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3 NFL teams that got better on paper, but will have worse records in 2023

By Sayre Bedinger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 08: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up prior to a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 08, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

3. Los Angeles Chargers (2022 record: 10-7)

Pick Analysis. . 3. Scouting Report. AFC West. Los Angeles Chargers. player. 13

The Los Angeles Chargers are, annually, a difficult team to try and project or even just “figure out” in any sort of way. Some weeks, they look like a true contender in the AFC. Other weeks, and as we saw in the second half of their epic collapse in the playoffs against the Jaguars, the Chargers look like they are just another bump in the road for someone else.

This team has been far too talented throughout the years to have the reputation that it does, and I’m not sure things are going to be any better in 2023 despite the roster looking really strong in Los Angeles.

A roster that won 10 games in 2022 and made the playoffs returns largely intact with Justin Herbert, of course, leading the charge at the quarterback position. Herbert, now in line to start getting some rather hefty contract offers, has shown pretty consistent improvement in each of his first three NFL seasons. The Chargers got him another new weapon this offseason in TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston, and they have seemingly revamped the offensive line to a competent level over the last couple of years.

Despite a trade request, Austin Ekeler remains on the Los Angeles roster as of mid-May, and the defense is — for the time being — fully healthy.

The issue with the Chargers right now is this — they are changing offensive systems in Justin Herbert’s contract year. Should they simply have pulled the plug on Brandon Staley at the end of the year and gone after Sean Payton like everyone thought? I guess we’re fixin’ to find out with how well Payton does in Denver.

The Chargers did not end last season on an inspirational note, coasting into the playoffs and losing in Denver in Week 18 before ultimately getting embarrassed by the Jaguars in the playoffs. I could see Los Angeles ending up with 8 or 9 wins this season, out of the playoffs, and searching for a new head coach.

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