Chargers poised for best start in 24 years and inside track to making NFL Playoffs

We're still in September, but a 3-0 start is something the Los Angeles Chargers haven't achieved since 2001.

Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) celebrates with head coach Jim Harbaugh after a TD in 2024. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

With two wins over AFC West opponents including one against nemesis Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers are creating buzz around the league. With another victory Sunday in their home opener at SoFi Stadium against the Denver Broncos, they could begin carving a clear path to the NFL Playoffs.

Yes, already.

The Chargers have already made history this season, becoming only the third team to start 2-0 with wins away from home against division opponents. Sunday, head coach Jim Harbaugh's team could add substance to that style.

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By beating the Broncos, the Chargers would be 3-0 for the first time since the days of head coach Mike Riley, quarterback Doug Flutie, running back LaDainian Tomlinson and linebacker Junior Seau. That's right, 2001.

Getting to 3-0 is a nice start, but little else. Despite all that star power, the '01 Chargers missed the playoffs by losing their last nine games and finishing 5-11. But since 1990, NFL teams starting 3-0 make the playoffs 75.3 percent of the time and win their division at a 51.2 percent rate.

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The more promising news for quarterback Justin Herbert and his Chargers? The soft part of the schedule is on the horizon. After Sunday, two of the next three are against teams that are winless in the 0-2 New York Giants and 0-3 Miami Dolphins.

That's great news for a Harbaugh team that will continue to get more production from growing rookies such as running back Omarion Hampton, and will get back injured defensive leader Khalil Mack in approximately four weeks.

Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) celebrates after making a sack in Week 2. | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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