The Los Angeles Chargers did not expect to lose their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, but they were on the wrong end of the upset alert.
A 26-14 loss to one of the worst teams in the league in 2025 definitely has the Chargers feeling a sense of urgency going into Week 2 against the division rival Las Vegas Raiders, who were also one of the NFL’s cellar dwellers last year.
A loss to the Raiders, who would be up two games in the divisional standings, could sink the Chargers before their
schedule reaches its toughest stretch.
“The Chargers are almost in a must-win situation with the schedule they face in the next six weeks. The loss last week at home to the Cardinals was embarrassing. The Raiders beat the Dolphins, but this is a big step up for them,“ CBS Sports contributor Pete Prisco wrote.
Prisco believes the Chargers will bounce back at home and beat the Raiders 24-16.
The Chargers definitely got a dose of reality after losing to the Cardinals. They won’t be able to coast against even the perceived weakest opponents in the league.
After this week, Los Angeles faces seven consecutive games against teams that made the playoffs in either of the last two years. They will be competitive in those games, but a loss against the Raiders at home could get them off on the wrong foot, leading to a poor stretch of momentum against the meat of their schedule.
BFTB community, do you view this week’s game as a must-win for the Chargers? Let us know in the comments section below.
