Specifically, the arrival of quarterback Justin Herbert in 2020 made the Los Angeles Chargers relevant again. Of course, there was a joke about the Chargers not being wanted in Los Angeles. At the beginning, that seemed to be true. Ticket sales were sluggish, and merchandise did not move. But Herbert has given the Chargers franchise an NFL odds identity and credibility with the masses. Since 2014, the Chargers have just one playoff appearance. But that is expected to change with Herbert under center.
Los Angeles Chargers Future Odds at SBG
| Prop | Odds |
|---|---|
| To win the Super Bowl | +1520 |
| To win the AFC | +850 |
| To win the AFC West | +250 |
| Over-Under Win Total | 10.5 |
Falling Short – A History of Los Angeles Chargers
First founded in 1960 as charter members of the American Football League, the Los Angeles Chargers moved to San Diego in 1961. Hotel heir Barron Hilton was the original owner. Specifically, Hilton named the team after his credit card company aligned to his hotels and restaurants.
The early Chargers were the power of the American Football League. Namely, their marquee man was Hall of Fame receiver Lance “Bambi” Alworth. Head coach Sid Gilman was a pioneer in passing game development. Accordingly, the Chargers played in the first two AFL championship games. But they lost both times. Finally, the Chargers won the 1963 AFL championship. After losing the AFL championship game in the next two years, the Chargers went into a long period of darkness.
Eventually, head coach Don Coryell and quarterback Dan Fouts led a franchise resurgence in the early 1980s. Following that was another long period of losing. The Chargers made their only Super Bowl appearance in the 1995 season, losing to the 49ers.
From 2004 through 2018, the Chargers made the NFL sports betting playoffs seven times. For most of those years, the quarterback was Philip Rivers. However, Rivers could never get the Chargers to the Super Bowl. Finally, after years of futility in trying to build a new stadium, the Chargers returned to LA from San Diego in 2017.
Meeting the Challenges of 2022
Of course, the Chargers play in the AFC West, considered the best division in pro football. Los Angeles has shared that same division with the Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Denver Broncos since their founding in 1960. Correlate that the Division boasts four of the best quarterbacks in football. They are Justin Herbert of the Chargers, Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, Russell Wilson of the Seahawks, and Derek Carr of the Raiders. Such talent will be lighting up the stat sheets and scoreboards all season.
The Chargers will make their first prime time appearance in week two with a Prime Video game at the Kansas City Chiefs. In turn, this game will set the tone for the AFC West race. Another key AFC West game comes in week six when the Chargers will host the Denver Broncos on ESPN Monday Night Football.
NBC Sunday Night Football will feature the Chargers at the San Francisco 49ers in week 10. While in Week 16, the Chargers are again on ESPN Monday Night Football at the Indianapolis Colts. Consider that an AFC playoff position will likely be at stake. And in Week 17, NBC Sunday Night Football will feature a Chargers “home” game against the Super Bowl champion Rams. Both teams share SoFi Stadium.