Expert prediction
NFL Week 1: Cardinals vs. Chargers Preview, Odds, Predictions (Sep 13)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Cardinals vs. Chargers odds favor LAC by 10 points.
- Chargers have a super-strong schedule in the first 7 weeks.
- Jacoby Brissett starts for the Cards at QB.
This is a must-win for the Chargers, who have one of the most difficult schedules ever over the opening 7 weeks.
Check for more NFL odds and picks here.
How to Watch
- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 4:25 PM ET
- Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- How to Watch: CBS
Cardinals vs. Chargers Odds
Game Preview
All eyes are on Jeremiyah Love, who was the No.3 pick in this year’s draft. He is expected to be the new leading force on the offensive side and could be a problem for many rivals. Besides Love, Arizona has Tyler Allgeier and, when recovered, James Conner, who is on the IR list—a decent core for a run game.
Jacoby Brissett is now a legit starter for the Cards at the QB position. Though, we have to say that the backups (Gardner Minshew and Carson Beck) can both jump in if necessary. Many, in fact, believe that Carson Beck might be the franchise project for the long run.
Justin Herbert needed protection throughout the entire previous year. On several occasions, the rival’s defense badly battered him, so Chargers management had to react during the offseason. That’s why the Chargers used their second-round pick to draft Jake Slaughter from Florida, who will be a center/guard. Him connecting with Herbert might be the key to the entire season.
Jim Harbaugh’s defense was excellent last year and one of the best in the NFL. It will be even better this season because the Chargers drafted Akheem Mesidor, an edge rusher from Miami, and a guy who can become an All-Pro right away.
Cardinals vs. Chargers Head to Head
LAC leads the series, 11-5. Last year, both teams won a game: 25-24 for the Chargers at home and 17-15 for the Cards in Glendale.
Cardinals vs. Chargers Predictions
As we already stated, the LAC needs this one because of the schedule and the fact that this is a division matchup. The Chargers are a better team and have the home-field edge, so we have to pick them to win.
- Free NFL Pick: Los Angeles Chargers
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