The Los Angeles Chargers began the season 0-2 after losing at home to the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders, despite both games appearing winnable before the season. Their defensive performance has drawn particular criticism, with Pro Bowl safety Derwin James saying the unit must be honest about its shortcomings and improve quickly.

The Chargers have conceded 26 points in each defeat while scoring only 14, allowing an average of 349 yards per game and recording one takeaway. James has made 17 tackles and one pass break-up, but the team faces a difficult schedule ahead, travelling to Buffalo in Week 3 and Seattle in Week 4; Opta noted that Los Angeles became only the second NFL team to lose consecutive double-digit home games against opponents with sub-.200 records the previous season.