Star quarterback Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers look to get off to a good start when they host the Arizona Cardinals in a Week 1 matchup on Sunday.
There are a lot of questions surrounding the Cardinals entering the season, perhaps more than any other team. On paper, they boast a dynamic ground attack led by rookie Jeremiyah Love and Trey McBride. And we can't forget about Marvin Harrison Jr. as an air threat.
They've got veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett orchestrating the offense — and while Brissett may have a lower ceiling than most NFL starting QBs, he also represents a leader with a stable floor as someone who has been around the league and done the job.
The Chargers, though, are a bona fide postseason threat and are favored
heavily for a reason. Herbert is a known commodity, and he plays behind one of the best offensive tackle tandems in the league. That doesn't prevent Herbert from sacks, though, as the interior offensive line remains a concern. Los Angeles has enough weapons, including running back Omarion Hampton, to get out to quick leads.
This is a formula that doesn't look particularly great if you're a Cardinals defensive unit that graded out as one of the NFL's worst in 2025. Arizona largely retained that group entering this season and will hope it takes a step forward to help the team become competitive in 2026.
Chargers vs Cardinals odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Chargers -9.5
- Moneyline: Chargers -500; Cardinals +400
- Total: 47.5
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Cardinals at Chargers score predictions
Adam Kaufman: Chargers 34, Cardinals 20
The Chargers will be an awfully popular survivor pick in Week 1. It's the biggest spread on the board. Los Angeles head coach Jim Harbaugh is 6-0 in season openers in his NFL career. Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett is 6-24 as a road underdog since entering the league. But, more than anything, one team is good, and the other is bad. Sometimes it really is that simple. Los Angeles added Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator to help maximize Justin Herbert on an offense loaded with weapons. Arizona has some exciting pieces of its own in Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and rookie Jeremiyah Love, but those guys are far more likely to feast against weak defenses. The Chargers have one of the NFL's best, especially along the line. The final score here should be a lot to a little.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Chargers 31, Cardinals 23
It's off to the races for Mike McDaniel and Justin Herbert. Facing the Cardinals seems like the perfect way for the Bolts' new attack to introduce itself, though the unsettled interior line could still be a stumbling block. But don't underrate Arizona's potential to get something going itself. New head coach Mike LaFleur might prove crafty enough to take advantage of the Cardinals' skill-position talent and add some level of intrigue here.
Nate Davis: Chargers 24, Cardinals 17
The movable object facing the stoppable force? If you subscribe to the theory that football games are won in the trenches, then you might want to focus on the Bolts' shaky and/or inexperienced offensive line against the Cards' seemingly not-so-formidable defensive front. (You also might want to avert your eyes.) New Chargers OC Mike McDaniel was often able to surmount blocking issues when he was in command of Miami's offense, so let's assume he can do it again – especially with a better quarterback at his disposal.
Richard Morin: Chargers 28, Cardinals 21
I'm fairly certain the Chargers will win this game. I'm not nearly as certain it will be by a margin of multiple scores. I'm wary of a big spread here mostly because I'm a believer in Arizona's rejuvenated ground attack. I think the Cardinals will keep themselves within striking distance with some long runs even if the Chargers are able to keep them at arm's length. An upset isn't out of the question, though, but I've got Los Angeles moving to 1-0.
Where to watch Cardinals at Chargers
- Matchup: Chargers vs. Cardinals
- Date: Sept. 13
- Time: 4:25 p.m.
- Venue: SoFi Stadium
- Location: Inglewood, California
- TV: CBS
NFL Week 1 Sunday picks and predictions
- Buccaneers at Bengals
- Saints at Lions
- Jets at Titans
- Ravens at Colts
- Falcons at Steelers
- Bears at Panthers
- Browns at Jaguars
- Bills at Texans
- Dolphins at Raiders
- Packers at Vikings
- Commanders at Eagles
- Cardinals at Chargers
- Cowboys at Giants
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cardinals at Chargers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game
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