Week 1: Brissett Leads Rebuilt Cardinals Into SoFi Against Chargers
The Arizona Cardinals visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, September 13, in Mike LaFleur's first game as Arizona's head coach. Jacoby Brissett starts at quarterback after Kyler Murray's departure to Minnesota, and LaFleur said Monday he feels good about No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love playing after the high ankle sprain that kept him out of the rest of the preseason, pending Wednesday's injury report. Los Angeles has Justin Herbert healthy and Mike McDaniel calling plays, but lost new center Tyler Biadasz to a season-ending knee injury and listed Rashawn Slater as questionable after a limited practice.
Arizona's reset season starts on the road
LaFleur, Nathaniel Hackett and Brissett replace Jonathan Gannon, Drew Petzing and Murray after a 3-14 year, with Love's availability the first big question.
The Chargers' line loses its center before Week 1
Los Angeles allowed a franchise-record 60 sacks last season, made the line its offseason priority, and then lost Biadasz in joint practices.
McDaniel's first game with Herbert
The former Dolphins head coach inherits Herbert, Ladd McConkey and a defense built around Derwin James, who signed a three-year extension.
AI Prediction
Cardinals 
Chargers Herbert against a rebuilding defense
Arizona's defense returns Nick Rallis as coordinator but little of the pass rush, and Herbert threw for 349 yards the last time these teams met.
Arizona's offense is Brissett plus questions
If Love sits, the Cardinals' skill group is James Conner, Tyler Allgeier and Trey McBride behind a veteran quarterback on a one-year plan.
The Chargers' line is the only real worry
Losing Biadasz and possibly Slater against Arizona's front is the path to a closer game than the roster gap suggests.
The largest projected margin of Week 1, which matches the sportsbook spread. Arizona's ceiling depends on Love being active.
Chargers Leaders
Cardinals Leaders
Venue
Closing Line
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Chargers Injuries