Ranking the 5 biggest matchups on the Chargers 2026 schedule

2.) Denver Broncos x2

The Broncos won the AFC West last year with some massive breaks going their way. The huge fourth-quarter comeback against the Giants was historic. They squeeked out several other close games. They also got to face the Chiefs’ backups in the regular season finale. Teams that have had seasons like that tend to regress greatly the following year. That’s what I predict for the Broncos overall, but that doesn’t make these divisional matchups any less intense. In fact, I think they’ll be scarier on paper with the addition of wideout Jaylen Waddle on offense. Sean Payton is going to find ways for him to terrorize defenses and the Bolts will have to be ready to face him twice a year now for the foreseeable future.

3.) Houston Texans

Until the Chargers avenge their playoff loss from the 2024 season, this is going to be a matchup that means something to the team. Not only did they send the Bolts home that year, but they beat them again in 2025 behind an elite defense that walloped Justin Herbert on repeat. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back and healthy this year, I’d expect that matchup to go quite a bit differently. If McDaniel is worth his salt, he’ll find a way to neutralize that Houston pass rush to give Herbert and the offense plenty of breathing room. At least, that’s the hope and reason why they hired him in the first place.

4.) New England Patriots

The Chargers will have multiple opportunities to get some revenge against teams that bounced them from the playoffs in recent years and after the offense scored just three points against New England in last season’s playoffs, the Bolts will have this one circled in red. What makes this matchup even more exciting is that McDaniel has plenty of experience against this franchise. From 2022-2025, McDaniel was 5-3 against the Patriots. If he can muster up some of that magic against his old divisional rival, the Chargers could be in goods hands whenever they face the reigning AFC Champions.

5.) Baltimore Ravens

The Chargers will face their former defensive coordinator in his first year at the helm of the Ravens. He’ll be tasked with getting their defense up to par with the offense in hopes of punching their ticket back to the postseason after the franchise missed out on a trip in 2025. Funny enough, both teams will have somewhat of an inside look at the opposing defense. The Chargers hired Chris O’Leary to keep their unit roughly the same while Minter isn’t expected to revamp his system, either. This game will seemingly come down to which team is able to execute better on offense. And what a show that could end up being between Herbert and Lamar Jackson.