Popper not only assured that Mitchell is a great fit for the Chargers, but also that the “acceleration and threatening speed to the edge will thrive” under the McDaniel scheme. Mitchell’s skill set compares to what McDaniel had in Miami with De’Von Achane, albeit with far lesser production.

Still, Mitchell had 341 yards averaging a whopping 5.8 yards per carry. Achane averaged a 5.7 yards per attempt, which led the NFL in players with more than 6.25 rushes per game. Hence, now they have an explosive player ready to roll.

Mitchell will be RB2 though

Despite all the buzz around his signing, it’s still expected that Mitchell will serve as the second back on the team, with Omarion Hampton carrying the bigger workload. Hampton is a more physical, straight runner than Mitchell.

Hampton is a more complete, high-volume back. Mitchell will be used as a specialized, change-of-pace weapon. Now, he might thrive and excel at that role, which is what Popper reported. The running game could be a massive unit for the Chargers.

The Chargers coaching staff is a rush-loving crew

Jim Harbaugh loves a good running game. Mike McDaniel is a sucker for a good running game. Hence, look at it now. Two running backs, two different skill sets, and two masterminds when it comes to running the football.

There’s also plenty of hype on Oronde Gadsden, the tight end. However, the real evolution in this offense will be how the running game helps unleash Justin Herbert. The quarterback could have plenty of help if the running backs do their job.

The latest report, shared by insider Ian Rapoport on X, indicates that the Los Angeles franchise is set to interview former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel in the coming days.

While McDaniel remains one of the leading candidates to land a head coaching job among the teams that parted ways with their HC this past season, his strong track record as an offensive coordinator makes him an ideal fit to work alongside Harbaugh following Greg Roman’s departure.

The former Dolphins coach is also believed to be a top target for the Detroit Lions, who are reportedly eyeing him as a potential addition to Dan Campbell’s staff. Ultimately, it will come down to which direction McDaniel chooses as he weighs his options ahead of next season.

Harbaugh targets a fresh start

Two straight playoff exits—combined with just one total touchdown scored across both games—have forced the Chargers into a period of self-reflection. Greg Roman’s departure felt inevitable, and now Harbaugh understands that the team needs a breath of fresh air moving forward.

“A fresh start, a new direction,” the HC said, via the team’s official website. “Greg is a great football mind, had a lot of success. Also a fresh start for him, fresh start for our team and our offense.”

He also added: “There was much that was done well, much that was done really good. Multiple [offensive] line combinations, that was true. It was very hard, very tough. The NFL is unforgiving, it’s unfair, it’s hard, that’s the nature of the business. What we feel like is a direction that’s going to make us better, we’re always striving for that. Whether that’s with players, coaches, myself included. It’s a results-oriented business.”

Herbert looks to boost his 2025 stats

Last season, Justin Herbert posted 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions with a 60.8 QBR. While these numbers remain solid, he will likely aim to sharpen his efficiency and reduce turnovers to reclaim his status among the league’s elite next year.

Last season, Harbaugh began the turnaround with an 11-6 record, but they had a surprising early exit in the playoffs after losing 32-12 to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.

Now, the Chargers are seeking revenge with a real shot at the AFC West after the Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from the division race. However, a loss in Week 17 could be a major setback for those aspirations.

Are the Chargers out of the NFL playoffs with a loss against Texans?

No. The Chargers are not out of the playoffs if they lose to the Texans, as they have already clinched a spot in the postseason. The big problem is that, with a loss by Los Angeles, the Denver Broncos would be crowned AFC West champions.

How can the Chargers win the AFC West?

The Chargers can win the AFC West if they secure victories in their remaining games against the Houston Texans and the Broncos. They control their destiny to become division champions because, in the event of a tie with Denver at 13-4, Jim Harbaugh’s team would hold the tiebreaker.

What happens if Los Angeles Chargers lose today against Texans in NFL Week 17?

If the Chargers lose today against the Houston Texans, they would fall to an 11–5 record, and the Denver Broncos would automatically become AFC West champions.

However, in a very important detail, the Los Angeles Chargers have already secured their playoff spot, but they could drop to the No. 7 seed, putting them in a position to play the entire postseason on the road.

