NFL Power Rankings: New rankings show L.A. Chargers to be legit contenders

Travis Wakeman

•
NFL Power Rankings: New rankings show L.A. Chargers to be legit contenders image

It's only two games into the 2025 NFL season, but the Los Angeles Chargers currently sit atop the AFC West. In addition, both of their victories are over divisional opponents and they have a chance to get a third this Sunday against the Denver Broncos. 

The Chargers have looked good in each of their victories and quarterback Justin Herbert appears to be turning into the guy fans have waited so long to see. In two games, Herbert has completed a ridiculous 72 percent of his throws while tossing five touchdowns without turning the ball over yet. That's winning football and if the Chargers keep playing like this, they are going to be tough for anyone to beat. 

 

In his weekly power rankings, Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News didn't see enough to move the Chargers up the ladder. They remain at No. 6, but with a win over Denver this week, it would be hard to deny them a spot in the top 5. 

"The Chargers have gone full Jim Harbaugh, unleashing Justin Herbert vs. Kansas City and Las Vegas and letting everyone know they have the potential to win the division and become conference champions. They are 2-0 in the division with Denver next", wrote Iyer.

If the Chargers get out to a 3-0 start with all three of those victories coming within the division, they are going to announce themselves as one of the league's top contenders this season. There is still a long road ahead, but there is no doubt that Jim Harbaugh is building a winner here. 

READ: Has former Chargers star played his last game in the NFL?

If the team keeps getting big plays from guys like Quentin Johnston and if they can get the run game rolling, look out. 

MORE CHARGERS CONTENT

NFL Picks, Predictions Week 2: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Chargers undrafted rookie may bring his Cinderella story to 'Monday Night Football'

Chargers release former first-round pick and running back, sign new linebacker

NFL Power Rankings: L.A. Chargers join league's elite following huge Week 1 win

Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.