Chargers NFL Playoff Odds Reveal High Expectations for 2020 Season

The Los Angeles Chargers followed a 12-4 campaign in 2018 with a surprising 5-11 fourth place disaster last season. It led to the end of an era for the franchise, as Philip Rivers and the Bolts agreed to part ways. Enter Justin Herbert.

Chargers Playoff Odds

The Oregon product is Rivers' heir, but whether he will start in 2020 is another question altogether. Head coach Anthony Lynn has been hyping journeyman Tyrod Taylor as the starter all offseason. With the transition underway at quarterback, the Chargers still hold +138 odds on FanDuel Sportsbook, giving them an implied percentage of 42.0 to make the playoffs.

The Chargers defense is mostly intact from their 12-4 season, one could even argue it has gotten better after veteran additions like defensive tackle Linval Joseph and cornerback Chris Harris. They also added first round draft pick Kenneth Murray to play middle linebacker.

Another reason for the odds boost might be the addition of Bryan Bulaga at offensive tackle in free agency, or the return of Derwin James at safety. There's no doubt this roster has talent, but the glaring concerns are whether or not this offense can move the ball behind Herbert or Taylor.

The last time we saw Taylor was when he flopped in Cleveland, opening the door for Baker Mayfield to start his career. What makes this time any different? On the flip-side, Herbert is a rookie, and not one that is expected to burst onto the scene. All rookie quarterbacks go through growing pains and it would be surprising if Herbert was one of the rare breeds that didn't.

With consistent offensive weapons lacking apart from Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen, this will not be an easy quarterback job in 2020. The odds do not seem to reflect this, leading one to believe that the Chargers may be a bit overrated heading into the new season.

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