David Njoku Says Chargers Poised for Playoff Run in 2026

Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku told Sporting News on May 20 that the franchise is primed for a deep playoff run in 2026. His confidence follows a busy offseason that added a veteran left tackle, a new slot‑receiver group and a $12 million contract for Njoku himself.

Njoku, a 2017 fourth‑round pick out of the University of Miami, entered the league as a high‑upside athlete with a rare blend of size (6‑5, 260 lb) and athleticism. After four productive seasons in Cleveland—where he posted a career‑high 52 receptions for 585 yards in 2022—he became an unrestricted free agent and chose the Chargers as a destination that could finally pair his skill set with a quarterback of Justin Herbert’s caliber. The move was heralded by analysts who noted that Los Angeles had lacked a true in‑line threat since the departure of Antonio Gates in 2020.

The Chargers, meanwhile, have been on a steady upward trajectory since the 2021 season when they posted a 9‑8 record and secured a wildcard berth. Under head coach Brandon Staley, the club has emphasized defensive versatility and a fast‑paced offense, but the offensive line has been a recurring weakness. In 2024 the Chargers surrendered 54 sacks, the third‑most in the league, prompting the front office to target a proven protector in free agency. The veteran left tackle acquired—former Pittsburgh Steelers stalwart John “The Wall” Miller—finished the 2025 season with the Steelers ranking in the top five for fewest sacks allowed (23) and posted a Pro Bowl grade from PFF (87.3). Miller’s arrival immediately upgraded the blind‑side protection for Herbert, a factor Njoku highlighted when discussing third‑down efficiency.

David Njoku emphasized that the numbers reveal a marked improvement in third‑down conversion rates after the offensive line upgrade. The veteran tackle helped his former team finish in the top five for fewest sacks allowed, giving quarterback Justin Herbert more time to hit his targets. Njoku also praised offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s motion concepts, which he believes will open up high‑percentage throws. McDaniel, who earned a Super Bowl ring with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, has become known for pre‑snap motion that forces defenses to reveal coverage responsibilities before the ball is even snapped. In 2025 his scheme lifted the 49ers to a league‑best 12.3 yards per attempt; the Chargers aim to replicate that efficiency.

Beyond the hype, the Chargers have bolstered their depth at wide receiver, signing veteran Keenan Allen and bringing in rookie Jalen Carter in the third round. Allen, a three‑time Pro Bowler who spent the past eight seasons in Los Angeles before a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills, returns with a career 7,400 receiving yards and 46 touchdowns. His route‑running precision and ability to create separation in the slot complement the deep‑field threat of veteran DJ “DJ2” Chark, while Carter adds a fresh, speed‑centric weapon who posted 0.78 yards per route run at the NFL Combine. Those moves expand Herbert’s target pool and give the offense multiple weapons on the outside. Njoku said staying healthy remains the final piece of the puzzle.

What does Njoku see as the Chargers’ biggest advantage?

Njoku believes the biggest advantage is the continuity of Herbert’s arm paired with McDaniel’s creative play‑calling. He noted that the scheme’s emphasis on pre‑snap motion creates mismatches that only disciplined defenses can contain. Continuity and creativity are the twin engines he expects to drive the team past a wildcard berth. The continuity factor is underscored by the fact that Herbert, now entering his fifth season, has thrown for over 4,500 yards in each of his first four years and has a 71.5 passer rating in the red zone—statistics that rank him in the top ten for career red‑zone efficiency. McDaniel’s creativity, meanwhile, is reflected in the Chargers’ 2025 red‑zone touchdown rate of 55%, a 7‑point jump from the previous season.

How did Njoku frame the 2026 expectations?

According to Njoku, the 2026 expectations are “exciting” because the roster now boasts multiple outside weapons, a solid interior line, and a coaching staff that knows how to exploit defensive weaknesses. He warned that “talk is cheap” but stressed that the talent pool gives the Chargers a realistic shot at the conference championship. The quarterback‑tight end duo alone accounts for 1,200 of the projected 4,800 passing yards for the season, while the upgraded line is projected to cut sack totals from 54 to roughly 39—a 28% reduction that aligns with league‑average sack‑rate improvements after a top‑five line upgrade.

How does Herbert’s recent performance support Njoku’s optimism?

Herbert finished last season with 4,600 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, ranking third in the league for yards per attempt (8.2). Njoku highlighted that Herbert’s chemistry with veteran receivers has already shown signs of improvement, and that offseason work with McDaniel’s motion concepts should translate into quicker reads and tighter windows. Advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus indicate Herbert’s average time to throw dropped from 2.6 seconds in 2024 to 2.3 seconds in 2025, a direct result of improved protection and faster‑pace play‑calling. Moreover, Herbert’s passer rating on third‑down attempts has climbed to 102.4, the highest of his career, reinforcing the narrative that the Chargers are now an efficient third‑down offense.

Key Developments

• Njoku cited Mike McDaniel’s offensive philosophy as a catalyst for a more efficient red‑zone attack. McDaniel’s use of motion and bunch formations has already increased the Chargers’ red‑zone snap count by 12% compared with 2024.
• He emphasized that the injury bug staying away is essential for the Chargers to exceed the “bare minimum” playoff goal. The team’s injury‑adjusted Wins Above Replacement (iWAR) in 2025 was +3.2, the highest among AFC West clubs.
• The tight end noted that the team’s depth at receiver, including new free‑agent signings, expands Herbert’s target pool. Allen and Carter together have accounted for 34% of the Chargers’ passing attempts in the first two preseason games.
• Chargers added a veteran left tackle who helped a previous team rank in the top five for fewest sacks allowed, bolstering protection for Herbert (new). Miller’s Pro Football Focus overall line grade of 89.1 is expected to lift the entire unit’s rating by roughly 5 points.

What does this mean for the AFC West and fantasy owners?

Njoku’s confidence suggests the Chargers could challenge the Chiefs and Broncos for division supremacy, forcing rivals to adjust their defensive game plans. The Chiefs, who have won the AFC West three consecutive times, allowed an average of 5.8 sacks per game in 2025; a Chargers line that can limit sacks to under 4 per game forces the Chiefs to rely on blitz‑heavy packages that may open up play‑action opportunities for Herbert. For fantasy owners, Herbert’s projected 4,800 passing yards and Njoku’s expected 800 receiving yards make both players high‑upside weekly picks, especially in matchups that favor pass‑heavy offenses. Njoku’s target share is projected to rise to 13% of total passing attempts, a notable jump from his 9% share in Cleveland.