Do the Los Angeles Chargers have a chance to knock off the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFC West this upcoming season? We take a look at three reasons why Jim Harbaugh’s team has a chance to buck the trend in 2025:
3 Reasons The Chargers Can Win The AFC West
1. Jim Harbaugh’s Culture Shift
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has a proven track record. At his two previous stops, he was able to make quick turnarounds for the San Francisco 49ers and Michigan Wolverines, and there are high expectations as he enters Year 2 for the Chargers. He emphasises toughness, an element that has been missing from the team for years now, and has already started the shift from what was a finesse team under Brandon Staley.
There was already a significant improvement in Year 1. The Chargers went from a 5-12 record in 2023 to 11-6 and a postseason appearance in 2024, marking one of the biggest turnarounds in the NFL last year. Harbaugh earned a trip to the Super Bowl in his second season with the 49ers back in 2012. What will he do with the Chargers during his second campaign?
Has Jim Harbaugh found his next great Running Back?@ShaunMorash believes Omarion Hampton will become a star in Los Angeles and win Offensive Rookie of the Year (+1000, @BetMGM). pic.twitter.com/Is958m0k1y
— BETMGM Network (@BETMGMNetwork) July 20, 2025
2. Rebuilt Offensive Line & Running Game
In keeping with the theme of a culture shift, Harbaugh and the Chargers’ front office focused on the offensive line and running game this past offseason. They were able to add depth to their front five both through the draft and free agency, and are hoping for continued development of second-year player Joe Alt.
The running back room is revamped for the 2025 campaign. Los Angeles used their first round pick (22nd overall) on running back Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina, who may be thrust into a starting role with the health of Najee Harris being an unknown. The Chargers finished 17th in the NFL in rushing yards in 2024, but could find themselves closer to the top-10 if things go to plan with their running attack.
never change, coach pic.twitter.com/nmFu21otXc
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 19, 2025
3. How Vulnerable Are The Chiefs?
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking for their 10th consecutive NFC West title, and are favorites to get the job done. But they weren’t the dominant team in 2024 that we’ve been accustomed to seeing in year’s past, and showed some weaknesses despite their Super Bowl appearance last season. They still have major questions to answer at the wide receiver position, and we saw Travis Kelce’s production take a dip last year.
Patrick Mahomes is still the catalyst, of course, but any regression from Kansas City will have the Chargers smelling blood in the water.
