{"id":63793,"date":"2019-04-19T12:21:20","date_gmt":"2019-04-19T16:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=63793"},"modified":"2021-05-23T17:08:51","modified_gmt":"2021-05-23T21:08:51","slug":"reacting-to-the-los-angeles-chargers-2019-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/04\/19\/reacting-to-the-los-angeles-chargers-2019-schedule\/","title":{"rendered":"Reacting to the Los Angeles Chargers 2019 Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As we get closer to the NFL Draft, another occurrence in the league has happened: the schedule for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/chargers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Los Angeles Chargers<\/a> and all the other 31 teams has been released. This year, the Chargers are getting four prime time games including a trip to Mexico. Let\u2019s take an early look at what the schedule holds:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">OUR SCHEDULE IS SET. <\/p>\n<p>what games do you have circled?! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/uqd0vhX7GQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/uqd0vhX7GQ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/chargers\/status\/1118917355508092928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 18, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h1><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Looking at the Los Angeles Chargers 2019 Schedule<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Prime Time Games\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This year\u2019s prime time games for the Chargers include: a rematch with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/steelers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> in Week Six on Sunday Night, traveling to play the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/raiders\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Oakland Raiders<\/a> in Week Ten on Thursday Night, playing the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/chiefs\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> in Mexico City in Week 11, and hosting the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/vikings\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Minnesota Vikings<\/a> on Sunday Night in Week 15.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Steelers game will be interesting, as these two played a prime time game <a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/2018\/12\/03\/los-angeles-chargers-make-statement-win-pittsburgh-steelers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">just last year<\/a>, where the Steelers blew a 23-7 lead and the Chargers won 33-30 on a field goal after a bizarre sequence of repeated offsides jumps by the Steelers. Their roster will look a bit different this year without <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=BrowAn04,BrowAn01&amp;search=Antonio+Brown&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Antonio Brown<\/a><\/strong> around. We\u2019ll see whether the Chargers secondary will be able to hold off the offense again or not.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The late-in-the-season Vikings game will be interesting too, as we\u2019ll see if <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/C\/CousKi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kirk Cousins<\/a> <\/strong>is able to play well in what will likely be an important game. If he continues to struggle in prime time, the Chargers ought to come away with that win. The Raiders game is probably the least interesting of the bunch because while these two teams do usually play each other close, the Raiders seem least likely to be a playoff contender this season. Still, the Chargers shouldn\u2019t sleep on them either and games between divisional opponents often go in unexpected directions.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dealing with the Chiefs Twice<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Arguably the two most important games of the season are the two matchups with the Chiefs. Both teams finished 12-4 last year and established themselves as AFC heavyweights. There aren\u2019t\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">really even<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0any other AFC contenders on the schedule in the second half of the season. Last year the Chargers and Chiefs split the series, which included a prime time game late in the season where the Chargers won by going for a two-point conversion instead of taking overtime.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This year we should expect more tightly contested matches with the Chiefs. The Chiefs offense is quite difficult to defend, due mainly to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/M\/MahoPa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrick Mahomes<\/a><\/strong> and<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HillTy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyreek Hill<\/a><\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/R\/RivePh00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Philip Rivers<\/a><\/strong> vs Mahomes could end up being the kind of quarterback duel that will leave defensive coordinators furious.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Chargers will be losing their home game against the Chiefs due to the Mexico game. While some fans may be frustrated by that, they should remember that the Chargers bizarrely often played better on the road last year \u2013 which included the win over the Chiefs. (Last year they went 7-1 on the road; or 8-1 if you count the London game.) If that continues to be the case this year, then playing the Chiefs twice away from home could\u00a0actually be\u00a0to the advantage of the Chargers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Other Interesting Games on the Schedule\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A couple of early-season games with the two AFC South playoff teams from last year \u2013 hosting the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/colts\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Indianapolis Colts<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/texans\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Houston Texans<\/a> in Weeks One and Three, respectively \u2013 ought to be interesting. Both teams have high-octane offenses and have been getting better on defense too, so those will be ones to watch out for.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In terms of playing a tough defense, the toughest game of the season may be in Week Eight when the Chargers travel to play the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/bears\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicago Bears<\/a>. Due to the likely pressure from the defensive line led by <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/M\/MackKh00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Khalil Mack<\/a><\/strong>, that will likely be a game where Rivers will have to get the ball out of his hands faster than usual \u2013 or risk ending up with his back on the turf a lot.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Last Word<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The schedule looks to be noticeably easier in the second half; despite including both Chiefs games, it also includes both Raiders games,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and also<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0matchups with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars. All three of those teams seem unlikely to be playoff contenders right now. Obviously, a lot can happen between now and then. But it looks like the Chargers will have things easier down the stretch.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Last year the Chargers finished 12-4 in a year in which they went 4-3 against teams with winning records \u2013 and that was without <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HenrHu00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hunter Henry<\/a><\/strong> for the entire season and without <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/B\/BosaJo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joey Bosa<\/a><\/strong> for most of it. Assuming the stars of the team stay healthy, it seems reasonable to expect another 11-to-12-win season. The question will be how far they can go in the playoffs this time.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo:<br \/>\n<a id=\"-26Yl0FHQvxGEdyLffkkTw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1094119994\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'-26Yl0FHQvxGEdyLffkkTw',sig:'s8z1RgaRHjvpR8re4YemxHHYlyIpTIxk5C2rmvZPed4=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1094119994',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Los Angeles Chargers 2019 schedule has been released. Let&#8217;s take an early look at what the schedule holds for the team this year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2355,"featured_media":63800,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[54,18],"tags":[7377],"class_list":["post-63793","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorials","category-chargers","tag-los-angeles-chargers-roster"],"modified_by":"David Latham, Managing Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63793","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2355"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=63793"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63793\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63800"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63793"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=63793"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=63793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}