Los Angeles Chargers Prepare For Their Close-Up As They Are Awarded A Six-Pack Of Prime-Time Games

Are the Los Angeles Chargers ready for prime time?

The NFL thinks so as it gave the Chargers six marquee games in announcing their schedule for the upcoming season.

The Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, returned to the playoffs last season for the first time since 2018. Those executives arranging the games in the NFL office are banking on the Bolts to again being successful, and entertaining, in awarding them as many prime-time appearances over an array of broadcast platforms.

No team has more prime-time games than the Chargers, who finished 10-7 in ‘2022. Here’s a look at the six-pack of contests that Chargers’ fans are toasting as proof that their club is on the verge of a special year.

+ Oct. 16, Dallas Cowboys, 5:15 p.m. (all Pacific Time Zone listings) on ESPN:

The Cowboys’ backers travel and this “Monday Night Football” pairing will guarantee a sell out at SoFi Stadium. The place will be packed to watch the showdown between Dallas’ Dak Prescott and Herbert, and an offensive chess match which has a little extra spice with Keenan Moore now directing the Chargers’ offense. For the previous four seasons, Moore was the successful offensive coordinator for Dallas, before being shown the door in the offseason.

+ Oct. 29, Chicago Bears, 5:20 p.m. on NBC:

This Sunday night affair presents a Bears team which has undergone considerable changes, mostly in the front office. Something had to change with Chicago spitting out but nine wins in the past two seasons combined, but they do still have exciting quarterback Justin Fields to contend with.

+ Nov. 6, at the New York Jets, 5:15 p.m. on ESPN:

Start spreading the news because the date is set for Herbert to tangle with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the first time in their careers. Herbert was going to square off against Rodgers one way or another, as a trip to Green Bay is also on the Chargers’ docket. While Rodgers draws the most attention, the real concern here might not be stopping the Jets’ offense, but figuring out a way to be productive against New York’s stout defense.

+ Nov. 26, Baltimore Ravens, 5:20 p.m. on NBC:

What does Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson have that Herbert wants? A long-term, multi-million deal. Herbert and the Chargers, who recently triggered the club option on his rookie deal, are chopping it up in negotiations to get something done. Jackson, a former NFL MVP, knows all about waiting for a rich contract, but it’s unlikely the give-and-take between Herbert and L.A. will be as contentious.

+ Dec. 14, at Las Vegas Raiders, 5:15 p.m. on Amazon Prime:

Chargers-Raiders games always produce a spirited competition and another one is likely in the cards on a Thursday night just off the Las Vegas strip.

Maybe the Chargers’ third trip to Allegiant Stadium will be charming and it produces a win. They went bust in their first two visits, both of which had playoff implications.

The Raiders, once again, are in a rebuilding mode with fresh quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm. But that doesn’t mean squat with this pairing as these two long-time rivals always deliver lively games.

+ Dec. 23, Buffalo Bills, 5 p.m. on Peacock

It doesn’t get much better than the Bills’ Josh Allen facing Herbert as two of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks battle. The Bills are listed as the third-most likely team to reach the Super Bowl in many betting books and it’s easy to see why with the talented and gritty Allen orchestrating their vaunted offense. Buckle up for this one as points should be in an abundance.