LA Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals Week 1 prediction
While we do not know how the LA Chargers offense will look without Philip Rivers under center, their defense should be able to win them this game.
This will be Joe Burrow’s first career NFL start. Without a regular preseason, Burrow and the other rookies around the league were not able to get any real action. Burrow has a ton of potential and was taken with the first pick for a reason, but it will be tough for him to get off to a good start against the Chargers’ defense.
Although the loss of Derwin James hurts the Chargers’ defense, they should still be able to put pressure on Burrow as the Bengals’ offensive line was one of the worst in the league last season. Even with the additions of Williams and Su’a-Filo, the Chargers have a great opportunity to start the 2020 season with a win.
The Chargers’ defense should be able to make Burrow feel uncomfortable in his first start which could lead to turnovers and poor decision making. Even if Mike Williams is unable to suit up on Sunday, the Chargers offense has too much talent to not put points on the board.
This Chargers team is loaded with veteran talent and I would trust a veteran quarterback like Tyrod Taylor over a rookie like Joe Burrow in the first game of the season given the circumstances. The Chargers start the 2020 season with a win and gain momentum heading into a Week Two matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.