How does a 5-1 record sound over the first six weeks of the season?
The NFL released next season's schedule on Tuesday, including the Chargers'. The team has always started slow under Norv Turner, but they have a chance to bolt out of the blocks next season. Wouldn't that be a nice change?
The toughest game over the first month and a half is a home game with Arizona. But, with a new quarterback, they might not be that big a test. So a 6-0 to start? Really, do, K.C,. Jacksonville, Seattle, Oakland and St. Louis scare you?
A fast start is a good idea, because the next few weeks will be a challenge: the Patriots, followed by Tennessee, and a game at Houston. They're all toss-ups. A Week 10 bye week is perfect, because the final six weeks will be a challenge: Denver, at Indy, then three home games. A 3-2 record over this stretch would be fine.
Pack the cold-weather gear for the final two weeks. First, on Dec. 26 at Cincinnati, a night game on NBC. The team usually travels on Friday for any game across the Mississippi. That means a Dec. 24 departure for Ohio, then Christmas Day in a hotel room followed by a night game in frigid temps. Then the Chargers go to Denver for the final game of the season. Bundle up.
An 11-5 record for the year isn't out of the question. Ten wins seem likely. That's, of course, if the Chargers find a couple running backs, shore up the D-line and get help in the O-line and secondary.
