The San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 36th season in the National Football League (NFL), and the 46th overall. The Chargers failed to improve on their 12âÂÂ4 record in 2004, and finished the campaign 9âÂÂ7 and 3rd overall in their division, missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2003. Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman was named Rookie of the Year at the end of the season.
Despite missing the playoffs, the Chargers defeated some of the best teams in the NFL, such as the two time defending Super Bowl champions New England Patriots (41âÂÂ17) and the previously undefeated Indianapolis Colts (26âÂÂ17). Following the season, Drew Brees signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints. Brees was replaced by Philip Rivers who became a starter for the Chargers for the next 14 seasons.
In addition to their regular games with AFC West rivals, the Chargers played teams from the AFC East and NFC East as per the schedule rotation, and also played intraconference games against the Steelers and the Colts based on divisional positions from 2004.
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Six Chargers were named to the 2006 Pro Bowl, and four were named first or second team Associated Press (AP) All-Pros. Merriman won the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with of the 50 available votes.