2021 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 8: Where Chargers stand after bye week
Even though the Chargers did not play this past weekend, that doesn’t mean it won’t reflect on national power rankings.
After Week 7, let’s see what the nation thinks of the Bolts.
USA Today: 10 (Last Week: 9)
“Last time they hosted Patriots in Los Angeles, New England won 45-0. We’ll assume a better outcome this Sunday at SoFi.”
Touchdown Wire: 10 (Last Week: 10)
“Bye week.”
NFL: 9 (Last Week: 8)
“OK, so Justin Herbert stunk up the joint two Sundays ago in Baltimore, as did the rest of his Chargers teammates in a game to forget. The question becomes this: Was it simply a bad week — or do teams now have a playbook on how to stop the Bolts? The Chargers’ offense could use improvement in early-down situations. More work is needed on the defensive side, which is surprising, considering Brandon Staley’s pedigree upon taking this head-coaching job. Los Angeles ranked 19th in defensive DVOA heading into Monday Night Football and is one of the worst teams in football against the run. The Chargers are good — potentially great — but they remain under construction.”
CBS Sports: 10 (Last Week: 8)
“The Chargers had two weeks to stew over their poor showing against the Ravens. Now they get the Patriots at home, which will be fun seeing Justin Herbert against Bill Belichick.”
Yahoo Sports: 10 (Last Week: 9)
“The Chiefs’ loss was a victory for the Chargers over their bye week. The upcoming schedule isn’t too tough either (vs. Patriots, at Eagles, vs. Vikings, vs. Steelers, at Broncos), so they have a chance to solidify their place in the division along with the Raiders.”
“The loss to the Ravens lingers, but I wouldn’t bet against Brandon Staley after a week of self scouting. This is especially true given the Chargers’ soft schedule from here on out, which features just two teams—the Raiders and the Bengals—with winning records. Even if you toss the Chiefs into the mix, this isn’t anything to flinch at.”
