The Chargers really took a hit to their standing in various power rankings during their two-game skid to the Giants and Commanders. They managed to right the ship (in some capacity) by surviving the Dolphins
with a last-second field goal on Sunday to improve to 4-2.
Unfortunately, the win over Miami did not do them enough of a service to help combat what their consecutive losses did to harsh their early vibes. The Chargers were a bonafide top-five team at 3-0. At 4-2, they’re barely inside the top 16.
The good news is a win overt the 5-1 Colts would put them back squarely into the upper tier of the league, even with their litany of injuries. A win in Week Seven could also be much more plausible if the likes of Joe Alt and Khalil Mack returned from their respective injuries. Alt was not placed on IR and has missed 3 1/2 games. Mack has missed the minimum four to return from IR. There’s no promises, but this team could get a huge boost out of nowhere if the stars align.
Anyhow, let’s take a look at where the Chargers settled after their latest win.
Sporting News – #11
“The Chargers needed to rev up Justin Herbert to Ladd McConkey without key stars Omarion Hampton and Quentin Johnston in Miami and also found plenty of running game to avoid a tough upset and end a two-game skid. That was big for Jim Harbaugh to keep his team in control of the AFC West.” – Vinnie Iyer
Sports Illustrated – #12
“One of my favorite parts of the Chargers’ victory was Jim Harbaugh pulling yet another sentimental running back name from my past. Nyheim Hines returning this kickoff, appearing in a game for the first time in like three seasons, was totally awesome.” – Conor Orr
The Athletic – #13
‘‘Vidal (the great nephew of Hank Aaron) was a fantasy afterthought entering the season. Heck, he was an afterthought two weeks ago. But Najee Harris (Achilles) was lost for the season, and now Omarion Hampton will miss extended time due to an ankle injury. Vidal stepped in Sunday and had 124 yards on 18 carries and three catches that included a touchdown. His fantasy performance (22.8 points) was one of the 25 best of the week and sent managers scrambling to check his availability.” – Josh Kendall
ESPN – #13
“Roman resigned as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator after the 2022 season amid criticism from players and fans about the team’s unimaginative passing offense. Three seasons later, he leads one of the league’s best passing offenses. The Chargers’ run game has fluctuated, with injuries to the offensive line and backfield. Their strongest position on offense is at receiver, so Roman has leaned on his pass catchers and quarterback Justin Herbert to make plays. Herbert is eighth in the NFL in passing yards (1,493) this season.” – Kris Rhim
CBS Sports – #13
“They found a way against Miami, even with a banged-up line. Justin Herbert knows how to win games late — at least in the regular season.” – Pete Prisco
Bleacher Report – #15
“For a time, it appeared the Los Angeles Chargers were headed for a third straight loss. A second in three weeks to a bad team. The kind of skid that would have called their viability as a contender in the AFC West into serious question.”
“But that’s not what happened. Los Angeles staged a pair of comebacks, including a last-second one, to get past a bad Dolphins team and keep pace with the Broncos in the division.”
“Los Angeles overcame injury issues and especially in the backfield, with Kimani Vidal racking up 138 total yards and a score with Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton on injured reserve. Justin Herbert is the NFL’s best quarterback rarely mentioned with the NFL’s best quarterbacks.”
“Inconsistency remains an issue with the Bolts. But make no mistake—this is a team that can hang with the AFC’s elite if they put it all together.” – Brad Davenport
Pro Football Talk – #15
“Stealing a win is still a win.” – Mike Florio
Pro Football Network – #15
“It took a last-second field goal to get them there, but the Los Angeles Chargers narrowly avoided a three-game losing streak with their 29-27 victory over the Dolphins on Sunday. The Week 6 win puts them at 4-2 for the season.”
“There’s still plenty for the Chargers to clean up, as evidenced by their previous two losses and narrow victory over a collapsing Miami squad. But a win is a win in the NFL, and it’ll be much nicer to head into a key matchup against the Colts next week with another notch in the win column.”
