The 2024 NFL regular season begins this week, with the Chargers kicking off their schedule with a divisional matchup against the Raiders.

Los Angeles will be led by new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has plenty of reason to be optimistic about this season. Harbaugh will have a lot of star players on both sides of the ball, combined with the second easiest schedule in the league.

So what will their record be when the season ends? Here are our final game-by-game predictions for the 2024 Bolts.

Week 1 against Raiders

The Chargers begin the Jim Harbaugh era at home against the Raiders, who are still riding high on their 63-21 win over the Bolts from last season despite facing a backup quarterback in Easton Stick. Los Angeles uses this as fuel and sets the tone for this new regime by beating the Raiders, led by former Chargers general manager Tom Telesco.

Prediction: Win (1-0)

Week 2 @ Panthers

The Panthers finished last season as the worst team in the NFL and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them finish near the bottom again this year. Carolina has a young head coach in Dave Canales, a young quarterback in Bryce Young and a roster that lacks star power.

Prediction: Win (2-0)

Week 3 @ Steelers

After two straight wins, the Chargers travel to Heinz Field to face Russell Wilson. They know him, having played with the Broncos the past two seasons. I expect Wilson to play better than he did in Denver under a much better head coach in Mike Tomlin. Additionally, Pittsburgh’s defense is strong and I can imagine that will pose problems for a Chargers offense that is still finding its rhythm.

Prediction: Loss (2-1)

Week 4 vs Chiefs

The Chargers return home after a road game, where they face the toughest opponent on their schedule. Los Angeles hired Harbaugh to stop Patrick Mahomes and company. But in his first meeting against Kansas City, I don’t see that happening. They’ve expanded their wide receiver core with Hollywood Brown and first-round pick Xavier Worthy. And despite the loss of star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, the defense will be dominant as long as Steve Spagnuolo is calling the plays.

Prediction: Loss (2-2)

Week 5, rest week

Week 6 @ Broncos

The Chargers look to struggle when they travel to Denver to play the Broncos, but those games usually come late in the season. They break the mold when they face rookie Bo Nix, who will likely experience some growing pains.

Prediction: Win (3-2)

Week 7 @ Cardinals

The Cardinals have done a good job adding pieces to their roster, including first-round wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., but the jury is still out on what they’re getting with Kyler Murray under center. This seems like a game where the Chargers will have a lot of success running the ball against a questionable defense.

Prediction: Win (4-2)

Week 8 against Saints

A familiar face returns to Los Angeles as former Raider Derek Carr is wearing a new jersey. The last time Carr came to SoFi Stadium, he was sacked six times. The Chargers, including former teammate Khalil Mack, will do everything they can to get Carr. I can see him making a few mistakes and Los Angeles will take advantage of that.

Prediction: (5-2)

Week 9 @ Browns

The Browns get back Deshaun Watson, who underwent shoulder surgery midway through last season. A healthy offensive line and the addition of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy should help. But the strength of this Cleveland team is on the defensive side of the ball, which I think will give the Chargers problems. It seems like it will come down to the last possession, and I think the Browns have the ball.

Prediction: Loss (5-3)

Week 10 against Titans

It’s hard to imagine a Titans team without Mike Vrabel as head coach and Derrick Henry in the backfield. They’ve added some explosive players, like running back Tony Pollard and wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, to go along with Deandre Hopkins. But I don’t see Will Levis making a leap in Year 2.

Prediction: Win (6-3)

Week 11 against Bengals

Joe Burrow is 0-2 against the Chargers. Burrow will still remain without a win, as this is the point of the season where the Chargers should have their full identity on both sides of the ball. Additionally, Harbaugh will motivate the team as they try to fight for a playoff spot.

Prediction: Win (7-3)

Week 12 vs Ravens

The Harbaugh Bowl: Part 2 Jim meets his brother John for the second time as he seeks revenge after the 49ers lost in Super Bowl XLVII to the Ravens. I expect this to be a smash-mouth, low-scoring game, but John remains undefeated. This Baltimore team is too talented, led by Lamar Jackson. The Chargers, on the other hand, are good, but they are still in Year 1 of this new regime. Don’t rule out a playoff rematch.

Prediction: Loss (7-4)

Week 13 @ Falcons

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Ravens and this is a Falcons team that actually has someone decent at quarterback in Kirk Cousins. They also have good playmakers, but after the loss to the Ravens I think LA comes to Atlanta, plays with a lot of fire and comes out with a win.

Prediction: Win (8-4)

Week 14 @ Chiefs

The Chargers are looking to even the series against the Chiefs. Unfortunately, they can’t. The hostile environment of Arrowhead Stadium in prime time is one thing, but this game is being played in cold temperatures. And I don’t think they can overcome that and that the Chiefs team will probably be battling for first place at this point in the season. I still expect this to be a close game.

Prediction: Loss (8-5)

Week 15 vs Buccaneers

The Chargers return home to face a Buccaneers team that made the playoffs last season, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield. Los Angeles should beat Tampa Bay, but they haven’t fully recovered from Sunday night’s game against the Chiefs and come up short.

Prediction: Loss (8-6)

Week 16 vs Broncos

At this point in the season, the Broncos will be fighting for a top 5 draft pick, while the Chargers will be playing for a playoff spot. While Nix will have his issues, Denver’s defense is decent, but the Bolts will still be a matchup. Los Angeles gets the sweep.

Prediction: Win (9-6)

Week 17 @ Patriots

This has the makings of a trap. It’s being played in late December in Foxborough, which means the weather is likely to be a bit weird. I’d consider it a loss if Bill Belichick was the head coach. But with a first-year head coach in Jerod Mayo and a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye, the Patriots shouldn’t be a problem for the Chargers.

Prediction: Win (10-6)

Week 18 @ Raiders

The Chargers complete the sweep and secure a playoff spot. The Raiders secure a top-10 draft pick.

Prediction: Win (11-6)