CHARGERS AT WASHINGTON: WHO HAS THE EDGE?
When: Today, 10 a.m.
Where: FedEx Field
TV/Radio: Ch. 2; 98.7 FM; 105.5 FM 94.3 FM (Spanish);
Line:
Notable injury designations: Chargers: RB Austin Ekeler (questionable; hamstring), DB Trey Marshall (out; ankle)
Washington: WR Curtis Samuel (out; groin)
What’s at stake?: A chance for the Chargers to begin on a winning note with a tough schedule in the first six games. Washington is the first of four games in six weeks against playoff teams from last season. The Chargers face the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens before their Week 7 bye. But leaving Washington with a victory won’t be easy against an emerging defense and an offense that can get hot in a hurry.
Who’s better?: The Chargers have a balanced team with playmakers on both sides of the ball and have the quarterback edge with Justin Herbert. Washington quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is capable of getting hot in any game, but his aggressive downfield approach has cost him many turnovers in his 17-year career. If Fitzpatrick is forcing the ball, that could create takeaway opportunities for safety Derwin James, who is expected to play in his first game since 2019. Washington has the advantage on the defensive line but has question marks in the secondary.
Matchup to watch: All eyes will be on Chargers rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater versus Washington star edge rusher Chase Young. They had memorable battles in college when Slater was at Northwestern and Young at Ohio State. Slater got the best of Young in college, but Young is an established NFL edge rusher. Slater, the team’s No. 13overall pick, will be making his NFL debut today. Young will likely be itching to show Slater what he’s learned since college.
Chargers win if: Bryan Bulaga plays the entire game and is a reliable starting right tackle. The Chargers’ veteran offensive tackle missed practices in training camp because of a hip and groin injury, but he practiced fully the entire week. Bulaga, however, can’t do what he did last year when he left games early because of injuries. Slater will have his hands full with Young and Montez Sweat and will need help on the other end of the offensive line. The Chargers will also need their new interior offensive linemen – Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi – to step up against defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
Fantasy sleeper: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams could have a productive Week 1against a suspect Washington secondary. Keenan Allen will likely be doubled often in coverage, which could create opportunities for Williams. The Washington cornerbacks are Kendall Fuller and William Jackson III. Williams was dealing with a hip injury in training camp, but he’s not on the injury report and has practiced the past two weeks.
This will be a good test for Brandon Staley’s head coaching debut and as the Chargers’ defensive play-caller. But Staley has edge rusher Joey Bosa and a healthy James on his side to contain Washington’s playmakers. Expect the Chargers’ offensive line to have trouble in a low-scoring game, but Herbert will lift them with a game-winning drive. The Chargers win the season opener, 20-17, in the nation’s capital.
Sirius 108 Washington by 1 point
Prediction: