Where do Chargers rank in early 2026 NFL power rankings?

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the return of football and speculating on which teams will come out on top. One team that has been generating a lot of buzz in the early power rankings is the Los Angeles Chargers. With a talented roster and a promising young quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Chargers are poised to make some noise in the upcoming season.

The Chargers finished the 2025 season with a respectable 10-7 record and made it to the playoffs, where they were ultimately eliminated in the divisional round by the eventual Super Bowl champions. Despite the disappointment of an early playoff exit, the Chargers showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season and demonstrated that they have the potential to be a formidable contender in the league.

Heading into the 2026 season, the Chargers have made some key additions to their roster through free agency and the draft. One of the most notable signings was veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, who will provide a reliable target for Herbert in the passing game. The Chargers also bolstered their defense by adding defensive end Joey Bosa, who is known for his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

In addition to their offseason acquisitions, the Chargers have a solid core of returning players who are expected to play key roles in the team’s success. Running back Austin Ekeler, tight end Jared Cook, and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. are just a few of the players who will be counted on to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.

With all of these pieces in place, the Chargers have garnered the attention of many NFL experts and analysts who are predicting that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 season. In a recent article published by ESPN, the Chargers were ranked as the fifth-best team in the league in their early power rankings. The article praised the team’s talented roster and highlighted their potential to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.

Other experts have also weighed in on the Chargers’ prospects for the 2026 season. In an interview with NFL Network, analyst Daniel Jeremiah expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to compete at a high level in the upcoming season. Jeremiah pointed to Herbert’s development as a quarterback and the team’s strong defense as reasons why the Chargers could be a contender in the AFC.

Despite the optimism surrounding the Chargers, there are still some questions that remain about the team heading into the 2026 season. One of the biggest concerns for the Chargers is their offensive line, which struggled at times during the 2025 season. If the Chargers are unable to protect Herbert and give him enough time in the pocket, it could hinder the team’s ability to succeed on offense.

Another area of concern for the Chargers is their secondary, which struggled at times last season. While the addition of Asante Samuel Jr. should help bolster the unit, there are still questions about the overall depth and talent in the defensive backfield.

Despite these concerns, the Chargers have a lot of reasons to be optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming season. With a talented roster, a promising young quarterback, and a coaching staff that is dedicated to bringing out the best in their players, the Chargers have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on the Los Angeles Chargers as they look to build on their success from last season and make a run at the playoffs. With a talented roster and a promising young quarterback leading the way, the Chargers have the potential to surprise a lot of people and establish themselves as one of the top teams in the league. Only time will tell how the season will unfold, but one thing is for certain – the Chargers are a team to watch in the upcoming season.

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Source: USA Today