The schedule: Game-by-game breakdowns and predictions
The Chargers' Week 1 is really like Week 1 and Week 2 all rolled into one.
After all, they open the 2022 season at home against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon and then travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs on Thursday night in the debut of Amazon Prime Video, two key games in a demanding fiveday span.
“It is pretty unique just because you are not going to have a really regular weekly schedule and rhythm until probably heading into Week 4 because we'll have extra time before Week 1, no time before Week 2, then the extra time before Week 3, and then going into Week 4 will be our first week of regular Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, walk-through Saturday and Sunday game rhythm,” Chargers linebacker Troy Reeder said.
Here's a week-by-week look at how the Chargers might fare in 2022: SUNDAY: LAS VEGAS RAIDERS, 1:25 P.M., SOFI STADIUM
In addition to the usual grudge match with the Raiders, this will be the first chance to see how Chargers GM Tom Telesco's many offseason moves to bolster the defense looks in real time. Also, maybe a payback for last season's defeat that cost the Chargers a playoff spot.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes square off for Amazon Prime Video's NFL debut? What's not to like? Don't know what Amazon Prime Video is? Ask your kids. They'll hook you up.
SEPT. 25: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS, 1:05 P.M., SOFI STADIUM
This one could be a tough test for the Chargers, but not because the Jaguars are so good. After all, they were 3-14 last season. No, the challenge for the Chargers will be to avoid a letdown in Week 3.
See above.
The Chargers won't face quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was suspended for the season's first 11 games after he was accused by two dozen women of sexual misconduct.
This will be the Chargers' first view of former Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson in a Broncos uniform. It also will be a chance to see if Denver has caught up to the pack in the AFC West.
This will be the Chargers' first view of the Seahawks without Wilson as their quarterback.
Will the Chargers be sharp after their bye week? They better be since the road gets even tougher the rest of the way.
Back in prime time for the third of five NFL appearances this season. Are the 49ers the same team that went 10-7 and reached the NFC championship game before losing to the Rams? Or something else?
Uh-oh, here they come again with Mahomes and that high-powered offense in a matchup that could end up deciding the AFC West title.
Could this be another trap game, scheduled between AFC West contests with the Chiefs and Raiders? Better
not overlook the Cardinals.
DEC. 4: LAS VEGAS RAIDERS, 1:25 P.M., ALLEGIANT STADIUM
The Chargers return to the scene of last year's season-ending OT defeat that cost them a playoff berth. It looks like a revenge game.
DEC. 11: MIAMI DOLPHINS, 1:05 P.M., SOFI STADIUM
Down to the nitty gritty with five games to play.
This looks like another tough test for the Chargers, another significant measuring stick for their season to date. How will they respond?
All games are must-win, but this one really is a mustwin game if the Chargers hope to erase last season's late-season disappointment and advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
The pressure builds to an even higher level with two weeks to go, and with added spice with the defending Super Bowl champions playing the role of big meanies in the stadium and the city the teams share.
It will probably be cold in Denver, and maybe snowy, too. But you have to believe the Chargers will pull out a victory that gives them the playoff berth they so narrowly missed in last season's finale at Las Vegas.