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Why ESPN's Early 2026 NFL Predictions Has Chargers Winning Super Bowl LXI

ESPNPredictions

It's never too early to look ahead.

A panel of 11 ESPN NFL experts wasted no time submitting their early predictions for the 2026 NFL season earlier this week.

That included their projected Super Bowl matchup next year, MVP winner and a big 2026 prediction heading into the next season.

The Chargers were right in the mix of their predictions, even without having making any free agent or draft moves yet, as their recent coordinator hires have experts believing in the Bolts.

ESPN's NFL analyst Seth Walder was among them, as he had the Chargers emerging victorious over the Packers in Super Bowl LXI.

Walder wrote:

Am I falling for the Chargers in the offseason, just like we all do every year? Sure. But this time will be different! The 2025 Chargers' biggest weakness — the offensive line — already has a built-in solution with their two excellent tackles (Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater) returning to health. Add Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator and I find myself truly believing.

The hiring of Mike McDaniel to be the team's offensive coordinator has had a lot of pundits buzzing, tabbed as one of the best overall hires of the cycle so far.

And it's a big reason why pairing him with quarterback Justin Herbert and the offense has the Bolts as a popular team in early predictions.

Take a look at the best photos from the Chargers 2025 campaign through the lens of manager of photography, Ty Nowell, seasonal photographer, Joaquin Torre, seasonal photographer, Cassandra Serrano, gameday photographers Noel Vasquez, Joey Hortiz, Katie Albertson and Jared Thomas.

The Chargers were one six teams that made multiple appearances in the Super Bowl predictions portion, as ESPN's Aaron Schatz had them playing their crosstown rival in next year's big game at SoFi Stadium.

Schatz wrote:

That's right, I'm predicting a fight for Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. Two home teams! The Rams were No. 1 in offense this season, and offense is more consistent than defense. The Chargers will get back their offensive tackles and added Mike McDaniel to coordinate the offense, plus they have a ton of cap space to address their offseason needs.

Super Bowl predictions aside, some expect the Chargers to go even further than just a third straight postseason appearance.

ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum's big prediction for next season is the Bolts capturing the division for the first time under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

Tannenbaum wrote:

The Chargers will take a big step and win the AFC West. With offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater healthy, and Mike McDaniel bringing some energy, Justin Herbert & Co. get over the hump and win the division.

There's plenty of moves and time in the offseason for the Chargers to bolster their odds heading into 2026, but one thing for sure is they have a lot of excitement going forward.

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