The Los Angeles Chargers started their season with a comfortable win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but it wasn’t enough to make a leap in Mike Florio’s latest Power Rankings. According to the Pro Football Talk analyst, the Chargers remain the 18th-best team in football, stuck in the same tier as organizations like the New York Jets, Cleveland Borwns, Atlanta Falcons, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
18. Chargers (No. 18; 1-0): J.K. Dobbins, when healthy, is one of the best running backs in the league.
Chargers Earn 18th Spot In ProFootballTalk Power Rankings
Florio ranked every single team in the league and thus didn’t have time to give full justifications for every selection. J.K. Dobbins had a remarkable game, overcoming the odds in his return from an Achilles injury to record 135 rushing yards and one touchdown on just 10 carries. He should be the lead back moving forward and will be an effective starter if he’s healthy. However, running back isn’t the most important position by any stretch of the imagination, as Los Angeles had several other key players responsible for their Week 1 dominance.
First-round pick Joe Alt hit the ground running with one of the most impressive rookie debuts out there. Playing somewhat out of position at right tackle, the Notre Dame product locked down one of the league’s best pass rushers in Maxx Crosby. With Rashawn Slater playing well on the other side, Jim Harbaugh’s vision is starting to come to life. Additionally, the defense played well against an admittedly weak Raiders team, with veteran edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack combining for 2.5 sacks throughout the contest.
The biggest reason for the Chargers relatively unimpressive spot in the Power Rankings is the passing game. Justin Herbert remains elite, but nobody can move an offense without reliable weapons. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey led the way with five receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown, but the rest of the depth chart didn’t do much of anything. Quentin Johnston didn’t build on his disastrous rookie season, and Los Angeles will likely need to trade for a legitimate perimeter threat if they want to be a contender in 2025.
Is This Ranking Fair?
Nobody believes the Los Angeles Chargers are a top team as currently constructed, but should they have a higher spot in the Power Rankings? With better coaching bringing out the best in the defense, the only major question on this team is at the wide receiver and tight end positions. Herbert finished Week 1 ranked 25th in EPA/play, which is not a sustainable way to win games. Herbert himself isn’t the issue, so somebody must step up at the wide receiver position. Perhaps the Chargers could trade for Diontae Johnson once the Carolina Panthers officially give up on the 2024 season, but until then, they’ll probably remain in the NFL’s middle class.
All teams grouped around the Chargers in Florio’s Power Rankings are similarly flawed. Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins struggled in their respective returns from Achilles injuries, but both players should improve with more reps. The Cleveland Browns have an elite roster held back by a bottom-five quarterback in Deshaun Watson, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are mediocrity personified.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
