How interesting can a game between two 0-4 teams be?
Actually, the Week 5 tilt between the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Giants should be quite entertaining. Both teams were expected to be much, much better than they are to this point in the season so we can expect to see a desperate battle between two squads looking to do anything to salvage something out of the season.
Another interesting side note is that these two teams each have one of the quarterbacks from the famed 2004 draft class yet they’ll each be in the running for the No. 1 overall selection in a quarterback-stacked draft class next season with a loss here.
To me, that adds up to a fun game to watch,
Below are the thoughts of the staff here at Bolt Beat as to who will win this game and why. Each writer’s win-loss record for the season is listed next to their name.
Mike Murray (1-3): “I think the Chargers put a 1 in the win column this week. The defensive line will look superior against the Giants struggling O-line. Hopefully the linebackers and safeties can rise to the occasion and keep the Giants to under 21. The offense for the Chargers will find a groove and get into the end zone a couple of times. 23-20 Chargers on a last second field goal by Novak.”
Alexander Insdorf (1-3): “So if the past few weeks have taught me anything, it’s not to pick the Charges. BUT, they’ve also taught me not to pick the Giants with how bad they also are. So It’s a tough pick-who’s less bad? I honestly have no idea. I think they’re equally as bad, even though the Chargers probably should’ve won against Miami and Denver. I’ll chalk it up as a one point win for the Chargers. Eli Manning has never beaten Philip Rivers in his career, and the giants offense is one of the most dysfunctional units I’ve watched. Even more than the Chargers offense. The return of Nick Novak will be interesting as well. And I’ll be at the game as a good luck charm!
FINAL: NYG 23 LAC 24″
Tyler Schoon (1-3):“The battle for the “Toilet Bowl”, the best of the worst, Philip vs Eli. What a disappointing start for two teams expected to make some noise in their division. But by golly, the Chargers will pull this one out. The Eagles’ solid line did a great job against the Bolts’ pass-rushers last week. This week, Bosa and Ingram get a sieve of a line to play against. Casey Hayward, the one constant player thus far, will be able to limit a banged up Odell Beckham Jr. Chargers win, and many fans will rejoice at finally having won a game after so many losses.
Chargers 21, Giants 19″
More from Bolt Beat
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- LA Chargers: Drue Tranquill takes a jab at Gus Bradley’s defense
- LA Chargers second-year players: Nothing to lose and a lot to gain
- LA Chargers: Why running back could be a big issue for the Bolts
- LA Chargers: Chris Rumph’s upside is Melvin Ingram-like, but better
Anthony Totri (1-3):“Chargers 35 – Giants 27
This will be a high-scoring game where both teams finally realize their true potential. However, I’ll take the Bolts in this one.”
Scott Iger (1-3): “While both teams are winless thus far, I still don’t feel great about the Chargers’ chances. While I hope that they can finally break through and win a game, beating the Giants on the road will be a tough task. Giants win 24-21.”
Kade Dohmen (0-4): “Chargers defensive line overwhelms the Giants offensive line, but it remains a tight contest and a back and forth battle between these two 2004 QBs. Odell Beckham is the difference. 27-24, Giants.”
Matt Pagels (1-3): “Before the season, expectations were high for both of these teams. Now, they are two of four remaining winless teams in the NFL. They’ve both lost close games and just don’t look good right now. Have to go with the Chargers here because, well, someone’s gotta win, right?”
Travis Wakeman (2-2): “Most every game the Chargers have played this year, I’ve wavered on which way to go with my pick. Not this week. I’m taking the Giants with no hesitation, even if they are winless. The Chargers make the dreaded early-morning trip to the east coast and the Giants just aren’t going to drop to 0-5 with them coming to MetLife. Giants start to get things right, Chargers continue to fall. Giants 23, Chargers 17”.