The Los Angeles Chargers in 2026 will be one team to keep a close eye on for a number of reasons, with the biggest one being how Mike McDaniel can get the most out of Justin Herbert.
With the Chargers winning 11 games in back-to-back seasons but going one-and-done in the playoffs, McDaniel is seen as the person who can unlock Herbert's talent.
That comes with its own set of pressures, as time is running out for the Chargers to shift the narrative around their quarterback.
Can they do it in 2026? Some think so, but the bookmakers aren't as bullish, as DraftKings has the Chargers' over/under win total set at just 9.5, which surprises Fox Sports.
"The Chargers won 11 games in 2025 despite losing both All-Pro tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, for most of the season," Fox Sports wrote. "Both are expected to return in 2026, and Los Angeles also added Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. Even with those major boosts, the Chargers’ win total is somehow lower entering the season."
MORE: Chiefs over/under win projection great for Patrick Mahomes
Chargers must hit the over
Not winning 10 games for the Chargers is nightmare fuel for Harbaugh and Herbert. One, because it would signal that the 2026 season didn't go the way many envisioned, and it would likely mean no playoffs.
Given the expectations, that can't happen.
The time has come for Herbert, who now has a coordinator who I think can get the best out of him, to really take the league by storm, and not just have a good regular season, but go deep into the postseason.
The roster is good enough, but is Herbert? We're about to find out.
More NFL news: