As the old saying goes, it isn’t how you start, it is how you finish. That couldn’t be more true for the Los Angeles Chargers. In Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, they managed just nine points in the first three quarters and 13 in the final chapter.
Now that the first week of football has passed, how do the Chargers stack up against the rest of the league?
Related: How to Watch Los Angeles Chargers Games in 2024
Los Angeles Chargers Analytics Rankings
Chargers EPA Per Play: by RBSDM.com
- Offense – 20th
- Defense – 4th
DVOA:
- Total – 7th
- Offense – 21st
- Defense – 5th
- Special Teams – 22nd
ESPN NFL Football Power Index:
- Total – 19th
- Offense – 19th
- Defense – 19th
- Special Teams – 5th
Los Angeles Chargers Power Rankings
ESPN Power Rankings: 17th
+3 since preseason
Key Factor: Dobbins, who signed a one-year deal with Los Angeles this offseason, broke free for two long runs (41 and 61 yards) that turned the game around for the Chargers’ stalling offense. He finished with 135 yards and one touchdown, the most yards by a Chargers RB in a season opener. Dobbins probably would have had more yards, but he was caught from behind and tackled by Raiders defenders on both big gains. Dobbins was disappointed about that postgame, saying he needed to get in shape. — Kris Rhim
The Athletic: 17th
+8 since preseason
Key Factors: Justin Herbert passed for 144 yards. J.K. Dobbins rushed for 135 (on 10 carries). Welcome back to the NFL, Jim Harbaugh! – Josh Kendall
Sharp Football Analysis Rankings: 10th
+11 since preseason
Key Factors: J.K. Dobbins had an impressive debut, rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown. Joey Bosa was particularly effective, especially in run defense. The Chargers scored on all their red zone possessions (2 TDs, 2 FGs), showing good execution in crucial areas. – Pamela Maldonado
NFL.com Power Rankings: 12th
+1 since preseason
Key Factor: The defense is a nice change of pace in Chargers country after last season, although the Raiders and their lackluster offense were part of that equation. There’s still some tidying needed in the Bolts’ secondary, and I fear the lack of weapons for Justin Herbert, but the encouraging debut of J.K. Dobbins and a hard-earned win made for a solid launching pad for the Harbaugh era. – Eric Edholm
Bleacher Report Rankings: 19th
+2 since preseason
Key Factor: The Chargers played lights-out defensively, allowing just 296 yards of offense, forced three turnovers, and sacked Gardner Minshew II four times. – BR NFL Staff
CBS Sports Rankings: 11th
+7 since preseason
Key Factor: Jim Harbaugh won his opener, but it wasn’t pretty. Then again, winning ugly and tough is the Harbaugh way. – Pete Prisco
