What is the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2021 NFL schedule, how many primetime games do they play, and who are the toughest and easiest opponents on their schedule this season?
Los Angeles Chargers Preseason Schedule
All times listed below are Eastern Time.
PS1: at Rams | TBD
PS2: vs. 49ers | TBD
PS3: at Seahawks | TBD
Los Angeles Chargers Schedule | 2021 Regular Season
All days are Sunday unless otherwise noted. All times listed below are Eastern Time.
Week 1: at Washington | 1 PM | CBS
Week 2: vs. Cowboys | 4:25 PM | CBS
Week 3: at Chiefs | 1:00 PM | CBS
Week 4: vs. Raiders | 8:15 PM | MNF | ESPN
Week 5: vs. Browns | 4:05 PM | CBS
Week 6: at Ravens | 1 PM | CBS
Week 7: Bye
Week 8: vs. Patriots | 4:05 PM | CBS
Week 9: at Eagles | 4:05 PM | CBS
Week 10: vs. Vikings | 4:05 PM | FOX
Week 11: vs. Steelers | 8:20 PM | NBC
Week 12: at Broncos | 4:05 PM | CBS
Week 13: at Bengals | 1 PM | FOX
Week 14: vs. Giants | 4:05 PM | FOX
Week 15: vs. Chiefs | TNF | 8:20 PM | NFLN/FOX/Amazon
Week 16: at Texans | 1 PM | CBS
Week 17: vs. Broncos | 4:05 PM | CBS
Week 18: at Raiders | 4:25 PM | CBS
How many primetime games do the Chargers play in 2021?
The Chargers will play three primetime games in 2021. They will be against the Raiders in Week 4, the Steelers in Week 11, and the Chiefs in Week 15.
When is the Chargers’ bye week?
The Chargers’ bye is in Week 7.
Chargers’ strength of schedule and win/loss prediction
After a promising showing in 2020, the Chargers head into the 2021 NFL season with a schedule that ranks as the ninth-easiest in the league. Who are the toughest games on the Chargers’ schedule, and in contrast, which teams make up the easier part of the schedule?
Toughest opponents
The Chargers’ schedule sees them play just two other NFL teams projected to win over 10 games in 2021. Two of those games come within the division against the Kansas City Chiefs, with the other game coming against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Chargers will not fear facing the Chiefs twice in 2021. Over the past few seasons, the Chargers have caused Kansas City problems. In 2018, they beat them in a superb Thursday Night Football matchup before playing them tough in 2019 and 2020 as well. In their first meeting in 2020, it took the Chiefs until overtime to beat them in Justin Herbert‘s first start.
As for the Ravens, the Chargers will have fond memories of defeating Lamar Jackson in his first playoff start in 2019. Los Angeles’ defense was the first to reveal the blueprint of how teams could take on this dynamic Ravens offense. This new-look Chargers unit will certainly not shy away from the challenge against Baltimore.
Easiest opponents
While those three games are as tough as it gets in the AFC, the Chargers 2021 NFL schedule does contain some soft spots. Eight of their games will come against teams projected to win fewer than eight games. Four of those games come against the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos. As talented as those teams are, neither will scare the Chargers heading into their matchups this season.
The remaining four games come against the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, and Houston Texans. While none of those games will be easy, there is a big positive for the Chargers. Three of those weaker teams are games the Chargers play on the road. With five of their “easier” games coming on the road, the Chargers have the fifth-easiest road schedule in the entire NFL in 2021.
2021 season prediction
After Herbert’s impressive rookie campaign, the Chargers will be expecting to take the next step forward in 2021. Their schedule should facilitate them having another strong season, provided Herbert does not experience a sophomore slump.
With a new coaching staff, much will depend on how things gel in terms of schemes and personnel. If they hit the ground running in September, this roster can challenge for the playoffs in the AFC. However, we have seen this roster have fragilities if they get off to a bad start. If that happens, we will quickly learn about what new head coach Brandon Staley brings to this franchise.
Projected 2021 record: 11-6
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