San Diego Chargers: 2015 Schedule Analysis

By Keith Demolder | May 5, 2015

Now that the NFL Draft is over, we feel we have a little unfinished business when it comes to the San Diego Chargers and their 2015 NFL schedules.

This season, the Chargers were able to luck out with some of their easier opponents (Oakland, Cleveland, Minnesota, Chicago, Jacksonville, Kansas City), but unfortunately will have to face some pretty formidable squads as well (Detroit, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Denver). The overall record of the chargers 2015 opponents stands at 132-123-1 (.515). Compared to last season’s schedule which faced a 131-125 record (.514), this season is a lot of the same for the Chargers.

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According to ESPN’s Eric D. Williams: Strength of schedule: 16th in NFL, .518

Chargers Regular-Season Schedule (all times Eastern)

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, Detroit, 4:05 p.m.

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, Cleveland, 4:05 p.m.

Week 5: Monday, Oct. 12, Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Week 9: Monday, Nov. 9, Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Week 10: OFF

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, Denver, 4:05 p.m.

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, at Kansas City, 1:00 p.m.

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, Miami, 4:25 p.m.

Week 16: Thursday, Dec. 24, at Oakland, 8:25 p.m.

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

If you look at the upcoming season, the Bolts play teams with a losing 2014 record six times (Oakland; twice, Minnesota, Chicago, Jacksonville, Cleveland) as compared to just five times last year.

The real difference though lies in the placement of the scheduling. For example, last year the Bolts finished off their last five games of the year against teams that either had an even .500 record or a winning record and just two divisional games against the Broncos and Chiefs.

In 2015, the Bolts’ final five games feature four AFC West games against the Broncos (twice), Chiefs and Raiders. Thus, the Chargers will have an easier time getting to the playoffs if they control their own destiny. By playing the Broncos twice in the last five games, the Chargers can either make or break their season with a win or loss. It shows whether or not the Chargers deserve a spot in the playoffs or not.

That, in essence, is why the defensive additions from the draft and free agency are so important to this 2015 Chargers team. We know that Matthew Stafford, Andy Dalton, Aaron Rodgers and certainly Peyton Manning will be giving the Chargers’ secondary a run for their money.

Not to mention, the Chargers run defense will have to face the likes of Eddie Lacy, Justin Forsett, Jamaal Charles and Adrian Peterson – all outstanding rushers.

It’s a tough schedule for sure. Minnesota, Cleveland, Oakland, Chicago, Jacksonville are probable to more-than-likely wins for the Bolts. If you count both Baltimore and Miami as wins, the Chargers have 10 wins right there (which almost means a guaranteed playoff spot).

We know that Denver and Green Bay are most likely losses, but the Bolts have been able to surprise Peyton Manning in the past.

Overall, the Bolts will have a tough beginning of the season with the likes of the Lions, Bengals, Steelers and Packers all in the first six weeks. But I think the Bolts will be up to the challenge.

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers running back

Branden Oliver

(43) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

If they can survive those first six games with at least three wins, all the Chargers have to do is win six of the next 10 games. Considering that San Diego’s next 10 games feature contests against Oakland (twice), Chicago, Jacksonville and Miami, the Chargers should be able to get to the playoffs.

As many of us know, the Chargers have been known to stumble towards the end of the year after fast starts. Last season, many were thinking Super Bowl after a 5-1 start. Then, after going 8-4, the Bolts lost three of their last four games.

Of course, when it’s all said and done, it is up to head coach Mike McCoy to lead this team to success through their adequate 2015 schedule.

Next: Eric Weddle must play in 2015

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