The Chargers caught a bit of a break from the NFL schedule makers, who threw them a couple of winnable games to start the season at home against the Cardinals and on the road against the Raiders.

On paper, at least.

It gets much tougher from that point, as they go on the road against the Bills and Seahawks in Weeks 3 and 4. Even if they split those matchups, there is a real chance the Chargers can begin the year with a 3-1 record.

With new OC Mike McDaniel on board, Justin Herbert could take the next step forward into superstardom. AP

That would bode well with division games against the Broncos and Chiefs looming in Weeks 5 and 6.

All in all, it feels like a favorable schedule for the Bolts, who will be featured in two prime-time games, first against the Patriots on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 12 at SoFi Stadium and then in Week 15 against the 49ers on “Thursday Night Football.”

Here is a deeper look at the Chargers’ schedule:

Three toughest games

Week 3 at Bills

Between the Bills playing their…