Chargers Eye Breakthrough in Crowded AFC as Harbaugh Era Begins
The Chargers are gearing up for a serious playoff push, and with the Super Bowl set to be played in their own backyard in Los Angeles, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But to get there, they’ll have to navigate a loaded AFC that’s been dominated by one team for most of the decade-and that team is far from done.
The Chiefs Still Loom Large
Let’s not kid ourselves: the road to the Super Bowl in the AFC still runs through Kansas City. The Chargers did manage to sweep the Chiefs in the regular season last year, finishing 5-1 in the division, but that’s only part of the story.
Patrick Mahomes is sidelined this offseason with a knee injury-suffered, notably, against the Chargers-but counting him out has never been a smart play. This is a guy who’s built a career on defying expectations, and you can bet the Chargers are now circled on his mental whiteboard.
The Chiefs’ resume speaks for itself. Three Super Bowl wins this decade-2020, 2023, and 2024-put them in dynasty territory.
They’ve also had their share of heartbreak, including a blowout loss to the Eagles in 2025 and another Super Bowl defeat earlier in the decade. But even in their down years, they’ve been right there, knocking on the door.
The Chargers? They’ve made it to the postseason three times in the 2020s and are still looking for their first playoff win of the decade.
That’s the gap they’re trying to close.
Harbaugh & McDaniel Bring New Energy
To help bridge that gap, the Chargers brought in two of the most compelling coaching minds in football. Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel now share the sideline, and that combination could be exactly what this team needs to take the next step. Harbaugh brings a no-nonsense, culture-resetting presence, while McDaniel adds a creative spark to the offensive side of the ball.
The centerpiece, of course, remains Justin Herbert. He’s already earned MVP votes and has the arm talent to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league.
But for Herbert to thrive, the Chargers need to keep him upright. That means the offensive line has to stay healthy and consistent-something that’s been easier said than done in recent years.
As for the weapons on the outside, there’s talent, but no one’s breaking into the elite tier just yet. If the Chargers want to make real noise, they’ll need one of their pass-catchers to emerge as a true difference-maker.
The AFC Gauntlet
Even if the Chargers can stay healthy and put it all together, the AFC is a minefield. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are still very much in the mix, both capable of carrying their teams deep into the postseason.
Joe Burrow, who already has a Super Bowl appearance under his belt, is always a threat when healthy. And then there’s Trevor Lawrence-who’s already beaten the Chargers in a playoff game.
He’ll come into next season with a versatile weapon in Travis Hunter, who’s expected to contribute on both sides of the ball.
Closer to home, the AFC West isn’t getting any easier. The Broncos boast one of the league’s best defenses and a proven head coach in Sean Payton.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix turned heads before his injury this season, and there’s real belief in Denver that he could be the long-term answer. Some even think his absence may have cost the Broncos a shot at the Super Bowl.
A New Chapter, Same High Expectations
The Chargers are entering a pivotal chapter in their franchise history. With a new coaching staff, a franchise quarterback in his prime, and a conference full of heavyweights, the pressure is on-but so is the opportunity.
The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting it all together and proving they can win when it matters most.
They’ve been the talented team on paper before. This time, they’re aiming to be the team that delivers in January-and maybe even February.