2017 Season Overview
The 2017 Los Angeles Chargers season was the franchise’s 48th in the National Football League, fifth in San Diego since returning in 2017, and first under head coach Anthony Lynn. After a 5–11 record in 2016, the Chargers selected quarterback Philip Rivers in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts and aimed to build around him. This timeline summarizes the full regular-season schedule, results, and key context for the year.
Preseason Schedule and Results
The Chargers played four preseason games in August 2017. They began at home against the Dallas Cowboys on August 10 and traveled to San Francisco, Kansas City, and San Jose later in the month. The preseason concluded with a home game against the Oakland Raiders. Below is a summary of dates, opponents, and outcomes.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 10 | Dallas Cowboys | L 17–20 | StubHub Center (Carson, CA) |
| 2 | Aug 17 | at San Francisco 49ers | L 10–16 | Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, CA) |
| 3 | Aug 25 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 20–13 | StubHub Center (Carson, CA) |
| 4 | Sep 1 | at Oakland Raiders | W 22–10 | RingCentral Coliseum (Oakland, CA) |
| 5 | Sep 7 | San Jose State | L 22–24 | StubHub Center (Carson, CA) |
Preseason Takeaways
- The Chargers’ defense showed promise in the second half of games, but coverage and tackling inconsistencies were evident.
- Quarterback play saw Rivers manage the game well, though the playbook was limited during exhibition matches.
- Special teams provided positive contributions, including key returns that helped secure wins.
Regular Season Schedule
The 2017 regular season ran from September through December, with the Chargers hosting select games at StubHub Center in Carson, California, and traveling across the league. The schedule included six games against AFC West opponents, four against AFC North, three against NFC North, three against AFC South, and one each against NFC West and NFC South.
Week-by-Week Results
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 10 | at Denver Broncos | L 24–27 | Sports Authority Field at Mile High |
| 2 | Sep 17 | Jacksonville Jaguars | W 41–28 | StubHub Center (Carson, CA) |
| 3 | Sep 24 | at Carolina Panthers | L 28–33 | Bank of America Stadium |
| 4 | Oct 1 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 27–17 | StubHub Center (Carson, CA) |
| 5 | Oct 8 | at Baltimore Ravens | L 17–26 | M&T Bank Stadium |
| 6 | Oct 15 | at Miami Dolphins | W 30–10 | Hard Rock Stadium |
| 11 | Nov 19 | at New England Patriots | L 14–38 | Gillette Stadium |
| 12 | Nov 26 | Buffalo Bills | W 23–20 | StubHub Center (Carson, CA) |
| 13 | Dec 3 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 28–43 | Arrowhead Stadium |
| 14 | Dec 10 | San Diego Chargers | Note: This matchup was a Week 14 intraconference game between the Los Angeles–area teams, then billed as a “Battle of the SoCal.”L 20–23 | StubHub Center (Carson, CA) |
| 15 | Dec 17 | at New York Jets | W 41–10 | MetLife Stadium |
| 16 | Dec 24 | Indianapolis Colts | L 27–28 | StubHub Center (Carson, CA) |
| 17 | Dec 31 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 33–35 | Arrowhead Stadium |
Season Summary and Standings
Los Angeles finished with a 9–7 record, placing second in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs (10–6). The margin in division games was narrow, with a late loss at Kansas City in Week 17 costing the Chargers a tie for the division lead. Their non-division conference slate was competitive, but losses to lower-seeded teams in Weeks 1 and 11 hampered playoff positioning.
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 9–7 | Second in AFC West |
| Points For | 349 | 21.8 PPG, 8th in NFL |
| Points Against | 342 | 21.4 PPG, 16th in NFL |
| Playoff Result | Did not qualify | Missed postseason despite late surge |
Key Matchup Insights
Certain games shaped the trajectory of the season. The Week 2 win over Jacksonville showcased the offense’s potential with Rivers connecting on multiple touchdowns. In Week 14, the intradivine clash with the crosstown San Diego Chargers delivered a narrow defeat that underscored how fine the margin was in the division. Road tests at New England and Buffalo revealed vulnerabilities against disciplined defensive schemes, while victories at Miami and against the Jets highlighted the ability to compete on the road.
Roster and Coaching Context
Under head coach Anthony Lynn, the Chargers emphasized a run-first offense with Rivers operating within a structured system. The defense featured emerging playmakers on the edge and a stout front four that generated consistent pressure. Special teams became a dependable unit, contributing to several close-game outcomes throughout the year.
Long-Term Implications
The 2017 campaign was a foundational year for the franchise’s return to Southern California. Although the team missed the playoffs, the season provided valuable developmental opportunities for younger players and clarified areas for improvement in both roster construction and in-game strategy. The performance trends observed in 2017 informed subsequent moves, including the eventual transition toward a new quarterback core.
Conclusion
The 2017 Los Angeles Chargers schedule reflected a competitive and balanced regular season that ended with a winning record but without postseason berth. Key road victories and narrow divisional losses defined the year, setting the stage for the next phase of franchise development. For fans and analysts, this season remains a useful reference point when evaluating progress from 2017 through the years that followed.