- Share via
See more from the L.A. Times in Google Search. Set us as preferred
1
Jim Harbaugh wants his teams to finish seasons the way they start them.
If the Chargers do that, they’re going all the way.
Counting his four seasons with San Francisco, Harbaugh is 6-0 in NFL season debuts as a head coach. That’s tied for the most opening victories without a loss in league history.
“It’s September. It’s time to play our first game,” Harbaugh told reporters this week. “And I support no cause, foreign or domestic, other than the greatness of the Los Angeles Chargers.”
Mike McDaniel, tasked with reviving the Justin Herbert-led offense for the Chargers, knows how important it is to live life in the moment.
His team plays host to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, and oddsmakers see a blowout in the making. The Chargers are favored by 9½ points, the biggest spread of Week 1.
Despite a 2-0 start last season, the Cardinals lost 14 of the next 15 and wound up with the third overall pick in the NFL draft, which they used on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. The rookie is questionable for this game because of an ankle injury.
Their quarterback is no longer Kyler Murray, now in Minnesota, but Jacoby Brissett, who is on his sixth franchise — and seventh if you count two stops in New England.
This game is the “Mike” drop, if you will, with Mike LaFleur coaching his first game for Arizona, and Mike McDaniel making his debut as Chargers offensive coordinator.
LaFleur and McDaniel have history. They were young offensive assistants in Cleveland, Atlanta and San Francisco and both represent branches of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree.
There’s a link too between Harbaugh and LaFleur. Both are younger brothers of other current NFL head coaches: Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers and John Harbaugh of the New York Giants.
2
Key injuries
Cardinals: G Isisah Adams (knee) out; RB Jeremiyah Love (ankle) questionable; S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ribs) out; CB Garrett Williams (Achilles) out.
Chargers: CB Deane Leonard (abdomen) out; DE Tuli Tuipulotu (hip) questionable.
3
Cardinals vs. Chargers betting odds
4
How to watch and listen to Cardinals vs. Chargers
The Cardinals and the Chargers will play Sunday at 1:25 p.m. at SoFi Stadium. The game will be shown in Southern California on CBS and Paramount+. It will be available nationally via a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on 640 AM and 103.9 FM (Español).
Chargers star Justin Herbert shares an apartment with his older brother, Mitch, an orthopedic surgery resident who is in awe at what Justin has accomplished.
5
Who will win Cardinals vs. Chargers?
Quarterback Justin Herbert looks increasingly comfortable in McDaniel’s offensive scheme. The two new tight ends and a fresh Omarion Hampton at running back give the Chargers more firepower. The Cardinals’ coaching staff is a wait-and-see proposition.
Sam Farmer’s pick: Chargers 27, Cardinals 20
