The Chargers Most Intriguing Games For 2019
The Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2019 season full of expectations. While they aspire to get into the Super Bowl, they have to get past some very tough competition. What follows are some of the Chargers most intriguing games of the 2019 season.
Week 3 – vs Houston Texans
The Texans have two of the most exciting players in the NFL with quarterback Deshaun Watson and defensive end J.J. Watt. Watson followed an injury-shortened yet exciting rookie season with a Pro Bowl season in 2018. He threw for 4,165 yards and rushed for an additional 551 yards while recording 31 total touchdowns. Much has been said about his potential and so far it appears that he can beat anyone.
Watt is one of only two players to receive the Defensive Player of the Year award three times, the other player being New York Giants immortal Lawrence Taylor. While Watt battled through injury-shortened seasons in 2016 and 2017 he came back strong in 2018 and returned to the Pro Bowl while recording 16 sacks during the season. It is clear that his motor has not run stagnant and he is primed for several more dominating years in the NFL.
This game will be a great early season test for both the Chargers offense and defense. They feature one of the game’s top pass-rushing duos in Watt and Jadeveon Clowney and have one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the NFL. This matchup is sure to have fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish
Week 6 – vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have made major changes this offseason with the departures of both Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. They now turn to JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner to carry the workload for the team. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has already won two Super Bowls and is hungry for a third.
The Chargers defense should get a good workout from this offense which is an interesting blend of age and youth. With Roethlisberger’s experience and poise, the Steelers should put up a fight throughout the game.
Week 9 – vs Green Bay Packers
The Packers are going through major changes after hiring Matt LaFleur to be their next head coach. However, they still have Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams which has proven to be one of the most lethal passing combinations in the league. In what will probably be the final regular-season matchup between Rodgers and Philip Rivers, fans should expect nothing less than a shootout.
Week 10 – at Oakland Raiders
The Raiders made a number of big moves during the offseason, the most impactful of which was the signing of receiver Antonio Brown. They also signed free agents Trent Brown, Richie Incognito, Isaiah Crowell, and Vontaze Burfict. Despite the busy offseason, the Raiders running game is still suspect and it is unknown how it will fair late in the season. As a result, this game may turn into a shootout between two of the game’s best quarterbacks, and division rivals.
Week 11 – vs Kansas City Chiefs
Led by coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs had the NFL’s best offense in 2018 and look to continue their dominance in the AFC West. Standing in their way are the Chargers who nearly stole the division from the Chiefs last year. The Chiefs lost several players in the offseason and their level of play is a big question going into the 2019 season. This will be the first of two battles for the AFC West crown in what may be the NFL’s best rivalry of the season.
Week 17 – at Kansas City Chiefs
After a long, hard-fought season, this game will most likely determine the AFC West champion. The only question: will it be a shootout or a defensive slugfest?