The Chargers are gearing up for another season of extensive travel in 2026, following a grueling 2025 schedule. This year, they're set to make four trips to the East Coast, which is no small feat considering the physical and mental toll travel can take on players and coaches alike.
Last season, the Chargers clocked in a significant number of miles, largely due to their Week 1 showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil. Despite hopes for a lighter travel load this year, the Chargers' schedule remains demanding.
Here's the lineup of road games for the Chargers this season:
- Denver Broncos
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- Baltimore Ravens
- Seattle Seahawks
- Los Angeles Rams
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Silver Lining
One bright spot in the schedule is the matchup against the Rams. As both teams share SoFi Stadium, this "away" game requires no travel, allowing players to enjoy the comfort of their own beds and locker rooms.
The Travel Challenge
However, the other eight road games add up to a staggering 24,796 miles. This would typically rank among the top five in the NFL for travel distance, but it's nothing new for the Chargers. Here's how their travel has stacked up in recent years:
- 2025: 37,086 miles (1st in NFL)
- 2024: 26,803 miles (1st in NFL)
- 2023: 26,102 miles (5th in NFL)
- 2022: 20,684 miles (7th in NFL)
- 2021: 25,467 miles (5th in NFL)
The hefty mileage this year is due to four separate East Coast trips to face the Dolphins, Ravens, Bills, and Buccaneers. If luck is on their side, they might get back-to-back games in Florida, allowing them to stay and practice without additional travel.
The Bigger Picture
The NFL, under Commissioner Roger Goodell, continues to expand its international presence. Last season featured seven international games across five countries. This year, the league aims to increase that number, with potential games in the UK, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, and Paris.
While the international push is exciting for fans globally, it adds another layer of complexity to the players' travel schedules. With the league's expansion and the addition of a 17th regular season game, the demands on players continue to grow.