Analyst Ranks Chargers in Surprising Top 10 in Power Rankings

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco has the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 10 in his latest NFL power rankings.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:33pm

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The Los Angeles Chargers, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, have been a consistent team in recent years, making the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. However, after a quiet free agency period, many are questioning how far the Chargers can go in 2026. Surprisingly, CBS Sports' Pete Prisco has the Chargers ranked 10th in his latest NFL power rankings, citing the team's addition of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and fullback Alec Ingold as reasons for optimism.

Why it matters

The Chargers' high ranking in Prisco's power rankings is noteworthy, as the team did not make major roster additions in free agency. This suggests the Chargers are banking on internal development and coaching changes to propel them to success in 2026, which could be a risky strategy.

The details

In his power rankings, Prisco wrote that the addition of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator "will liven up the run game if the star tackles come back healthy." He also noted the team's signing of fullback Alec Ingold, indicating that Harbaugh is "going back to his roots of being a physical running team." The Chargers are ranked the fourth-best team in the AFC, according to Prisco's rankings.

  • The Chargers made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons in 2024 and 2025 under Harbaugh.
  • The Chargers had a quiet free agency period in 2026.

The players

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, who has led the team to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

Mike McDaniel

The new offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, who is expected to "liven up the run game" according to the analyst.

Alec Ingold

The fullback signed by the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, indicating the team's desire to return to a more physical, run-oriented offense.

Pete Prisco

The CBS Sports analyst who ranked the Los Angeles Chargers 10th in his latest NFL power rankings.

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What they’re saying

“Adding Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator will liven up the run game if the star tackles come back healthy.”

— Pete Prisco, CBS Sports Analyst

“By adding fullback Alec Ingold, it's clear Jim Harbaugh is going back to his roots of being a physical running team.”

— Pete Prisco, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Chargers' performance in the 2026 season will be closely watched to see if their high ranking in the power rankings was justified.

The takeaway

The Chargers' surprising top-10 ranking in the power rankings despite a quiet free agency period suggests the team is banking on internal development and coaching changes to propel them to success in 2026. This strategy could pay off, but it also carries significant risk if the team's key players do not take the expected step forward.