The Bolts kept it rolling with a 26-3 win over the Panthers in Week 2.
The Chargers are staying in Carolina for the week before traveling to Pittsburgh for an AFC matchup against the Steelers. Kickoff for Week 3 is scheduled for 10 a.m. (PT).
Ahead of the Chargers second road game of the season, NFL analysts and publications have released their power rankings. Take a look at where the Bolts are ranked as they enter Week 3.
No. 5: Vinnie Iyer – Sporting News (Last Week: No. 10)
The Chargers smashed the Raiders and Panthers in similar fashion: Controlling both lines of scrimmage, stopping the run, running the ball, and then teeing off on the pass rush. The influence of Jim Harbaugh is totally back and here to stay. Their 395 combined rushing yards are not a fluke, even when considering the weak opponents.
No. 7: Eric Edholm – NFL.com (Last Week: No. 12)
Among the signs that things are different under Jim Harbaugh: The team has allowed 13 points through two games and has run the ball three times for every two passes attempted. On the first part, playing the Raiders and Panthers has a little something to do with that, but there's no question the defense is playing a different brand of ball than it has in some time. To the second point, recent iterations of the Chargers' offense had it at an inverse pass-run ratio, often putting way too much on Justin Herbert's plate and not taking advantage of the team's strength on the offensive line. This squad might not be special in many ways, but it's absolutely maximizing its strengths and minimizing its likely weaknesses. That's been a big part of the 2-0 start. Now, with the unbeaten Steelers and Chiefs on deck, we'll find out how good this Bolts team really is.
No. 8: NFL Nation, Kris Rhim – ESPN (Last Week: No. 17)
Most important backup/role player: LB Tuli Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu had an impactful 2023 season, finishing seventh among rookies in sacks (4.5). The second-round pick is behind one of the league's best edge rusher pairings in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, but both players are aging and Bosa hasn't played an entire season since 2021. The Chargers already rotate Tuipulotu significantly; he had the third-most snaps at edge (27) in Sunday's win over the Panthers. He ensures there's little drop-off when Bosa or Mack aren't on the field, and he's essential to a defense trying to rebound from being among the worst in the NFL last season.
No. 9: Josh Kendall – The Athletic (Last Week: No. 9)
The Chargers are 2-0 for the first time since 2012, and J.K. Dobbins leads the NFL in rushing. Dobbins had 131 against the Panthers and has 266 for the season. Jim Harbaugh has been true to his word since returning to the NFL, leaning on his offensive line and run game. Only the Saints and Steelers have a higher run percentage than the Chargers (59.7 percent) so far, and the Packers are the only team with more rushing yards per game than their 197.5.
No. 9: Pete Prisco – CBS Sports (Last Week: No. 11)
At 2-0, Jim Harbaugh has this team playing a physical brand of football. They better keep it that way with a trip to face the Steelers this week.
No. 12: Conor Orr – Sports Illustrated (Last Week: No. 15)
Pittsburgh and Kansas City are next, two teams that should help us answer the major question attached to this team: who are these guys? J.K. Dobbins has been the heartwarming story of this season, but so has the fact that the Chargers are carving teams up with one of the lowest run block win rates in the NFL.
No. 13: BR NFL Staff – Bleacher Report (Last Week: No. 19)
"Jim Harbaugh is doing it again. The man simply knows how to coach... [J.K.] Dobbins leads the NFL in rushing with 266 yards at a staggering 9.9 yards per carry. Also, [Quentin] Johnston showed signs of real progress Sunday with two touchdown grabs against the Panthers."
No. 14: Nate Davis – USA Today (Last Week: No. 18)
The schedule's been Charmin soft yet conducive to launching redemption tours for RB J.K. Dobbins, WR Quentin Johnston and OLB Joey Bosa.
No. 15: Mike Florio – Pro Football Talk (Last Week: No. 18)
Jim Harbaugh turning a team around immediately? No one should be surprised.
No. 16: Frank Schwab – Yahoo Sports (Last Week: No. 21)
J.K. Dobbins leads the NFL in rushing. This is how Jim Harbaugh wants to play, but he needed a back to pull it off.
No. 18: Diante Lee – The Ringer (Last Week: No. 21)
No. 24: David Helman – Fox Sports (Last Week: No. 25)
Fun fact: Justin Herbert had thrown for fewer than 200 yards in a game just seven times heading into 2024, and he was 2-5 in those starts. Under Jim Harbaugh, it's happened twice in two outings, and he is 2-0. Harbaugh's recipe of ball control and solid defense is working so far.