Ahead of Week 16, the Chargers remain in second place in their division, having suffered just four losses while racking up ten wins. Their most recent victory, a hard-fought win over Kansas City at Arrowhead, may prove to be the most decisive so far.

Even with a postseason berth still within reach, if the Chargers lose in Week 16 against the Cowboys, their probability of making the playoffs drops to 91%. Conversely, according to the NFL’s official site, a win would boost that number to 99%, virtually securing their Wild Card spot.

The last time they reached this stage was just last season, when they fell to the Houston Texans 32–12 in the Wild Card round. In that game, Justin Herbert had a disastrous performance, throwing a career-high four interceptions.

Herbert’s outstanding season

This season, Justin Herbert has guided the Chargers to a 10–4 record, recording 3,191 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. While his 58.4 QBR reflects a year of adjustment under Jim Harbaugh‘s new system, he remains the focal point of the offense as they prepare for a high-stakes Week 16 matchup against the Cowboys.

What’s next for the Chargers?

The Los Angeles Chargers will wrap up their regular season with a high-profile road game against the Cowboys, a Saturday home clash with the Texans, and a final divisional battle against the Broncos in Denver. The Chargers are looking to maintain their momentum and secure the best possible seeding as they head into the postseason.

AFC West standings before Week 16

With only a handful of games left, the Denver Broncos have already secured a playoff spot after posting a 12–2 record heading into Week 16. The Chargers are nearly locked into the postseason, while both the Chiefs and Raiders, each with a losing record, have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

• Denver Broncos (12-2)
• Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
• Kansas City Chiefs (6-8)
• Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)

Herbert’s performance at SoFi Stadium — defying every expectation — lifted the Chargers to a tight 22–19 overtime victory, prompting an unusual reaction from Harbaugh, who even went as far as calling him a superhero.

“Justin Herbert, he’s a superhero,” the HC said to the press. “He’s a competitive maniac. He was even stiff-arming guys with a broken hand — he had surgery a week ago. It felt like we were in a movie where the quarterback’s doing things and you get to the point where you go, ‘OK, it’s getting a little unrealistic.’ That’s what it felt like to me. He refuses to lose. He’s tough as they get. He’s a superhero quarterback.”

The head coach was also asked whether last night’s game ranks among the best moments of his life: “It’s certainly in the discussion, I’d put it in the discussion of the birth of my seven children, my marriage. In the conversation. Just joyous. The Biblical definition of that is just overflowing with joy.”

Herbert’s performance vs Eagles

Justin Herbert’s outing against the Eagles was a curious statistical anomaly, showcasing grit over efficiency. Though the Chargers secured the win, Herbert posted career-lows in several key passing metrics, completing only 12 of 26 passes for 139 yards (a career-low 46.2% completion rate) with one touchdown and one interception.

This resulted in a 59.6 QB rating, the lowest he has recorded in a victory. Despite the struggles through the air, Herbert was instrumental on the ground, rushing for a season-high 66 yards on 10 attempts. Most remarkably, Herbert managed to lead his team to a victory while somehow enduring a punishing 68.3% pressure rate throughout the contest.

Can the Chargers make the playoffs?

With just a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the Chargers’ recent win edges them even closer to their main goal. According to the NFL’s official site, they currently hold a 76% chance of making the playoffs, ahead of Week 15.

With a current record of eight wins and four losses, the West Coast squad has a single goal: secure another victory to stay within striking distance of the Denver Broncos in the AFC West. Jim Harbaugh knows the Chargers can’t let this opportunity slip, even with a formidable opponent standing in its way.

Although Justin Herbert recently underwent minor hand surgery, the latest reports from NBC’s John Clark indicate that the quarterback is expected to take the field with his teammates to face the Eagles.

Having the former Ducks player at SoFi Stadium is a significant boost for the Chargers, who will need to give 100% of their effort, especially since they’re facing one of the top contenders in the NFC.

What injury did Justin Herbert sustain?

Justin Herbert recently underwent minor surgery to address a fracture in his finger on his non-throwing hand. Although the injury was sustained earlier in the season, the team decided to perform the procedure days ago to ensure it is fully healed well for what lies ahead.

