5 bold predictions for Los Angeles Chargers in 2020

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 01: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers leads his team onto the field before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 1, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 23-20. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 01: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers leads his team onto the field before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 1, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 23-20. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 15: Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers in action during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 39-10. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 15: Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers in action during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 39-10. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images) /

The Chargers made the tough decision to let Philip Rivers walk after a five win season in 2019. Can Tyrod Taylor do any better?

For the first time in what feels like forever, Philip Rivers won’t be the Chargers starting quarterback when football kicks off in 2020. That puts Tyrod Taylor under the microscope as he takes the reins in 2020.

In fairness to Taylor, he can’t reasonably be expected to serve as the focal point of the team’s offense. At best, he’s a caretaker until they find their next franchise quarterback. That reality won’t be any comfort to Chargers fans hoping to see their favorite team return to the playoffs this season.

The formula for success for Anthony Lynn’s team has to be to run the ball and play good defense to win close games. Austin Ekeler will be relied upon to make big plays on the ground. Joey Bosa and a host of talented defenders will be counted on to forge one of the best units in the NFL.

The Chargers don’t have much room for error in 2020, but there’s a scenario where they can sneak into the postseason. The outcome of the following five bold predictions will go a long way towards determining the team’s fate.

5. Keenan Allen will demand a trade

Spoiler alert, the Chargers are going to struggle mightily to throw the ball this season. That’s going to cause a ton of frustration for the team’s receiving corps.

Allen will be the player to really lose his cool. He’s a veteran who needs to be on a team capable of winning immediately if he’s ever going to secure a Super Bowl ring. The Chargers will quickly find out they aren’t on his timeline. Look for Allen to ask for a trade after the team gets off to a really ugly start.