The Los Angeles Chargers have put together a talented roster and are ready to make a playoff run in 2021. They finished with a 7-9 record in the 2020 season but rookie quarterback Justin Herbert showed his value. A Chargers-led offense with Herbert under center will be great for years to come.

After seeing what Herbert was capable of last season it was all about surrounding the team with talent in the offseason. After a great draft and free agency the Chargers have a roster that should make the playoffs. In free agency the Chargers had some key moves including the signing of Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley. Linsley bolsters the offensive line to protect Herbert and so will offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, who they drafted in the first round. Slater was the best day one tackle in the draft and will make an instant impact on the protection of Herbert. After a great free agency and draft the Chargers are ready to compete.

Here are 3 reasons Chargers will make the NFL Playoffs:

Justin Herbert, Chargers

3. New Head Coach Brandon Staley

The Chargers hired Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley who was a sneaky great signing. Staley led the Rams defensive unit that was number 1 in the NFL last season and could revitalize the Chargers defense. The Chargers have some very talented defensive players that could benefit from a coach like Staley. With an emerging offense already, the defense will be the key factor for how successful this Chargers team will be.

Look for Staley to lead this defense into the top half of the league this season, or possibly even better.

 

2. Young talent emerging into stars

The Chargers have many young players that are highly talented and have a ton of potential. Some of these young players took major strides last season and could breakout into stars. Wide receiver Mike Williams had a down year last season but another year with Herbert under center could help him. He has shown his deep ball ability as well as being a great jump ball receiver. Other young talent that could emerge include rookie cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. and offensive tackle Rashawn Slater.

If these players breakout into stars this season, the Chargers will have a great shot at making the playoffs.

 

1. Justin Herbert breaks out into a superstar

The Chargers got a great quarterback in Herbert and he has the potential to be a superstar in 2021. He had a dominant rookie campaign and took home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award while breaking multiple rookie records. Herbert threw for 4,336 yards and had 36 total touchdowns which set a record for most touchdowns by a rookie in NFL history. He has a great shot at becoming a superstar quarterback in year two.

Herbert is the franchise quarterback that the Chargers had hoped for when drafting him with the 6th pick. He is a great passer and a very underrated runner as he had 5 rushing touchdowns in his rookie season.

Look for Herbert to take a big jump and become a superstar in year two.

The Chargers are in a great spot to make the playoffs with the talent on the roster progressing along with key additions. They are in a tough division that includes the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders but have the talent to have an outside shot to win the division.

Chargers fans should be excited as the team is ready to make the playoffs and will be elite for years to come.