The Chargers play football on Sunday!
The Bolts will be back on the gridiron against the Rams for their Week 8 contest. The 2026 season has been far from ideal for both teams, but more so for the Chargers.
The Chargers are the only winless team in the NFL, but they will look to change that against the Rams. A ton needs to go right for the Bolts to win a football game, as we’ve witnessed in their first six games.
Here are the five players to watch for the Chargers in this contest.
Justin Herbert
Herbert can't possibly get any worse than what we've seen in the first six games of the season, right? At least that’s the hope. Herbert and the offense rank last in the NFL in EPA per play and points per game. Jim Harbaugh indicated they could simplify parts of Mike McDaniel’s
offense. However, any offensive turnaround starts with the 28-year-old. This contest is arguably Herbert’s biggest of the season. After two weeks to regroup, can he finally deliver the clean, efficient performance the Chargers desperately need?
Ladd McConkey
McConkey is set to play in Sunday's contest. He has been limited by injuries this season and has just 13 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers desperately need someone who can consistently create separation and give Herbert easy targets. McConkey appears to be the only wide receiver who can provide that. If Herbert and McConkey connect early and often, they'll have a great chance to win the game.
Joe Alt
Alt will return to the field after a two-game absence. The Chargers' offensive line has been battered all season, with four of their five starters missing the entire season or much of it. For this contest, the Bolts will at least have their top tackle. Alt's presence will be huge for the offense and Herbert. Los Angeles has given up 21 sacks to Herbert, but if Alt can stabilize one side of the line, the Chargers have a better chance to establish the run and give Herbert time to move the chains.
Tarheeb Still
With Derwin James out, Still will play a bigger role on Sunday. The Chargers defensive back has quietly put together a strong season, allowing the lowest completion percentage of his career and just 8.1 yards per reception when targeted. Still's assignment will be brutal, as he is set to cover one of the best wide receivers in the game, Puka Nacua.
Khalil Mack
Mack is the X-factor for this contest. Matthew Stafford has thrown for 1,989 yards and 14 touchdowns. When Stafford has been at his best this season, he's had plenty of time to scan the field and make decisions with little to no pressure. It's not on Mack alone; however, if he can set the tone, the others will follow.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 5 Chargers players to watch in Week 8 vs. Rams
