The countdown to the Chargers season opener has reached 19 days.
The final stretch of training camp is on the horizon, which means NFL pundits are starting to ramp up their 2024 predictions.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell is among those who predict big things for the Bolts in 2024.
The ESPN writer recently released his annual list of which teams he expects to improve from a year ago. Since 2017, 27 of 33 teams he predicted have improved their win total from the season before by an average of 3.3 wins per 17 games.
Leading off Barnwell's annual list was none other than the Bolts, who have improved every year he's included them in the list since then (four times).
One of the main reasons he predicts a bounce back is he believes they will have more luck in one-possession games this year than last — something Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has thrived in during his time as an NFL coach.
Barnwell wrote:
Things should be better this season. Jim Harbaugh went 17-7 in games decided by seven or fewer points during his time with the 49ers (2011-2014). I don't believe his true talent level in winning close games is north of 70%, but the evidence we have so far suggests he isn't going to hold L.A. back late in games.
Harbaugh's long history of quick turnarounds is well-documented, and Barnwell expects much of the same here in Los Angeles.
And you can't forget about the franchise quarterback either.
Having the duo of Harbaugh and Justin Herbert gives the Bolts the stability they need according to Barnwell, as he's been a fan of how the team has been built heading into September 8.
Barnwell wrote:
Harbaugh's broader coaching acumen and ability to turn things around quickly seems relevant here, too… With Harbaugh and Herbert, the Chargers have arguably the two most important positions in their organization filled with high-upside solutions. I'm optimistic about the offseason they just had, especially in terms of improving at the line of scrimmage by drafting Joe Alt in the top 10.
The path is there according to Barnwell and by seasons end, he sees the Bolts playing into January.
Barnwell wrote:
That hot start might be driven by an easy schedule. The Chargers begin with the Raiders, Panthers and Steelers. Then, after a game against the Chiefs, they get the Broncos and Cardinals. Injuries have already raised fears about whether they will be able to hit the ground running, but I wouldn't be surprised if they started 4-2 and immediately emerged as a team worth noticing. I think the Chargers will be a playoff team in 2024.
To read Barnwell's full list, click here.
