Chargers vs Cardinals Prediction & Betting Tips for NFL Week 1 on 9/13/2026

The Arizona Cardinals will kick off their 2026 regular season against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Scheduled for Sunday, September 13, this afternoon game is set to be broadcast on CBS/P. This matchup offers an exciting start to the season for both teams, as they seek to establish momentum early on.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals aim to build on their preseason experiences. Despite mixed results in preseason games, including a narrow loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Cardinals demonstrated offensive strength with standout performances from players like Evan Hull and Simi Fehoko. The team's strategy will be closely watched as they face the Chargers' defense.

The Los Angeles Chargers, coached by Jim Harbaugh, look to leverage their home advantage in this game. Their preseason showcased a blend of outcomes, highlighted by a victory over the Houston Texans. The Chargers' offensive and defensive units will be crucial as they aim to improve on their recent performances against the Rams and 49ers.

As both teams step onto the field in Week 1, the game odds hint at a challenging contest. The Chargers are favored with a moneyline of -571, while the Cardinals come in at +426. With a total over/under set at 47.5, fans can anticipate an engaging game filled with strategic plays and dynamic action.

Chargers vs Cardinals At a Glance (Week 1)

• This is a Week 1 game of the 2026 NFL Regular Season.
• The Arizona Cardinals will play against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
• Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 4:25 PM.
• The game will be broadcast on CBS/P.
• The Cardinals have a moneyline of +426, while the Chargers are at -571.
• The total points over/under for the game is set at 47.5.

Chargers Ready to Strike: A Look at Los Angeles Chargers' Game Plan

Offensive Performance

The Los Angeles Chargers had an offensive output of 21.6 points per game last season, ranking them 18th in the league. They accumulated 5675 offensive yards, securing the 12th spot overall. Their balanced approach included 3608 passing yards and 2067 rushing yards, demonstrating versatility on offense.

In the preseason, the Chargers showcased some solid performances, notably in their victory against the Houston Texans, where they secured 275 passing yards. Rookie quarterback DJ Uiagalelei showed potential, connecting for 141 yards in the game against the Rams. This indicates a promising depth behind starter Justin Herbert.

Defensive Capabilities

The Chargers' defense ranked 9th in points allowed last season, giving up an average of 20 points per game. With a strong showing in opponent passing yards, they ranked 5th by allowing only 3058 yards. This defensive strength will be crucial in limiting the Cardinals' offensive threats.

Los Angeles' ability to force turnovers was evident with 23 takeaways, ranking them 7th. Players like Emany Johnson and Rodney Shelley have shown their defensive prowess in the preseason, contributing to the team's solid defensive performances.

Injury Concerns

Injury concerns loom over the Chargers, with key players like Denzel Perryman and Tyler Biadasz on injured reserve. Rashawn Slater and Cameron Dicker are questionable for the upcoming game, which could impact their offensive line and special teams.

Despite these setbacks, the Chargers have a deep roster, and replacements like Jake Slaughter on the depth chart provide some assurance. The availability of players like Keaton Mitchell and Tre' Harris could influence game strategies if they are cleared to play.

Key Players to Watch

Justin Herbert remains a central figure for the Chargers, with 3727 passing yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Quentin Johnston, who had 735 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, will be a key target for Herbert.

On the ground, Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell are set to lead the rushing attack. The combination of Herbert's arm and a strong running game will be vital for the Chargers' offensive success.

Team Betting Trends

• In their last 5 home games, the Chargers have a 4-1 record (80.0%) straight up.
• Against the spread at home, they went 4-1 (80.0%) in their last 5 games.
• Overall, they posted a 7-3 record (70.0%) in their last 10 regular season games.
• Following a win, the Chargers went 5-2 (71.4%) in their last 7 games.
• As underdogs, their record stood at 3-1 (75.0%) in the last 4 games.
• They covered the spread 3 out of 4 times (75.0%) when playing as underdogs.
• After a win, they covered the spread 3 out of 4 times (75.0%).
• Following a loss, they had a 3-1 (75.0%) record in the last 4 games.

Arizona Cardinals Prepare for a Tough Game Against the Chargers

Cardinals Offensive Overview

The Arizona Cardinals offense last season scored an average of 20.9 points per game, ranking 20th in the league. They were particularly effective in the passing game, ranking 7th with 232.6 passing yards per game. However, their rushing game lagged significantly, placing 30th with just 93.1 rushing yards per game.

Despite these challenges, the Cardinals showed a strong ability to move the chains, ranking 14th in first downs. The team excelled in third down efficiency, converting 41.5% of the time, which was 9th best in the league. This season, they'll need to build on these strengths while addressing their weaknesses in the ground game.

Defensive Challenges

Defensively, the Cardinals struggled last season, allowing 28.7 points per game, which placed them 28th in the NFL. The defense also ranked 27th in both total yards and opponent rushing yards allowed per game, showing vulnerabilities both in the air and on the ground.

Despite these struggles, the Cardinals defense had some bright spots. They ranked 14th in sacks and 11th in opponent interceptions, indicating potential to disrupt opposing offenses. Improving consistency on defense will be key for the Cardinals as they face high-powered offenses like the Chargers.

Key Players to Watch

Jacoby Brissett will be a player to watch as the starting quarterback. Last season, he threw for 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns, leading the team in passing categories. His performance will be crucial in ensuring the Cardinals can keep pace with the Chargers' potent offense.

On the receiving end, Michael Wilson is expected to continue being a key target after leading the team with 1,006 receiving yards last season. Tight end Trey McBride will also be a crucial asset, especially in the red zone where he scored 11 touchdowns last year.

Betting Trends

• In the last six home games, the Over hit five times.
• Across the last 13 games, the Over hit nine times.
• As an underdog, the Over hit eight times in the last 12 games.
• After a loss, the Over hit eight times in the last 12 games.
• In the last three away games, the Over hit twice.
• Against the spread, they are 4-4 in the last eight away games.
• Against the spread as an underdog, they are 5-9 in the last 14 games.
• After a loss, they are 4-7 against the spread in the last 11 games.
• Overall against the spread, they are 5-10 in the last 15 games.
• They are 1-5 straight up in the last six away games.
• After a loss, they are 1-8 straight up in the last nine games.
• Overall, they are 1-9 straight up in the last 10 games.

Chargers vs Cardinals Prediction: Over 47.5

The Los Angeles Chargers enter this game with a home-field advantage, and recent betting trends suggest they tend to perform well offensively in these scenarios. Last season, the Chargers averaged 21.6 points per game, ranking 18th, while their defense allowed 20 points per game. This balance indicates potential for a higher-scoring game, especially against a defense like the Cardinals, which ranked 28th in points allowed per game.

The Arizona Cardinals had a challenging defensive season in 2025, allowing 28.7 points per game, which ranked them near the bottom of the league. Their offensive unit, led by head coach Mike LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, averaged 20.9 points per game. This offensive output, when combined with their defensive struggles, suggests an opportunity for a high-scoring affair against the Chargers.

In previous head-to-head matchups, totals have varied widely. However, the recent trend of the Chargers playing over the total in five of their last eight games as favorites indicates an openness to scoring. Additionally, the Cardinals' defensive vulnerabilities from last season could lead to more scoring opportunities for both teams.

Considering these factors, the projected final score is Chargers 31 - Cardinals 24, leading to a total of 55 points. Thus, the pick for this game is the over at 47.5.

• Chargers vs Cardinals Prediction: Over 47.5
• Chargers vs Cardinals Score: Chargers 31 - Cardinals 24

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