From CBS Sports · · 3m
Winless Chargers face must-win at Bills
Los Angeles has made unwanted history starting 0-2 and now faces a season-defining Week 3 matchup in Buffalo.
In brief
Los Angeles has made unwanted history starting 0-2 and now faces a season-defining Week 3 matchup in Buffalo. The Chargers' 0-2 start with losses to teams that won only 2 games last season is historically bad, and losing to Buffalo would drop their playoff odds to just 3.8%. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Chargers stumble in year three
After winning 11 games and making the playoffs each of the past two seasons under Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are winless and facing a must-win game at Buffalo on Sunday.
Historic losses to bad teams
Los Angeles lost to Arizona 26-14 as a 9.5-point home favorite, then to Las Vegas 26-14 as a 6.5-point home favorite. They're the first team ever to start 0-2 with both losses against clubs that won only 2 games last season.
Offensive line falling apart
The Chargers had six fumbles in Week 2, the most since 1987, plus eight penalties and three turnovers. Pro Bowl tackle Joe Alt was flagged four times, and center Tyler Biadasz was lost to a season-ending knee injury in training camp.
“We're shooting ourselves in the foot. You're never going to win like that.”
Mike McDaniel hire backfires
The offensive coordinator addition from Miami has been a bust so far. The Chargers are averaging just 10.0 points per game over their last five games dating to the playoffs.
Injury crisis deepens roster
Tight ends Charlie Kolar and David Njoku are both headed to injured reserve after Sunday's loss. Left guard Kayode Awosika and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson are also expected to miss time.
Five-game losing streak
Dating to last season's playoffs, the Chargers have lost five straight. It's the first five-game losing streak of Harbaugh's career in the NFL or college.
Playoff hopes crumbling fast
The Chargers' win total dropped from 9.5 to 7.5, and their playoff odds fell from minus one-sixty to plus two-forty. If they lose Sunday, the SportsLine model projects just 5.7 wins and a 3.8% playoff chance.
Brutal schedule ahead
Weeks 3-10 include games at Bills, Seahawks, Broncos, Chiefs, Rams, Texans, and Ravens. Five of those teams won playoff games last season, while the Chiefs and Ravens have multiple-time MVPs at quarterback.
Buffalo also struggling defensively
The Bills are only the third team in NFL history to start 2-0 while allowing at least 30 points in each game. But they have extra rest after beating Detroit on Thursday.
Herbert needs to bounce back
Justin Herbert is completing 59.3% of passes with 401 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions through two games. A struggling Buffalo defense could be exactly what he needs.
At a glance
The Chargers' 0-2 start with losses to teams that won only 2 games last season is historically bad, and losing to Buffalo would drop their playoff odds to just 3.8%.