Herbert’s numbers this season

Despite facing challenges, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has once again put up impressive numbers this season. Through the air, Herbert accumulated 2,842 passing yards and threw 21 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.

While his total passing yards show his consistent volume, his 60.8 QBR reflects a solid, albeit sometimes inconsistent, performance under pressure. Herbert remains a high-volume passer whose statistics anchor the Chargers’ offense, providing hope for the team’s future despite their recent struggles.

Herbert had to undergo surgery on one of the fingers of his left hand this past Monday, and while he was seen at the facilities, he won’t be taking any practice reps alongside his teammates.

Additionally, according to insider Adam Schefter via his X account, the Chargers have not definitively confirmed whether the QB will be able to suit up at SoFi Stadium, leaving his availability for this crucial matchup still uncertain.

If Justin Herbert isn’t 100% ready for the game against the Eagles, his primary backup, Trey Lance, will take the field in his place. The Chargers will have to win no matter what to keep pace with the Broncos in the AFC West race.

Chargers’ actual playoff chances

Although the Chargers have had an outstanding season so far, racking up eight wins and four losses, they still remain a step behind the AFC West leaders, the Denver Broncos.

Monday Night Football presents an excellent opportunity for the team to move closer to securing a playoff spot. A victory over the current Super Bowl champions would give Jim Harbaugh’s squad a 76% chance of making the postseason, according to the NFL’s official site.

Conversely, if the game ends in a loss for the Chargers, their chances of making the Wild Card would drop to 51%. While not a dramatic decline, it would nonetheless push them further away from contention.

What’s next for the Chargers?

Following their MNF matchup against the Eagles, the Chargers embark on a notoriously difficult stretch that will severely test their playoff mettle. Their remaining schedule includes crucial road games visiting the Chiefs and the Cowboys in Week 16.

They also host the Texans before concluding the season with another tough road trip to face the Broncos. This sequence of opponents highlights a challenging path ahead for the team.

After Thursday’s win over the Minnesota Vikings, Jim Harbaugh highlighted his team’s performance. While Justin Herbert stood out as the main star, the HC believes there is one player who deserves more recognition: Joe Alt.

“Joe makes a huge difference. He’s a great player,” HC Jim Harbaugh said on press conference. “In his leadership, it’s a lot of player-led, coming from the captains.”

Joe Alt’s impact for the Chargers is undeniable

Joe Alt has been an outstanding player for the Chargers since his arrival in 2024. He entered the league as the 5th overall pick, and there is no doubt he has lived up to expectations so far.

The left tackle, a former Notre Dame standout, has made a big impact on the team. He is regarded as one of the best linemen in the league, playing a key role in protecting Justin Herbert.

While the quarterback’s offensive line still has room for improvement, Alt’s presence has made a noticeable difference for the Chargers. With him on the field, Los Angeles is 4-0 this season, compared to 1-3 when he has been injured.

Prior to Week 8, Joe Alt had missed three consecutive games due to an ankle injury. With him back, the Chargers seem to have more stability on the offensive line, and he is also regarded as a leader who boosts his teammates’ confidence when on the field.

What’s next for the Chargers?

The Chargers secured a big win against the Vikings in Week 8 and will look to maintain their momentum.

In Week 9, the Chargers face the Titans. They will then host the Steelers in Week 10 and visit EverBank Stadium to face the Jaguars in Week 11 before their Bye in Week 12.

The Los Angeles Chargers are having plenty of names back on the roster which means they are getting healthy. However, if there was a silver lining during the injury plague they suffered, is the emerging star Jim Harbaugh found. Now that Justin Herbert has a new weapon, this is a team with plenty of potential.

Picked on the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, tight end Oronde Gadsden II has blossomed into one of the best tight ends in the league in the last few weeks. His targets have increased massively in the last three games and he’s made the most of it.

Gadsden has played 75%, 79%, and 77% of snaps during the last three Chargers games. He is earning playing time and he is becoming one of those names that will burn you if not given the proper attention. Especially under a Jim Harbaugh scheme, tight ends will eat.

Gadsden is a tall yet pacy tight end

Gadsden has caught 19/22 targets in the last three weeks but his safe hands are not the only thing good about him. He also has weird speed for a tight end and his routes are crisp for the position. In fact, even Justin Herbert said they saw his potential back in camp.

