Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Chargers Picks, Odds, Predictions, and Player Props for Week 1

One of the biggest mismatches of Week 1 pits the Los Angeles Chargers against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are the favorites to have the worst record in football this season, while the Chargers have plenty of optimism. With new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in town, is this the year Justin Herbert and company finally get over the hump in the playoffs?

Let’s dive into all the betting angles for Cardinals-Chargers.

Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Chargers Betting Odds For Week 1

Spread: Chargers -9.5 (-110; Caesars)
Moneyline: Chargers -500, Cardinals +475
Game Total: 47.5

The Chargers are coming off their second straight 11-win season under Jim Harbaugh, and also their second straight first-round playoff exit. They did it primarily with an excellent defense, ranking in the top nine in the NFL in both yards and points allowed per game. They were eighth in EPA per play defensively, and they should be strong on that side of the ball once again.

The big question is what their new-look offense can accomplish. They’ve been merely mediocre since Harbaugh took over, but McDaniel brings plenty of proven success with him. He turned the Dolphins’ offense into a wagon two years ago, ranking first in yards and second in points per game. If he can do that with Tua Tagovailoa, what can he accomplish with an elite talent like Herbert?

On the other side, the Cardinals are simply looking to get to the finish line. They are the prohibitive favorite to pick first in a 2027 NFL Draft that is loaded with potential franchise QBs. The Cardinals have a big need in that department.

However, their offense did at least throw some punches with Jacoby Brissett last season. They were just 1-11 with Brissett under center, but they were 23rd in EPA per play in those contests. It’s not much to get excited about, but perhaps they’ll at least be able to score some points this season.

Prediction & Pick For Cardinals vs. Chargers Week 1 Matchup

The Pick: Chargers -9.5 (-110; Caesars)

The Chargers are the largest favorites on the Week 1 slate, though the line is trending a bit downward. They were as high as -10.5 earlier in the week, and the line is now below 10.0 across the industry.

While that’s a good indicator that the Chargers should start the year with a win, it’s far from a guarantee. Favorites of at least a touchdown have not been good ATS targets in Week 1, posting a 22-36 record since 2005. They’ve been even worse in recent years, going just 2-8 ATS over the past five seasons.

On the other hand, Herbert has historically crushed as a big favorite. He’s 9-3 ATS when laying at least a touchdown, including a 4-1 mark under Harbaugh.

This isn't a spot where I’m seeing much value, but our NFL Game Model leans toward the Chargers. It has the projected spread at Chargers -10.5. If their offense can get off to a good start under McDaniel, the Cardinals will likely not be able to keep up. I’ll ultimately roll the dice with the big favorite.

Best Player Prop Bet For Cardinals vs. Chargers

Jeremiyah Love Over 2.5 Receptions (+120; FanDuel)

The Cardinals selected Jeremiyah Love third overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he may not be as involved as we’d like in Week 1. He’s dealt with an ankle injury in recent weeks, and he’s currently listed second on the team’s depth chart. Tyler Allgeier will likely get the start on Sunday, and he could handle most of the early-down work.

That said, you don’t take a running back No. 3 overall and let him rot on the bench. The team is going to look to get Love involved, and I like the prospect of him catching at least three passes. He’s the team’s clear best receiving back, and they could throw the ball a bunch in this contest. They were first in the league in dropback over expectation last year, and as big underdogs, they could take to the air plenty in Week 1.

Just make sure that Love is actually in the lineup. He was able to get through a limited practice on Wednesday, and he appears to be on track to suit up. Still, it’s possible that he’s listed as questionable on the initial injury report.