Chargers Seek 10-Game Win Streak After 24-9 Loss

The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2026 season with high expectations, but a 24-9 defeat against the Rams on Sunday left them winless with seven losses.

The team now faces a mathematical hurdle that has never been overcome in NFL history: they must win their remaining 10 games to secure a playoff berth. This marks the 10th consecutive loss for the franchise, a streak that began with a wild-card loss to the New England Patriots the prior season.

This current run is the longest losing streak for the franchise since the 2000 campaign, when the Chargers dropped 11 straight games to start a 1-15 season under coach Mike Riley.

Rookie edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, selected 22nd overall in the draft, expressed confusion regarding the team's slide. Mesidor, who spent two seasons at Miami competing for national championships, said he did not know how to explain the disconnect between preparation and results. "I don’t know what to say," Mesidor said. "Everybody in this locker room wants to win, and we’re doing what it takes every week, the preparation to do so. But I don’t know. I wouldn’t know how to explain what happened."

The offensive unit struggled significantly in the loss. The Chargers have gone 27 possessions without scoring a touchdown across nine quarters. The running back rotation of Kimani Vidal, Omarion Hampton, and Keaton Mitchell combined for 49 yards on 21 carries, averaging 2.3 yards per attempt. Coach Jim Harbaugh indicated on Monday that the team may reduce the rotation to allow a player to build rhythm.

The defense showed early promise but could not sustain momentum. The unit held the Rams without a first down on the first five possessions of the game, limiting them to 14 net yards. However, the defense yielded a field goal after Justin Herbert threw an interception in the red zone.

Practice squad cornerback Isas Waxter provided a bright spot on the defensive side. The undrafted rookie from Villanova recorded six tackles, the team-high. Waxter stopped Rams wideout Puka Nacua for a loss on two screen passes.

The front office has not indicated plans to sell players on expiring contracts, with 35-year-old Khalil Mack being the most notable candidate. The organization appears focused on having Harbaugh's team turn things around internally rather than trading assets.

Injury updates show cornerback Deane Leonard is still in concussion protocol. Rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson is unlikely to practice this week due to a quad and hamstring injury. Tight end David Njoku is expected to return to practice this week after being placed on injured reserve following a leg injury sustained against the Raiders on September 20.

The Chargers will host the Houston Texans on Sunday. The Texans currently hold a 2-5 record.