pass rush is a strength, questions remain about the secondary depth and interior defensive line. Asante Samuel Jr. and Derwin James anchor the back end, but unproven players like Kristian Fulton and rookies Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still must step up. The run defense, bolstered by Denzel Perryman, still needs consistent play from linemen like Poona Ford who is new to the group.​

The Path Forward

The Chargers face a manageable schedule that includes games against the NFC South and a last-place divisional slate, offering opportunities for wins. However, the AFC West remains a gauntlet with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, a surging Denver Broncos team, and the unpredictable Las Vegas Raiders​.

The Chargers’ success hinges on several factors:

• Health: Keeping key players like Herbert, Mack, and Bosa on the field.

• Rookie Contributions: Immediate impact from McConkey and Alt.

• Harbaugh’s System: The ability to instill a tougher, more disciplined identity.

Realistic Expectations

Given their talent and coaching upgrade, the Chargers should be playoff contenders. A 10-7 or 11-6 finish is attainable if they remain healthy and execute consistently. However, advancing deep into the playoffs will require overcoming their divisional rivals and addressing defensive shortcomings​.