The NFL Team No One's Talking About

The Los Angeles Chargers are making waves in the 2024 NFL season, showing why they’re a team to watch in the AFC. After falling short of expectations last year, the Chargers have rebounded in style under the leadership of new head coach Jim Harbaugh. With a 7-3 record, they’re firmly in the playoff hunt and have displayed a level of consistency and confidence that suggests this season could be special.

A standout feature of the Chargers’ success has been their top-ranked defense, which has been nothing short of dominant. Allowing just 13.1 points per game, the defense has become a nightmare for opposing offenses. Joey Bosa has been a game-wrecker, tallying 10.5 sacks, while Derwin James continues to anchor a secondary that’s allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the league. Their ability to create pressure and force turnovers has swung games in their favor, including a thrilling 34-27 win over the Bengals, where they forced three key turnovers to seal the victory.

On the offensive side, Justin Herbert is proving once again why he’s one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. With 1,913 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, Herbert has shown incredible poise and playmaking ability. His leadership in tight moments has been crucial, including a dramatic overtime victory against the Dolphins in Week 7. Keenan Allen, Herbert’s go-to receiver, has been a reliable presence, leading the team in receiving yards and providing key plays in crunch time.

The Chargers’ ground game has also stepped up, with J.K. Dobbins rushing for over 700 yards. The offensive line has played a pivotal role, keeping Herbert upright and paving the way for an improved rushing attack. In fact, the Chargers’ offensive line has allowed the fewest sacks in the AFC, giving the team a balanced and dangerous offense.

One of the most impressive aspects of this Chargers team is their discipline. They’ve turned the ball over just four times all season, a league-best mark that underscores their attention to detail and execution. It’s the kind of discipline that wins games in the postseason, and the Chargers are playing like a team with January football in mind.

Looking ahead, the Chargers face some critical matchups, including a rematch with the Chiefs that could define their division aspirations. While the road ahead isn’t easy, this team has shown it has the talent, focus, and resilience to make a deep playoff run. For Chargers fans, there’s a quiet but growing sense of optimism—this could be the season that finally delivers on the promise this team has shown for years.

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Weekend Preview

College Football:

• Game: No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers

• Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

• Time: 12:00 PM ET

• Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

This Big Ten East clash is pivotal for the College Football Playoff picture. Indiana enters the game undefeated, riding a 10-0 record, with quarterback Kurtis Rourke leading the charge. Ohio State, at 9-1, boasts a stifling defense, holding opponents to under 17 points per game. Look for standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the nation’s best freshman receiver, to have a big game. On the other side, Hoosiers’ QB Kurtis Rourke, who has will test Ohio State's defense. A win for Indiana could shake up the playoff standings, while Ohio State hopes to maintain dominance at home.

NFL:

• Game: Kansas City Chiefs at Carolina Panthers

• Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024

• Time: 1:00 PM ET

• Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

This Week 12 matchup features the Chiefs, who are currently 9-1 and leading the AFC West, aiming to rebound from their recent loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Panthers, holding a 3-7 record, are striving to improve their standing in the NFC South. Key players to watch include Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard. The game will be broadcast on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+.

NBA:

• Game: Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets

• Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

• Time: 10:30 PM ET

• Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

This Western Conference matchup brings star power and intrigue. The Lakers, led by LeBron James (averaging 24.5 points per game) and Anthony Davis (11.3 rebounds per game), look to solidify their position near the top of the standings. The Nuggets, fueled by Nikola Jokic’s dominance, are fresh off an NBA cup victory. Key matchups include Jokic against Davis in the paint and Christian Braun challenging the Lakers’ perimeter defense. The outcome will offer a glimpse into how both teams stack up as potential playoff threats in the West.