The Los Angeles Chargers will be looking to be playing meaningful games again in 2017, therefore let's take a look at their three biggest games of this season.
The Los Angeles Chargers need to give their fans from San Diego a reason to believe in the team again. As if it wasn't bad enough that they went 5-11 in 2016, the Chargers bolted for Los Angeles from San Diego after the 2016 season was over.
With that being said, there are more than enough opportunities for the Chargers to win their fans back throughout the 2017 season. They drafted a great receiver from Clemson, Joey Bosa has become the next great pass rusher, and they still have a solid quarterback in Philip Rivers.
Things are looking up for the newly-relocated Chargers. If they can get off to a solid start, Los Angeles has a legit chance to make noise in 2017. If they can do that, I don't think people in LA will have a hard time choosing who their new favorite NFL franchise is.
Big-time games give teams big-time chances to prove their worth. Let's take a look at the Chargers' biggest games of 2017.
Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Chargers at Broncos, Week 1 — Monday Night Football
There's nothing like having to go on the road in week one, but having to play in Denver, especially at night, is going to be an even taller-task. Heck, even the defending NFC Champion Carolina Panthers couldn't win their first game against the Broncos in 2016.
If Los Angeles wants to make a statement this season, it all starts in week one against their division rivals. Plus, nothing would be sweeter than seeing Denver fans lose faith in Week 1. All eyes will be upon this newly-relocated franchise, as fans across the country will watch to see how if Anthony Lynn's team can win their first game as an LA franchise.
A victory in week one would go a long way in helping Chargers fans get over what happened last season.
Sep 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) scores a touchdown during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 33-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Chargers at Chiefs, Week 15 — Saturday Night Football
It's the middle of December, and I expect both of these teams will be making a case to be playing in the postseason. What better way for the Chargers to prove their worth by knocking off the Chiefs late in the season and in the loudest stadium in all of football?
Whether it's for a Wild Card spot or the AFC West crown, this game is going to be full of emotion. These two teams don't like each other and only one team can come out on top; I cannot wait for this matchup.
I think this is the game where fans around the NFL will start believing in Los Angeles, especially if they can get Joey Bosa going. This kid is there real deal and he will give Andy Reid's offense all kinds of problems on this night. And although the Kansas City defense is quite stout, Philip Rivers and the offense should be able to have success against just about any unit in the league.
Don't be surprised when the Chargers' pass-rush is the biggest difference in this December football game.
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin (12) runs after a catch during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Raiders at Chargers, Week 17
What say you Chargers fans, will this be the game that sends your team into the playoffs? I believe this is the weekend Los Angeles finally gets back into the AFC playoffs. What better way to clinch a playoff-berth than against a divisional opponent? Much less a divisional opponent who many have circled as a Super Bowl contender.
At the same time, I don't think this will be a game between two teams gearing up for the playoffs. It might take a year or two for Derek Carr to get back to form and who knows how long Marshawn Lynch will be effective in 2017. Oakland's defense can carry them far, but not without a healthy balance of Carr and Lynch.
And even if the Raiders were to be fine and make a return to the playoffs, there are more than likely going to be two berths coming out of the AFC West. Subsequently, the Chargers and Raiders could be vying for positioning or that second berth in this matchup.
Again, don't be surprised when the Los Angeles Chargers defeat the Oakland Raiders to clinch a playoff berth in Week 17.
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