The Los Angeles Chargers it a massive home run by selecting former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick in the draft – just one pick after the Miami Dolphins gambled on former Alabama signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa. Now, as they get set for the upcoming 2021 regular season, there’s more hope surrounding the Bolts than there has been in several years.
Will the Chargers challenge for a winning record? Is a postseason appearance in the works for Herbert and company? Could the Bolts make the leap from good to great in a division that features two-time reigning AFC Champion Kansas City? The 2021 NFL regular season might still be months off, but it’s never too soon to start making preparations for any new NFL campaign. Let’s look at LA’s upcoming 2021 regular season schedule with some fun-filled predictions for each matchup so you start planning your bets against their NFL odds.
NFL Betting – Los Angeles Chargers Calendar Odds & Analysis For the 2021-22 Season
at Washington, Sun., Sept. 12, 10:00 a.m. PT (CBS) — The Chargers have the clear-cut edge at quarterback and it’s not even close with Washington going with either Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Allen or Taylor Heinicke…yikes! Win.
Vs Dallas, Sun., Sept. 19, 1:25 p.m. PT (CBS) — Dak Prescott is back under center and has a boatload of weapons at the skill position. I’m going with the Cowboys to get it done in a high-scoring shootout. Loss.
at Kansas City, Sun., Sept. 26, 10:00 a.m. PT (CBS) — Justin Herbert passed for 302 yards with three touchdowns and no picks in LA’s season-ending 38-21 win over Kansas City. The Bolts also kept it close in their 23-20 overtime home loss against the Chiefs in Week 2 last season. Still, Kansas City needs to win this Week 3 meeting – and they will. Loss.
Vs Las Vegas, Mon., Oct. 4, 5:15 p.m. PT (ESPN) — The Chargers have won 12 of the past 18 home contests against the Raiders. The longtime division rivals split their two regular season meetings a year with each winning on the road. This time around, both teams take care of business at home. Win.
Vs Cleveland, Sun., Sept. 10, 1:05 p.m. PT (CBS) — Cleveland is a bit further along in their rebuild than LA, even though I don’t think Baker Mayfield can hold a candle to Justin Herbert. Still, the Browns get it done on the road. Loss.
at Baltimore, Sun., Oct. 17, 10:00 a.m. PT (CBS) — Baltimore should contend for the AFC Championship in 2021 after winning their first playoff game under Lamar Jackson last season. The Ravens take care of business at home. Loss.
Vs New England, Sun., Oct. 31, 1:05 p.m. PT (CBS) — Los Angeles will host New England for the second-straight season after getting completely embarrassed in last season’s stunning 45-0 smackdown in Week 13. The Chargers get it done this time around as Herbert outplays whoever is under center for the Patriots. Win.
at Philadelphia, Sun., Nov. 7, 1:05 p.m. PT (CBS) — The Bolts are in the City of Brotherly Love for the first time since 2013. LA gets it done against a dysfunctional Eagles franchise even though I really, really like Jalen Hurts. Win.
Vs Minnesota, Sun., Nov. 14, 1:05 p.m. PT (FOX) — The Bolts host the Vikings for just the fourth time since 1981. Minnesota was a complete mess defensively a year ago, but I’m expecting a bounce-back campaign in 2021. Still, this matchup looks like one the Chargers should win. Kirk Cousins is mediocre even on his best day while Justin Herbert has stardom in his future. Win.
Vs Pittsburgh, Sun., Nov. 21, 5:20 p.m. PT (NBC) — The Chargers and Steelers have split the last four meetings with each contest being decided by a touchdown or less. I’m going with Pittsburgh here seeing as how Mike Tomlin is way, way better in the head coaching department. Loss.
at Denver, Sun., Nov. 28, 1:05 p.m. PT (CBS) — The Chargers split with their longtime AFC West division rivals a year ago with each team taking care of business at home. I smell another split in 2021 with each winning at home again. Loss.
at Cincinnati, Sun., Dec. 5, 10:00 a.m. PT (FOX) — This game features two of the league’s brightest young second-year signal-callers in Herbert and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. The Bolts won in Cincy 16-13 in Week 1 a year ago, but this time around, Burrow and company get some revenge. Loss.
Vs New York Giants, Sun., Dec. 12, 1:05 p.m. PT (FOX) — The Giants had a solid season a year ago in Year 1 of the Joe Judge era. Still, I like Herbert to out-duel New York’s ‘Danny Dimes’ in this one. Please stop laughing at Daniel Jones’ nickname. Win.
Vs Kansas City, Thurs., Dec. 16, 5:20 p.m. PT (FOX/NFL NETWORK/AMAZON) — The Chargers get the upset at home in this matchup just because it’s a division matchup and these longtime rivals mostly hate one another. Win.
at Houston, Sun., Dec. 26, 10:00 a.m. PT (CBS) — The Texans should be a complete and utter mess in 2021. Unless Deshaun Watson is back under center in Houston, the AFC South cellar dwellers will have no chance. Win.
Vs Denver, Sun., Jan. 2, 1:05 p.m. PT (CBS) — Remember that split I mentioned? Simply put, LA gets it done at home. Win.
at Las Vegas, Sun., Jan. 9, 1:25 p.m. PT (CBS) — Remember that split I talked about earlier? The Bolts lose their 2021 regular season finale. Win.
2021 Record: I’ve got the Chargers going 10-7 in 2021.
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