Everything a Los Angeles Chargers fan needs to know for Week 1

Hello, Los Angeles Chargers fans! After a transition period, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are one day away from the start of a new era for the organization. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for reading my coverage. You are all the reason I get to do this job every day and I don't take that for granted. No matter how 2024 turns out for the Chargers, one thing is for sure: It will be fascinating. The athlete will provide you with everything you need to know, and there is so much to consider.

Will Harbaugh be able to make his patented quick turnaround with a Chargers roster that appears to be at least a year away from serious contention? How will quarterback Justin Herbert fit into a Harbaugh and Greg Roman offense that will focus more on the running game than in his previous seasons? Can defensive coordinator Jesse Minter find a way to maximize his personnel strengths to mask weaknesses on his side of the ball? Those are just a few of the questions. I hope you'll stick around over the next few months as I dive into all the major storylines!

If you want to go beyond the Chargers, The athlete will still keep you informed. Get The Pulse in your inbox for a quick and entertaining read of the most important storylines from the NFL and all of sports. Check out the app daily – available on iOS and Google – for personalized news on the teams that matter most to you. And dive deep into the NFL with Scoop City, where insider Dianna Russini and our NFL reporters bring you the inside scoop.

Week 1: vs. Raiders, Sunday, 1:25 p.m. PT (CBS)

Here are a few stories to get you in the mood for the season:

Important reading for chargers:

What I see: Jim Harbaugh's vision and other observations
The Harbaugh era in LA officially begins on Sunday at SoFi Stadium against the rival Las Vegas Raiders.

Chargers start the season opener eager to wipe away the stench of 63-21
Nearly 50 percent of the roster has been replaced since last season, but those who were there are still feeling the effects of the 63-21 loss.

Chargers add Herbert (foot) to injury list following NFL directive
Herbert missed most of the training camp due to a plantar fascia injury, the team said.

The long-standing football partnership of Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman
It's a 25-year partnership built on a shared football ideology and philosophy. Running the ball. Dominating the line of scrimmage. Physicality.

How Chargers star Derwin James rediscovered his fire
The goal of James and the Chargers? “Let's say again that you are one of the best safeties in football.”

After a decade apart, John and Jim Harbaugh resume their most fascinating rivalry in the NFL
The Harbaugh brothers, best friends and bitterest enemies, will face off again on November 25 when the Ravens visit the Chargers.

How has Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh changed the culture?
Also addressed: Which receiver will have the most pass targets after the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams?

Chargers 53-man roster: Simi Fehoko and Brenden Rice make 7 receivers
Third-year veteran Fehoko and freshman Rice were neck and neck throughout camp.

SoFi Stadium Guide

(Chris Unger, Ryan Kang, Kevin C. Cox, Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

NFL Rankings and Insights:

Power Rankings Week 1
It's time for a mood check for each team at the start of the season.

Quarterback tiers 2024: Only 2 come alongside Mahomes in tier 1
Aaron Rodgers missed the first step in the 11th annual survey of 50 NFL coaches and managers. His successor in Green Bay was able to prevail.

What NFL managers and coaches really think about the new kickoff rule
More returning players? Fewer injuries? The NFL believes so, but even after the experiences of the preseason, some coaches and managers are still not convinced.

NFL agents talk about the best (and worst) franchise, Mahomes' value and Dak's next deal
In our sixth annual Agent Survey, agents shared their views on everything from quarterback contracts to evaluating top talent to ways to improve the NFL.

Information on all 32 NFL teams, Russ skepticism, Davante Adams trade talks and more
Dozens of NFL executives and coaches weigh in on how the 2024 season will unfold for each team.

Ten fat Predictions: Packers win NFC North, but Caleb Williams as MVP?
Also: Kyler Murray breaks out, the 49ers suffer from a Super Bowl hangover, and Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs make history (again).

Hope-O-Meter Results: Fan Optimism Ranking for All 32 Teams
Optimism in the NFL is often closely tied to a team's starting quarterback, so which fan bases are the most optimistic for 2024?

Total Winnings Predictions | Week 1 Schedule

(Photo by Jim Harbaugh: Tim Heitman / USA Today)