{
  "id": 6048878,
  "title": "4 reasons Chargers could take step back and miss playoffs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/4-reasons-chargers-could-take-step-back-and-miss-playoffs",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T22:05:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/4-reasons-chargers-could-step-220504705.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Chargers are set to enter the 2026 season with high expectations, buoyed by a strong offseason and the presence of stars like Justin Herbert, Mike McDaniel, Jim Harbaugh, and Derwin James Jr. While the team has enjoyed two consecutive regular-season victories and a playoff appearance, the path to success is not without challenges. If things take a turn for the worse, there are four key factors that could see the Chargers falter and miss out on the playoffs.\n\nFirst and foremost, concerns surrounding the offensive line loom large. Last season's struggles, even without Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, have raised doubts about how the unit will fare in the absence of stability. With questions surrounding the Chargers' offensive line heading into the new season, injuries or underperformance could prove disastrous for the team's chances in the postseason.\n\nSecondly, the AFC West is proving to be a formidable foe for the Chargers. While a return to the AFC West title since 2009 would be a welcome change, the road to victory is far from easy. The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs will be formidable opponents, having dominated the division for the past decade. If the Chargers struggle to keep pace with these teams, their playoff aspirations could be dealt a significant blow.\n\nA third potential roadblock lies in the Chargers' already demanding schedule. Playing in the ninth-toughest division in the NFL, with a grueling stretch of games from Weeks 3 through 10, presents a significant challenge. Facing the Rams, Ravens, Chiefs, Broncos, Texans, Bills, and Seahawks during this period could prove too much for the Chargers to handle, particularly if they stumble along the way. Such a difficult schedule could prove enough to derail their playoff hopes.\n\nFinally, the defense faces an uncertain future under new coordinator Chris O'Leary. Replacing Jesse Minter, O'Leary enters his first season with the daunting task of leading the unit from the sidelines. While it is anticipated that he will employ a similar scheme to Minter, the success of the defense hinges on whether they can adapt and perform at an elite level from the outset. Should the defense regress early in the season, the Chargers could find themselves in a precarious position heading into the postseason.",
  "summary": "If these four things happen to the Chargers, they won’t sniff the playoffs.",
  "key_points": [
    "Offensive line struggles could derail Chargers' playoff push",
    "AFC West rivals Denver and Kansas City pose significant threat",
    "Demanding schedule from Weeks 3-10 could impact team's performance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}