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With the NFL regular season fast approaching, we at SportsUntapped are taking our crystal balls out of storage and examining each team’s full 16-game schedule to prognosticate how the 2012 season will play out. We’ll look at all 32 teams and reveal each one’s final record. Next up: Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers, who’ll look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Last year’s record: 8-8
 
Vegas Over/Under on 2012 Regular Season Wins: 9

First four games:
Sep 10 @Oakland 10:15 pm
Sep 16 Tennessee 4:25 pm
Sep 23 Atlanta 4:05 pm
Sep 30 @Kansas City 1:00 pm

The Chargers started last season 4-1 before going on an atrocious six-game losing streak that included three losses to divisional opponents and virtually killed their season. The easiest September game would appear to be hosting Jake Locker and the Titans, but they probably lose two of the others for a 2-2 September mark this year.
 
Second four games:

Oct 7 @New Orleans 8:20 pm
Oct 15 Denver 8:30 pm
Week 7 BYE
Oct 28 @Cleveland 1:00 pm
Nov 1 Kansas City 8:20 pm

This stretch of three primetime games could make or break the Chargers season. I see two more losses and San Diego treading water at 4-4 halfway through the season.

First four games of the second half:

Nov 11 @Tampa Bay 1:00 pm
Nov 18 @Denver 4:25 pm
Nov 25 Baltimore 4:05 pm
Dec 2 Cincinnati 4:25 pm

This could be where the Chargers start to make a run, but there’s still three games against playoff teams from last year. I’ll say another two losses and a 6-6 record through 12 games.
 
Last four games:

Dec 9 @Pittsburgh 1:00 pm
Dec 16 Carolina 4:05 pm
Dec 23 @N.Y. Jets 8:20 pm
Dec 30 Oakland 4:25 pm

The Chargers did finish strong last season, winning four of their last five once their backs were really against the wall. Road games against the Steelers and Jets will probably be tough, but San Diego probably steals one to win three of their last four and finish 9-7. That will probably mean the AFC West will again come down to a tiebreaker.