The Los Angeles Chargers were one of the most improved teams during the 2024 NFL season, increasing their win total from five to 11 despite significant offseason roster adjustments due to salary cap constraints. Only two teams saw a greater jump in wins: the Washington Commanders (four to 12) and the Minnesota Vikings (seven to 14).
After such a dramatic improvement from 2023 to 2024, how much further can the Chargers progress in 2025? Some believe they are once again primed for a major leap.
CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr recently highlighted five teams he expects to make significant strides in 2025. Alongside the Chargers, he listed the Patriots, Seahawks, 49ers, and Panthers. The Seahawks and Chargers were the only teams on the list to finish above .500, with Seattle being the only 10-win team that missed the postseason.
Kerr praised the Chargers’ turnaround under head coach Jim Harbaugh, noting how the team embraced a formula built on a strong running game and solid defense to secure a playoff spot.
“What does Harbaugh have in store for Year 2?” Kerr wrote. “The Chargers will have $63.4 million in cap space to bolster their roster, particularly on the interior offensive line and at tight end. They could also benefit from additional depth on the defensive line and another receiving weapon for Justin Herbert.”
Kerr believes the Chargers should be a playoff team in 2025 and could win a postseason game if they make the right offseason moves.
The expectation moving forward is for the Chargers to be a consistent playoff contender. However, maintaining success has been a challenge in recent years. Anthony Lynn’s 12-win season in 2018 was followed by a disappointing seven-win campaign. Similarly, Brandon Staley’s 10-win season was followed by a five-win disaster that led to his dismissal.
For Harbaugh to truly elevate the Chargers to the next level, they’ll need to replicate the sustained success of the late 2000s, when they posted winning records in six of seven seasons from 2004-2010. While those teams benefited from multiple future Hall of Famers, one could argue this current roster has similar potential.
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