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The Chargers Have Fallen Further in the Latest NFL Power Rankings After Week 2
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- The Chargers Have Fallen Further in the Latest NFL Power Rankings After Week 2
Just 11 days ago, lots of people were feeling optimistic and even excited about the Los Angeles Chargers this season. But now, after abysmal 26-14 losses to the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders , the Chargers are 0-2 and in a world of hurt as they prepare for a very tough stretch of games that won't end until mid-November.
Their offense is completely out of rhythm and somehow looks even worse than it did last season under then-offensive coordinator Greg Roman. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system clearly isn't working right now, and neither is new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary's scheme on the other side of the football.
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Not surprisingly, Los Angeles has taken another tumble in the latest NFL power rankings by multiple outlets.
ESPN
Last week, ESPN had the Bolts at No. 19. Now, it has them at No. 22, and Kris Rhim outlined just how terrible their offense has looked and how poorly quarterback Justin Herbert has been playing.
"For the past two Sundays, this Chargers' offense has looked like a unit that hadn't practiced together before," Rhim wrote. "Herbert looks lost and, at moments, angrier than he has ever been at the helm of a flat offense. He had three fumbles (all recovered) and two interceptions Sunday, though one was because of a dropped pass by tight end David Njoku . The new offense under coordinator Mike McDaniel was supposed to elevate this team into a championship contender. Instead, its star quarterback looks almost unrecognizable."
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Through two games, Herbert has a total of three interceptions and has completed 59.3% of his passes. Just as he was last season, he continues to be pressured on a large share of his dropbacks, and the skill players around him aren't consistently pulling their weight, nor are a few of his offensive linemen.
Fox Sports
The Chargers fell five spots from last week to No. 25 on Fox Sports' NFL power rankings . Ralph Vacchiano predicted doom for the Bolts in the coming weeks.
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"The Chargers are 0-2," Vacchiano wrote. "So, if you're a fan, do yourself a favor and avoid looking at the next seven games on the schedule. It's not farfetched to predict L.A. will soon be 0-9."
The team will visit the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks over the next two weeks before hosting the Denver Broncos in Week 5 and facing the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 6. It will get a brief respite with its bye in Week 7 before playing the Los Angeles Rams , Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens during the following three weeks.
NFL.com
The Chargers fell hard on this NFL power ranking from No. 20 last week to No. 29 this week . Only the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins ranked lower than them.
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"I find it hard to believe that, after two weeks, the Chargers are here, below the [ Cleveland ] Browns , [New York] Jets , [ Tennessee ] Titans and [Washington] Commanders ," wrote Nick Shook. "And yet, they haven't played better than any of those teams to this point. Justin Herbert still rips a few beautiful throws per game, but there's no telling whether his teammate on the receiving end will actually hang on to the ball. The mistakes and sloppiness on both sides — pre-snap penalties, dropped passes, fumbles, blown coverages — are too frequent, and this team looks nothing like one coached by a Harbaugh. Los Angeles was in position to win Sunday, and ended up losing by 12 to a Las Vegas team that won three games last year. There's plenty to correct and a brutal schedule ahead for the Bolts, whose 0-2 start might only be the beginning of their problems."
Bleacher Report
Last week, Bleacher Report had Los Angeles at No. 19. Now, it has the team at No. 25, and Gary Davenport kept it real about its overall situation.
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"There isn't a team in the NFL that should be freaking out more two weeks into the season than the Los Angeles Chargers," Davenport wrote. "Of that there is zero doubt.
"The Chargers were supposed to be contenders. And with two straight home games against perceived tomato cans, the Chargers were supposed to start the season hot.
"Instead, the Chargers are winless. The offense hasn't scored more than 14 points in a game. The defense has allowed 52 points to the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders.
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"Now? That soft schedule becomes Mortal Kombat "fatality" time. Between now and the bye, the Bolts face Buffalo and Seattle (both on the road) before hosting the Broncos and traveling to Arrowhead to face the Chiefs.
"Given that schedule and what we have seen from this team to date in 2026, the Chargers may well be cooked by Halloween."
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
