The Chargers open the season with the stronger statistical profile and a sizable home spread, but Week 1 asks bettors to price uncertainty along with talent. Los Angeles isn’t merely being asked to beat Arizona. The question is whether it can create enough separation to cover a demanding number.
Cardinals vs. Chargers game details
- Matchup: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers
- Date and time: Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 4:25 p.m. EDT
- Venue: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California
- Records: Both teams enter Week 1 at 0-0
As of 1:10 a.m. EDT Saturday, DraftKings listed Los Angeles as a 9.5-point favorite at -115, with Arizona +9.5 at -105. The total was 47.5, with the under at -118 and the over at -102.
Two very different offensive paths
Our team projections give the Chargers a clear rushing-volume advantage. Los Angeles is forecast for roughly 31 carries and 142 rushing yards, while Arizona comes in around 20 carries and 87 yards. The Chargers also project for about 376 total yards, compared with 316 for the Cardinals.
That gives Los Angeles a straightforward path: lean on the ground game, sustain drives and put Justin Herbert in manageable passing situations. We project a much smaller difference through the air—234.3 passing yards for the Chargers and 229 for Arizona—so the more meaningful separation comes from the expected rushing output.
The quarterback setup points to a different approach for Arizona. With Jacoby Brissett listed first at quarterback, the Cardinals project for 38.9 pass attempts, nearly seven more than Los Angeles, and 25.1 completions. That volume could help Arizona keep moving the ball if it falls behind, but it also illustrates how differently these offenses may need to operate.
Jeremiyah Love’s status matters for Arizona
Arizona’s injury list had running back Jeremiyah Love questionable with an ankle issue as of early Saturday. Love is listed first at the position on the supplied depth chart, and Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reported the designation Friday afternoon.
The Cardinals also listed safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson and cornerback Garrett Williams out. Chargers cornerback Deane Leonard was out, while linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu was questionable. Those were the verified designations entering the weekend, and they’ll need another check before kickoff.
What the recent samples say about the number
The teams’ final 10-game samples from the 2025 season point in different directions. Arizona went 1-9 straight up and 2-8 against the spread. Los Angeles went 6-4 straight up, although it finished just 5-5 against the spread.
Totals add another wrinkle. Seven of the Chargers’ final 10 games stayed under their listed totals, while six of Arizona’s 10 went over. That contrast makes the current 47.5 total less straightforward than either sample looks on its own, especially with a new season and updated personnel.
Sharpest Bets Premium
See the picks behind the stars.
Explore our model’s selections, projections and matchup analysis. Start with a free 7-day trial, then save 20% every month with code PREVIEW20.
How to read the betting setup
The spread is the main question, and it sets a demanding bar for Los Angeles. Our one-star ratings on both the side and total reflect a light-confidence setup rather than a strong signal in either market. The Chargers have the cleaner projected route to controlling the game, especially on the ground, but identifying the stronger team isn’t the same as deciding whether it wins by double digits.
Arizona’s expected passing volume gives the underdog a plausible way to stay involved. Los Angeles’ projected rushing edge gives the favorite a route to protecting a lead. How those competing paths affect the margin is the most interesting part of this opener.
For the latest available lines, player markets, ratings and matchup details, visit the Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Chargers matchup.
Odds and projections are snapshots and can change. Wagering involves risk.