Omar Navarro
The Chargers are back from a mini bye week as they get ready to hit the road in Week 9.
The Bolts travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans, withkickoff scheduledfor 10:00 a.m. (PT).
NFL analysts and publications have released their weekly power rankings. Take a look at where the Bolts are ranked as they enterWeek 9.
No. 11: Diante LeeThe Ringer(Last Week: No. 12)
L.A.'s win on Thursday came from sheer force of will, especially on offense. Quarterback Justin Herbert dialed up one of his best performances this year by dicing up Minnesota's blitzesand the Chargers bullied Minnesota in the trenches, too. L.A. has survived an injury-riddled first half to the season, and it could be getting back on track as a legitimate contender in the AFC.
No. 12: Frank SchwabYahoo Sports(Last Week: No. 13)
The Chargers outgained a decent Vikings team 419-164. It was an incredible team effort and reminded everyone that the Chargers have an elite upside.
No. 12: Chad Graff & Josh KendallThe Athletic(Last Week: No. 15)
In his 13th year in the NFL, Allen leads the Chargers in receiving (and is 17th in the league) with 479 yards and four touchdowns.
No. 12: Pete PriscoCBS Sports(Last Week: No. 15)
It's amazing how different the offense looks with Joe Alt at left tackle. Justin Herbert is comfortable now, and it showed in the victory over the Vikings.
No. 12: Eric EdholmNFL.com(Last Week: No. 17)
The Chargers leapt back into the fray with a strong showing against the Vikings on Thursday, reminding everyone of what they're capable of doing offensively with close to a full crew. Justin Herbert got back on track with a cleaner game. Rookie TE Oronde Gadsden II's recent emergence as one of Herbert's favorite pass catchers adds a new dimension to the offense.
No. 12: Mike FlorioPro Football Talk(Last Week: No. 17)
How important is Joe Alt? Everyone found out on Thursday night.
No. 12: Brent SobleskiBleacher Report(Last Week: No. 15)
Last Thursday, the Los Angeles Chargers looked like the team that won its first three games of the season. They played a physical, "violent" brand of football, something head coach Jim Harbaugh harped on in his postgame victory speech.
Los Angeles ran for 207 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.8 yards per rush attempt. Its defensive unit sacked Carson Wentz five times. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback certainly felt the effects of those hits.
If the Chargers stick to their hard-nosed identity on both sides of the ball, they can regain some momentum in the second half of the season.
No. 13: Nate DavisUSA Today(Last Week: No. 20)
Amazing what the return of LT Joe Alt and some sweet uniforms will do for a struggling offense.
No. 13: Conor OrrSports Illustrated(Last Week: No. 15)
The Chargers have Tennessee, Jacksonville and Pittsburgh before the bye and would theoretically be closer to full strength for a back-season stretch that includes Philadelphia, Houston, Kansas City and Denver. I maintain that this team could still very easily end up in the AFC championship game.
No. 14: Vinnie IyerSporting News(Last Week: No. 14)
The Chargers needed a massive clean and dominant game from Justin Herbert and got it for the most part against a tough Vikings' defense. The running game coming to life again to help him also was welcome for Jim Harbaugh.
No. 14: NFL Nation Kris RhimESPN(Last Week: No. 15)
Allen is only technically an addition... He returned to the Bolts in early August, and he has been quarterback Justin Herbert's favorite target. Allen is first in the team in yards (479), receptions (48) and targets (70). He has earned the nickname "third-and-Keenan" from teammates, as he has the fifth-most first-down receptions in the NFL (31).
No. 14: Dan WilkinstheScore(Last Week: No. 17)
The Chargers' best win being the season opener sums up how things have gone in Los Angeles. If last week's blowout victory over the Vikings was any indication, perhaps the offensive line getting Joe Alt back will help the team recapture some of its early brilliance.
No. 15:Ralph VacchianoFox Sports(Last Week: No. 20)
It's really tempting to believe they're back after their domination of the Vikings this past Thursday. They ran the ball and played defense like everyone always expected.
