The 2024 NFL regular season begins this week and the Chargers start their schedule with a divisional battle against the Raiders.

Los Angeles is led by new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who brings plenty of reason for optimism heading into this season. Harbaugh will have plenty of star power on both sides of the ball, along with the second-easiest schedule in the league.

So what will their record look like at the end of the season? Here are our final game-by-game predictions for the 2024 Bolts.

Week 1 against Raiders

The Chargers begin the Jim Harbaugh era at home against the Raiders, who, despite having backup quarterback Easton Stick, are still proud of their 63-21 win over the Bolts last season. Los Angeles uses that as fuel and sets the tone with this new regime, beating the Raiders led by former Chargers general manager Tom Telesco.

Prediction: Victory (1-0)

Week 2 @ Panthers

The Panthers were the worst team in the NFL last season and I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish at the bottom again this year. Carolina has a young head coach in Dave Canales, a young quarterback in Bryce Young and a roster without star power.

Prediction: Victory (2-0)

Week 3 @ Steelers

After two straight wins, the Chargers travel to Heinz Field to face Russell Wilson. They know him, having played with the Broncos for the past two seasons. I expect Wilson to play better under a much better head coach like Mike Tomlin than he did in Denver. Plus, Pittsburgh’s defense is strong and I could see that causing problems for the Chargers offense, which is still trying to find its rhythm.

Prediction: Defeat (2-1)

Week 4 against Chiefs

The Chargers return home after a road trip where they will face the toughest opponent in their schedule. Los Angeles hired Harbaugh to stop Patrick Mahomes and Co. But I don’t see it that way in his first game against Kansas City. They have strengthened the wide receiver core with Hollywood Brown and first-round pick Xavier Worthy. And despite the loss of star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, the defense will dominate as long as Steve Spagnuolo is calling the plays.

Prediction: Defeat (2-2)

Week 5, Bye Week

Week 6 @ Broncos

The Chargers seem to struggle when they travel to Denver to play the Broncos, but those games usually come late in the season. They break out of the pattern when they face rookie Bo Nix, who will likely experience some teething issues.

Prediction: Victory (3-2)

Week 7 @ Cardinals

The Cardinals have done a good job adding players to their roster, including first-round wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., but it’s still unclear what they’ll get with Kyler Murray at quarterback. This seems like a game where the Chargers will have a lot of success with the running game against a questionable defense.

Prediction: Win (4-2)

Week 8 against Saints

A familiar face is returning to Los Angeles: Derek Carr, the former Raider, is wearing a new jersey. The last time Carr came to SoFi Stadium, he was sacked six times. The Chargers, including their former teammate Khalil Mack, will be eager to get Carr. I think he will make some mistakes and Los Angeles will capitalize on them.

Prediction: (5-2)

Week 9 @ Browns

The Browns will bring back Deshaun Watson, who had shoulder surgery midway through last season. A healthy offensive line and the addition of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy should help. However, the strength of this Cleveland team is on defense, which I think will cause the Chargers problems. It seems like it will come down to the last possession, and I believe the Browns will have the football.

Prediction: Defeat (5-3)

Week 10 against Titans

It’s hard to imagine a Titans team without Mike Vrabel as head coach and Derrick Henry in the backfield. They signed some explosive players, including running back Tony Pollard and wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd to join Deandre Hopkins. But I don’t think Will Levis will make much of a jump in year two.

Prediction: Win (6-3)

Week 11 against Bengals

Joe Burrow is 0-2 against the Chargers. Burrow will remain winless as this is the point in the season when the Chargers should show their full identity on both sides of the ball. In addition, Harbaugh will motivate the team as they look to fight for a playoff spot.

Prediction: Win (7-3)

Week 12 against Ravens

The Harbaugh Bowl: Part 2. Jim meets his brother John for the second time as he seeks revenge after a loss in Super Bowl XLVII when the 49ers faced the Ravens. I expect this to be a tough game with few points, but John remains undefeated. This Baltimore team is too talented, with Lamar Jackson leading the way. The Chargers, on the other hand, are good, but they are still in year one of this new regime. A playoff rematch is not out of the question.

Prediction: Defeat (7-4)

Week 13 @ Falcons

The Chargers just lost to the Ravens and the Falcons actually have a decent quarterback in Kirk Cousins. They also have good playmakers, but after the loss to the Ravens, I think Los Angeles comes to Atlanta, plays with a lot of fire and gets a win.

Prediction: Win (8-4)

Week 14 @ Chiefs

The Chargers are looking to even the series against the Chiefs. Unfortunately, they can’t do that. The hostile atmosphere at Arrowhead Stadium in prime time is one thing, but this game is being played in frigid temperatures. And I don’t think they can overcome that, against a Chiefs team that will likely be pushing for first place at this point in the season. Still, I expect it to be an exciting game.

Prediction: Defeat (8-5)

Week 15 against Buccaneers

The Chargers return home to face a Buccaneers team that made the playoffs last season under the leadership of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Los Angeles was expected to beat Tampa Bay, but they haven’t fully recovered from Sunday night’s game against the Chiefs and fall short.

Prediction: Defeat (8-6)

Week 16 against Broncos

At this point in the season, the Broncos are fighting for a top five draft pick while the Chargers are fighting for a playoff spot. Nix will have his problems and Denver’s defense is decent, but the Bolts will still give them a hard time. Los Angeles takes the win.

Prediction: Win (9-6)

Week 17 @ Patriots

The game has the makings of an upset. It’s being played in Foxborough in late December, which means the weather probably won’t cooperate. If Bill Belichick were the head coach, I’d count it as a loss. But with a first-year head coach in Jerod Mayo and a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye, the Patriots won’t be a problem for the Chargers.

Prediction: Win (10-6)

Week 18 @ Raiders

The Chargers complete the sweep and secure a spot in the playoffs. The Raiders secure a top-10 draft pick.

Prediction: Win (11-6)