Which Californian NFL Team Will Come Out On Top This Season?

The San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Los Angeles Rams all play out of California and have varying levels of success.

The San Francisco 49ers have had the most success, winning the Super Bowl five times: in 1982, '85, '89, 90, and '95. They most recently featured in the 2020 Super Bowl where they were beaten by last year's winners, the Kansas City Chiefs. They have also picked up seven NFC championships since they were established in 1946.

The Los Angeles Rams have won two NFL championships in 1945 and 1951, as well as two Super Bowls more recently in 2000, and 2022 when they ran out 23-20 winners against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Los Angeles Chargers have had a more inauspicious past with one AFL Championship victory in 1963 before they joined the NFL.

A team's history will always have some bearing on its current success as it can help to attract the best players and more passionate support, but that doesn't rule out other teams.

New signings can help to raise the spirits of a team and improve performances when they fit into the squad well, and the San Francisco 49ers will be hoping that Javon Hargrave will be a successful addition to their roster.

Last season saw them achieve the league's fourth-fewest pressures. The addition of Javon Hargrave on a free transfer should sure up the defense after an impressive season that saw him complete nine sacks and 53 pressures.

Teaming up with Nick Bosa, the Defensive Player of the Year for 2022, should see the 49ers become a formidable team.

Brock Purdy's fitness will be under scrutiny as he starts the season as the starting QB. As one of the most successful rookie quarterbacks in history, he will be hoping to prove he isn't just a flash in the pan and contribute to success.

The loss of Jimmy Garoppolo as quarterback, Mike McGlinchey as right tackle, and pass rushers Charles Omenihu and Samson Ebukam could be costly, and it is not just on the field that they have lost talent.

DeMeco Ryans has left his position as defensive coordinator to become the head coach of the Houston Texans. Steve Wilks has been brought in to replace him from the Carolina Panthers and has a good pedigree. While he is happy with what he has inherited, he has made it clear that he thinks they can improve.

Betting odds currently have the 49ers as joint third favorites for Super Bowl success with the Buffalo Bills. Last season's finalists the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are the current favorite and second favorite respectively. While local fans are still limited in terms of regulated sportsbooks in the state, it’s possible to head down to Oregon, Nevada, or Arizona, each with regulated sports betting (source: https://thesportsdaily.com/california/online-gambling/). Offshore sportsbooks also have competitive odds on the 49ers and CA’s other NFL teams for fans looking to bet throughout the season without making the trip. 

However, not many gamblers are likely to go near the Los Angeles Rams this season with long odds being offered on them getting anywhere near the Super Bowl. Manager Sean McVay has brought in offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur which could be a huge signing.

Last season was one to forget in terms of injuries. Starting QB Matthew Stafford's injury in particular cost them dearly. However, they bravely battled on and will be in a better position this year.

One on-field signing that could make an impact is third-round draft pick Byron Young. The pass-rusher is recognized as being an impressive athlete who can add some steel to the defense.

The loss of a few players, including Wagner and Ramsey, could be a step too far despite a strong coaching staff, and the team's long odds for success seem about right for this year.

The Los Angeles Chargers find themselves somewhere between their Californian neighbors as 12th favorites for the Super Bowl. This position is backed up by a solid team and a talented QB in Justin Herbert.

His 2021 season remains his best to date where he boasted an incredible 38 touchdowns and 5,015 yards. Last season didn't quite reach these highs, but 25 touchdowns and 4,739 yards are not bad.

The arrival of Quentin Johnston will help Justin Herbert and give the Chargers even greater choice with Mike Williams, Gerald Everett, Keenan Allen, and Austin Ekeler already establishing themselves as proficient catchers.

If the team can stay free of injuries and avoid mistakes, it has the potential to compete. However, their success could also hinge on teams in better positions failing.

The 49ers will start their season schedule on Sunday, September 9th away to the Pittsburgh Steelers while the LA Rams start their season away to the Seattle Seahawks. Just one week later, the 49ers travel to the Rams' SoFi Stadium to battle it out.

The Los Angeles Chargers begin their campaign at home against the Miami Dolphins before traveling to face the Tenessee Titans in week two. 

The success of Super Bowl LVI was too much for the LA Rams last season who put in the worst season of a defending Super Bowl champion in history. They will be hoping to put this behind them, but salary restrictions and the loss of some big players will have an impact this year.

The Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in a comfortable position this year with a solid team that could see Justin Herbert solidify his position as one of the best QBs in the league and Austin Ekeler add to his impressive touchdown rate.

The smart money for the best Californian performer of 2023 is on the San Francisco 49ers. Their strong team is packed with stars and only the doubts about their QB position could hold them back. Time will tell whether their draft picks add the value required to take them to the next level.