Chargers at Cardinals 8/8/19 - NFL Preseason Picks & Predictions

Last Updated: 08/13/2019 at 10:44 AM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers visit University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoenix Arizona on Thursday August 8 to play the Arizona Cardinals in the opening game of the 2019 NFL preseason for both.

Los Angeles finished 2018 with a 12-4 record after beginning 1-2 and reached the postseason with a wildcard spot after finishing second to Kansas City. Philip Rivers returns under center and will have favorite target Keenan Allen at wide receiver but running back Melvin Gordon has not reported to camp. Therefore, focus will be put on the Chargers running game to find a possible replacement for their top back.

Defensively, the Chargers could be one of the best in the NFL in 2019 with Pro-Bowlers on the line, and in the back seven. Joey Bosa anchors the line, while Melvin Ingram is the top backer and Casey Hayward and Derwin James make life miserable for receivers. Thomas Davis Sr. has been added for leadership on the defense and rookie tackle Jerry Tillery will see plenty of playing time. Most of the starting spots are filled and coaches will be looking at backup players during the preseason.
Arizona is coming off a 3-13 season but with high hopes for the future after drafting quarterback Kyler Murray as the overall No. 1 pick. Murray will see action during the first game, but plenty of eyes will be on the receiving corps. Arizona drafted three wide receivers and signed two others to compete against Larry Fitzgerald, Hakeem Butler, and Phraoh Cooper for playing time. The running game will be anchored by David Johnson who if he remains healthy can be one of the league’s top backs, but Johnson will see little action on Thursday. Running back Chase Edmonds will play often for Arizona on Thursday.

On defense, the Cardinals will have edge rusher Chandler Jones back and cornerback Patrick Peterson back and new faces such as Terrell Suggs at outside linebacker and Jordan Hicks at middle linebacker. Byron Murphy and Robert Alford will see action in the defensive secondary, while D.J. Swearinger and Budda Baker are the starting safeties but will not play more than a few series on Saturday.

This will be the start of the Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray era in Arizona and the Cardinals will look to implement an up-tempo offense from day one meaning this Thursday. Arizona will have top receivers Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk seeing plenty of time along with Hakeem Butler and rookie speedster Andy Isabella which should make for plenty of scoring for Arizona. The Chargers will focus on finding a running back replacement for Gordon in case he does not report. Final Score Prediction, Arizona Cardinals win and cover ATS 23-17

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