Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL has already delivered a solid first chapter with the Los Angeles Chargers, but one national prediction is throwing a cold bucket of water on the idea that the momentum will keep rolling into 2026.
After a 11-6 finish last season and a No. 2 spot in the AFC West behind the Denver Broncos, the Chargers looked like a team moving in the right direction. That wasn’t enough to satisfy the bigger goals, though, and now Harbaugh is heading into another season with expectations attached.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton raised the stakes on Tuesday in a piece about the “biggest surprises that could shake up” the upcoming season, and one of his calls is a rough one for Los Angeles: the Chargers will miss the postseason for the first time in the Harbaugh era.
The concern, according to Moton, starts on defense. He believes the unit could surrender too many points, even if Justin Herbert puts together a big year through the air.
"(Justin) Herbert may have a career year in passing, but it may not be enough to get the Chargers to the postseason if their defense gives up points in bunches to playoff-caliber opponents and elite-level quarterbacks," Moton states.
Moton also points to a brutal midseason gauntlet that could make life even harder. He highlighted a stretch from Weeks 3 through 10 that includes road games against the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens, along with home matchups against the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans.
It’s a demanding setup for Los Angeles, and another test for Harbaugh as he tries to keep the Chargers on an upward path.
In Other News...
Chargers Practice Squad Shuffle Brings In Some Very Familiar Names
The Chargers roster work for 2026 didnt stop at the 53-man deadline. After trimming down the active group, the team turned to the practice squad and added a mix of developmental depth and one especially familiar name, signing tight end Patrick Herbert, the younger brother of quarterback Justin Herbert, along with cornerback Kaiir Elam, wide receiver Theo Wease and defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson.
It also meant a few familiar faces moved out of the picture, with cornerback Isas Waxter, wide receiver Devonte Ross and defensive lineman Jahmeer Carter all released from the practice squad. For a Chargers team trying to keep as much quality depth around its quarterback as possible, the family connection attached to Herberts latest addition is the kind of detail that will keep getting attention as the week unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Add Another Mike McDaniel Connection Fans Should Keep An Eye On
After trimming to their Week 1 roster, the Chargers have added another familiar name to the mix by signing wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. to the practice squad. Wease comes in as an undrafted free agent from 2025 and gives Los Angeles another body in a receiver room that can never really have too much depth once the regular season starts.
Wease also brings a small but notable connection to Mike McDaniels orbit, having spent time with the Miami Dolphins under the offensive coordinator before landing in Los Angeles. He got into one game last season and found the end zone, a reminder that even a practice squad addition can carry a little upside if the right opening comes along. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Suddenly Have A Week 1 Problem At Linebacker
Denzel Perrymans season-opening trip to injured reserve leaves the Chargers with an early-season hole to sort out at linebacker, and it comes at a time when Jim Harbaugh is still trying to settle roles across the roster. Perryman will miss at least four games, and Harbaugh said the return timeline will hinge on how his rehab goes, which only adds another layer of uncertainty to a position group that now needs a starter by default.
Los Angeles does have options on the depth chart, with Troy Dye, DelShawn Phillips and Marlowe Wax all in the mix for snaps, but the team has not publicly settled on who will take over the job. For a defense that wants stability right away, the bigger issue may be how quickly someone can step in and look the part while Perryman works his way back. [Read more 🡒]