Los Angeles Chargers 2022 NFL Season Betting Preview (Los Angeles Ready To Become Contenders)

The Los Angeles Chargers have always been a good team. Even when they've had great seasons, they've just been a good team that couldn't get over the hump.

The 2022 Chargers have all the makings of previous "great" Chargers teams. They have talent on both sides of the ball, a talented quarterback and above average coaching. They also have hope -- which may be the most dangerous part of this whole equation.

Los Angeles made it clear this offseason it is ready to compete for a Super Bowl and will bring in whomever it needs to. The oddsmakers and fans are expecting a lot from the Chargers. Will they finally be able to live up to the hype?

Los Angeles Chargers 2022 Offseason Moves and Signings

• Traded for OLB Khalil Mack
• Signed CB J.C. Jackson in Free Agency
• Signed S Derwin James to a contract extension

Los Angeles Chargers 2022 Schedule

A big reason why I like the Chargers this season is because of their first half schedule. Los Angeles has seven games before the bye week and only one is against a playoff team from last season.

After that, the Chargers play Jacksonville, Houston, Cleveland, an improved Denver team and the Seahawks. There’s plenty of opportunity for them to start fast and go into the bye week in control of the division. 

Los Angeles Chargers 2022 Win Total Prediction

• UNDER 10 WINS (+120)
• OVER 10 WINS (-140)

Despite the Chargers being in the toughest division in football, this is their best year to make the leap and become a Super Bowl contender. The Chargers have an elite quarterback on a rookie contract, great skill position players and just added two defensive stars in the offseason. They had a top 5 scoring offense last season and needed an extra push forward. Mack and Jackson will give them that. 

Because of how potent the AFC West is, it’s going to take at least 10 wins to even think about winning the division. I think the only thing standing in the Chargers’ way is themselves. For years, they’ve found ways to lose games – or not win them if we’re talking about the season finale last season. 

Los Angeles looks like a complete team and I’m going to put my faith in them that they’ll be a part of the AFC elite this season.

Pick: OVER 10 Wins (-140)

Los Angeles Chargers 2022 Odds to Win AFC West, AFC, and Super Bowl

• To Make the Playoffs: -200
• Odds to Win AFC West: +220
• Odds to Win AFC: +750
• Odds to Win Super Bowl 57: +1400

I see the Chargers as legitimate threats to not only win the AFC West and the AFC, but the Super Bowl. They have all the pieces and the fact that Herbert is still ascending gives me hope the Chargers have another big leap in them. 

Brandon Staley’s aggressiveness combined with the talent he added to the roster creates a perfect situation for complimentary football and high-octane offense. 

Yes, they are in a tough division, but I still have questions about half of the AFC West, so I’m comfortable taking a chance on the Chargers. 

Best Bet: Chargers To Win AFC West (+220)

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.