During the press conference, the QB said, “He made a ton of plays [in camp], picked up the offense really quickly, found a way to get open. And that’s what he did tonight. We’re definitely going to get him the ball as much as we can because good things happen when he gets it.“ Nothing beats a QB endorsement.

Gadsden is outplaying most tight ends in his draft class

Gadsden was the 9th tight end picked in the NFL Draft behind Colston Loveland (CHI), Tyler Warren (IND), Mason Taylor (NYJ), Terrance Ferguson (LAR), Elijah Arroyo (SEA), Harold Fannin Jr. (TE), Gunnar Helm (TEN), and Mitchell Evans (CAR). There’s an argument to be made that he is arguably the second-best rookie tight end behing Tyler Warren.

While Fannin and Taylor have looked decent, Gadsden has more receiving yards than them already. He has 385 yards, only behind Tyler Warren with 439. However, it must be said, that Gadsden has played six games while most TEs have played seven. It’s just amazing to see how he’s flourished into a star.

Harbaugh couldn’t hide his amazement about Gadsden, commending not just his on-field performance but also his maturity beyond his years. “The thing that strikes me the most is he plays like he’s been playing in the NFL for two, three, four years,” Harbaugh said. “Well coached into him and well parented into Oronde — bodes well for the Chargers,” he added.

Through seven weeks of his first NFL season, Gadsden has quickly become one of Herbert’s most reliable targets. The young TE has totaled 385 yards and two touchdowns on 27 receptions, averaging 14.3 yards per catch. His breakout performance came against the Colts, where he exploded for 164 yards, showing flashes of a future star.

“As soon as he got here for camp, we knew he was going to be pretty good. He made a ton of plays, picked up the offense really quickly, found a way to get open. And that’s what he did tonight,” Herbert said about his teammate. “We’re definitely going to get him the ball as much as we can because good things happen when he gets it.”

Gadsden is Growing Non-Stop

Among all the receivers the Chargers have, Gadsden is quickly climbing toward the top spot in the receiving yards category as a tight end. With 385 yards so far, he sits in fourth place in that category, trailing Allen, McConkey, and Johnston, all of whom have over 400 yards. At his current pace, he is likely to reach the top spot this season.

As for yards averaged per reception, Gadsden is the third-best on the team with 14.3, making him one of only three players to surpass a 10+ yards average. Although he currently has only 27 receptions on 33 targets, that number is likely to increase significantly, just as Herbert stated they plan to throw him the ball more often.

The Los Angeles Chargers started the season 3-0. Then injuries plagued them and lost two straight after a bounce back win last Sunday. Justin Herbert is trying to keep things afloat but good news are coming for him and head coach Jim Harbaugh. The team is recovering two playmakers in defense.

The Chargers activated edge rusher Khalil Mack and linebacker Denzel Perryman from injured reserve. Mack injured his elbow during Week 2 and Perryman suffered an ankle injury just eight snaps into the season.

Now that both are back, the pass rush and run defense of the team should get massive boosts. Mack had a sack already in the season before being sidelined. Perryman is a former Pro Bowler who brings plenty of IQ and tackling ability to the team.

Mack is arguably Chargers’ best pass rusher

Mack is a nine-time Pro Bowler, three-time All Pro and one-time Defensive Player of the Year. He is 34 years old now so his best days are behind him. However, he had six sacks last year and made the Pro Bowl. Mack is a force to be reckoned with. He will take advantage of one-on-ones and force double teams, allowing his teammates to get to the quarterback too.

He has 108.5 career sacks and could very well be on pace to a Hall of Fame selection. His resume is too good to ignore. Now, under Harbaugh, he is a team captain and his output goes beyond his stats.

The defense missed these two

Herbert and the offense have tried to do their thing, although the offensive line and running back rooms have also been stomped by injuries. However, the defense has suffered without Mack and Perryman.

Since Week 3, which is when both were sidelined, the Chargers have allowed 20 or more points in all games. The last two weeks they’ve allowed 389 and 341 total yards respectively. Having them back will really make Jim Harbaugh’s team a much better one.