All it takes is one look at the Chargers' 2017 schedule to know Los Angeles is in for an exciting campaign.
The Anthony Lynn era begins against the team he won two Super Bowls with as the Bolts head to Denver for a Monday Night Football showdown with the Broncos. Other highlights include three straight home games to open StubHub Center as well as a Thanksgiving visit to the Dallas Cowboys. It marks the Chargers' first time playing on Thanksgiving since 1969 before the NFL-AFL merger.
"To play Thanksgiving in Dallas is awesome," said Philip Rivers. "Every year I always wonder if that will ever be us playing in that game. That's a game the whole country watches, and now we get to play in it so that's awesome. Dallas on Thanksgiving is as big as it gets."
"This is the time of year where we lay a foundation for the season ahead, and the schedule release helps bring everything that much more into focus," said Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn. "You always have goals, but now we really know what we're looking at as a team, as a coaching staff, and as an organization. From opening in the division on Monday Night Football at Denver to closing the season at home against a rival like Oakland and everything in between, we now know the challenges that lie ahead. I know our organization will be ready to embrace those challenges."
To kick off the 2017 season, the NFL decided to save the best for last as the Chargers visit the Broncos for the second game in ESPN's annual Monday night doubleheader. While the Bolts have played in the game often, it marks their first appearance since 2014.
The Chargers then return home to Los Angeles, where they'll remain for three straight weeks for the first regular season games at StubHub Center.
"That's going to be dope," Keenan Allen said. "I can't wait to play there. It's going to be crazy in that place, and exciting to play in front of our fans in that (environment) a lot early on."
It's also the first time the team has had three consecutive games at home since 2010, and kicks off a stretch in which L.A. plays five out of their next seven against playoff teams from last season. The home stand begins with the Miami Dolphins, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
The Bolts then head cross-country for their first of four east coast trips to play the New York Giants. It marks the fourth time Rivers will square off against Eli Manning since the two were traded for one another in the 2004 NFL Draft. The Chargers are 3-0 against the Giants over that span.
L.A. faces a tough three game stretch leading into a Week 9 bye, starting with a trip to the Black Hole against the Oakland Raiders. They'll return home to host the Broncos before heading to Foxborough, where they'll play the reigning Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots.
It will be an emotional game after the bye for Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley as the Bolts face his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars where he served as head coach from 2013-16. Meanwhile, this marks the fifth-straight season the Chargers will play the Jags.
One week later it's Lynn's turn to face a former team as the Buffalo Bills head to StubHub Center. Lynn served as running backs coach, offensive coordinator and interim head coach over the past two years for the Bills.
Next, the Chargers take the national stage in the highly-anticipated Thanksgiving game in Dallas that features some of the top rookies from last season. The Cowboys boast the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott while Los Angeles features Defensive Rookie of the Year Joey Bosa and Hunter Henry.
Visits from the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins kick off the Bolts' December slate. The Chargers then return to primetime one week later for a Saturday night showdown in Arrowhead against the Chiefs. Finally, they hit the road for the last time to play the New York Jets on Christmas Eve before ending the regular season at home against the Raiders on New Year's Eve.
The Bolts are set to face a whopping 57 Pro Bowlers in 2017.
Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy runs for yardage in action against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. The Raiders won the game, 38-24. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Buffalo Bills defensive end Kyle Williams (95) lines up against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, in Seattle, Wash. The Seahawks won the game, 31-25. (Greg Trott via AP)
Buffalo Bills offensive guard Richie Incognito (64) leads blocking against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of their NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Carolina Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert (35) rushes during the game against the Washington Redskins, Monday, December 19, 2016 Landover, MD. The Panthers defeated the Redskins 26-15. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Denver Broncos Chris Harris Jr. (25) plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016.
(Tom DiPace via AP)
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) drops into coverage in action against the Tennessee Titans Sunday December 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas runs a pass route in action against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 in Denver. The Broncos won the game 24-6. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) runs the ball defended by Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller plays against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Weston Kenney)
Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas (73) run blocks in action against the Washington Redskins on Sunday October 2, 2016 at FedExField in Landover, Md. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP Images)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker D.J. Alexander (57) runs in pursuit during a week 3 preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, in Chicago. The Chiefs won 23-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt (2) punts the football during a week 3 preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, in Chicago. The Chiefs won 23-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) runs the ball after interception against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) runs the ball after an interception during an NFL football Wild Card playoff game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016 in Houston. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) vaults Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) during an NFL regular season game against the New York Jets on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Dolphins won, 34-13. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) receives a pass during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Miami Dolphins Jay Ajayi (23) runs the ball during a game against the New England Patriots on January 1, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Miami Dolphins Ndamukong Suh (93) during of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
(Tom DiPace via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) returns a punt for a touchdown during the game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, December 11, 2016 Philadelphia. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-22. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) rushes against the Washington Redskins, Sunday October 4, 2015, Landover, MD. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 23-20. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) prepares for the snap during the game against the New York Giants, Sunday Nov. 6, 2016, Secaucus, NJ. The Giants defeated the Eagles 28-23. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jason Peters (71) run blocks in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday September 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Donald Penn sets up to block in action against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 in Denver. The Broncos won the game 24-6. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) during an AFC Wild Card NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 in Houston. The Texans won, 27-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Oakland Raiders free safety Reggie Nelson (27) in coverage during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in San Diego. Oakland won 19-16. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) during an AFC Wild Card NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 in Houston. The Texans won, 27-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Oakland Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) prepares to snap the football during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Oakland Raiders offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele (70) waits for the snap during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game, 33-25. (Greg Trott via AP)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) makes a reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Washington Redskins guard Brandon Scherff (75) blocks during a week 16 NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Chicago. The Redskins won 41-21. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed celebrates his touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Landover, Md., Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Landover, Md., Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) is seen in action during an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 in Landover, Md. Green Bay won 35-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Washington Redskins offensive lineman Trent Williams (71) pass blocks in action against the Miami Dolphins Sunday September 13, 2015 in Landover, Md. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) sets up to block during the 2016 NFL week 16 regular season game against the Detroit Lions, Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Lions, 42-21. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during an NFL Divisional Round Playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 in Arlington, TX. The Packers won, 34-31. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to pass during an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys, 34-31. (Tom DiPace via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee (50) pursues the play
during the 2016 NFL week 16 regular season game against the Detroit Lions, Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Lions, 42-21. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (72) during an NFL Divisional Round Playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 in Arlington, TX. The Packers won, 34-31. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 42-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) catches and runs the football during an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys, 34-31. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 24-19. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) warms up before play against the Green Bay Packers during an NFL football NFC wildcard playoff game Jan. 8, 2017 in Green Bay, Wis. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
December 18, 2016, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, (13) reaches the ball over the goal line for a touchdown during the NFL game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York Giants won 17-6. Christopher Szagola/CSM (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) fumbles the ball during the second half of an NFL football game as New York Giants' Janoris Jenkins (20) defends Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (92) during an NFL regular season game against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Dolphins won, 34-13. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) in coverage during to an NFL AFC divisional playoff football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 34-16. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
El quarterback de los Patriots, Tom Brady, lanza un pase contra los Steelers en el partido por el título de la AFC el domingo, 22 de enero de 2017, en Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) warms up prior to the NFL AFC Divisional football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 in Foxboro, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Texans 34-16. (Jim Mahoney via AP)
New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Nov. 17, 2016. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) defends during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
