The Los Angeles Chargers have two major issues going into the 2019 season as they look to have another 12-win season and battle against the Kansas City Chiefs for an AFC West title.

The first issue lays on the offense, where running back Melvin Gordon doesn’t appear close to returning from a contract holdout. Gordon is reportedly looking for $10 million annually from the Chargers and neither side appeared to have budged in negotiations. Gordon is a dynamic rusher who can definitely help the offense tremendously. The team takes a hit if he’s not out there.

The second issue is on the defensive side where the Chargers will be without All-Pro safety Derwin James for several weeks as he recovers from a stress fracture in his right foot. James had three interceptions in his rookie 2018 season. Replacing him with Rayshawn Jenkins and Adrian Phillips is going to add some more pressure on the defense.

Luckily, the Chargers will still have Philip Rivers and his cannon for an arm. The team still has a healthy Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Boston and Melvin Ingram III to really hold things down while the other issues are sorted out through the entire season.

Read below for more about the Chargers heading into the 2019 season.

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2019 SCHEDULE

Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn watches from the sideline during the second half of the team's NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Week	Date	Time (ET)	Channel	Opponent
1	Sept. 8	4:05 pm	CBS	Indianapolis Colts
2	Sept. 15	1:00 pm	CBS	@ Detroit Lions
3	Sept. 22	4:25 pm	CBS	Houston Texans
4	Sept. 29	1:00 pm	CBS	@ Miami Dolphins
5	Oct. 6	4:05 pm	CBS	Denver Broncos
6	Oct. 13	8:20 pm	NBC	Pittsburgh Steelers
7	Oct. 20	4:05 pm	CBS	@ Tennessee Titans
8	Oct. 27	1:00 pm	FOX	@ Chicago Bears
9	Nov. 3	4:25 pm	CBS	Green Bay Packers
10	Nov. 7	8:20 pm	FOX/NFL	@ Oakland Raiders
11	Nov. 18	8:15 pm	ESPN	Kansas City Chiefs
12				Bye
13	Dec. 1	4:25 pm	CBS	@ Denver Broncos
14	Dec. 8	4:05 pm	FOX	@ Jacksonville Jaguars
15	Dec. 15	8:20 pm	NBC	Minnesota Vikings
16	TBD	TBD	TBD	Oakland Raiders
17	Dec. 29	1:00 pm	CBS	@ Kansas City Chiefs

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers watches from the sideline during the first half of the Chargers' NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

QB: Philip Rivers
WR: Keenan Allen
WR: Mike Williams
DE: Joey Bosa
LB: Melvin Ingram III
LB: Thomas Davis Sr.

CHARGERS DRAFT PICKS

Los Angeles Chargers running back Derrick Gore, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL preseason football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Round 1, Pick 28: Jerry Tillery, DT
Round 2, Pick 60: Nasir Adderley, S
Round 3, Pick 91: Trey Pipkins, T
Round 4, Pick 130: Drue Tranquill, LB
Round 5, Pick 166: Easton Stick, QB
Round 6, Pick 200: Emeke Egbule, LB
Round 7, Pick 242: Cortez Broughton, DT

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