Chargers rise in latest ESPN power rankings

Yeah, yeah, the Chargers ended up getting their first notch in the loss column, but that didn’t stop the NFL staff at ESPN from seeing just how good the Bolts actually played against the reigning Super Bowl champs.

Prior to their Week 2 game, they sat at a dismal 22nd in the league. But as of this morning, they’re up to 18th. For some context, the 2-0 Bears are 17th while the 0-2 Vikings are 19th. Other notable 1-1 teams above the Chargers include the Colts (16th), Bucs (15th), and Cowboys (14th).

ESPN’s Shelley Smith, who seems to be taking over the Chargers coverage for the time being, had this to say about the Bolts.

“Ekeler was targeted just once against Cincinnati a week ago. Coach Anthony Lynn realized Ekeler needed to be more involved against the Chiefs, and he was electric. Ekeler had four catches for 55 yards and ran the ball 16 times for 93 yards. He got the extra yard where none was expected. The undrafted and little-known 5-foot-10 back out of Western Colorado figures to be important down the road. He should, as he signed a four-year $24.5 million contract extension in March.”

With a win against the Panthers in week three, the Chargers could easily see themselves catapulted into the top half of the league. If they’re able to hand Carolina a very convincing loss, they may make one of the more notable leaps across the league.