Bolts From The Blue
Every Tuesday throughout the NFL season you can find our weekly power rankings roundup here at BFTB where we compile numerous rankings from across the media landscape to put them all in one convenient place. With Week One officially here, we’ve officially got our first roundup, as well.
Let’s go ahead and see where analysts have the Chargers just days before they kickoff the season against the Chiefs in Brazil!
Sports Illustrated – #7
“I’m probably too high on the Chargers after Rashawn Slater’s injury. That said, I think the strength of offensive coordinator Greg Roman is finding different ways to maximize the run game and build the strength of a play around someone who is not a stalwart tackle. The Chargers’ offensive line is going to move, making it tough to get a bead on, and Omarion Hampton will roll, which will bring the rest of this offense along for the ride.” – Conor Orr
Bleacher Report – #10
“The Los Angeles Chargers invested in their offense, signing guard Mekhi Becton, tight end Tyler Conklin and wide receiver Keenan Allen. They also selected running back Omarion Hampton and Tre’ Harris in the first two rounds of the draft.“
“With those moves, the offense looked primed to rank top-10 in scoring and total yards, which would complement the league’s No. 1 scoring defense from last season.“
“However, left tackle Rashawn Slater will miss the entire 2025 season with a torn patellar tendon. Running back Najee Harris may have compromised vision after he suffered an eye injury from a fireworks incident.“
“The Chargers may be less of a bully than they planned to be this year, which hurts their chances of knocking the Kansas City Chiefs off the AFC West pedestal.“ – Maurice Moton
Sporting News – #10
“The Chargers should have increased confidence after Jim Harbaugh’s smashing debut and making some necessary offensive reinforcements and defensive changes. They will give the Chiefs even less breathing room.“ – Vinnie Iyer
The Athletic – #11
“The most devastating training camp injury of the preseason came in Los Angeles, where Rashawn Slater was lost for the year to a knee injury. The two-time Pro Bowl left tackle protected Justin Herbert’s blind side and helped power a run game that Los Angeles will lean on heavily this season. The Chargers also had the offseason’s weirdest injury, a fireworks mishap that damaged free-agent running back Najee Harris’ eye and kept him out of practice throughout the preseason. He is available for Week 1, but his readiness for the season is a question mark.” – Josh Kendall
NFL.com – #14
“*Following up a disappointing finish to a good season, most of the Chargers’ notable additions are on offense. Yet the biggest preseason blow occurred on that side of the ball, with Rashawn Slater suffering a season-ending injury just days after signing his contract extension. The O-line remains a worry, and the Bolts are breaking in some different receivers and backs, so the offense could take some...
