NFL Week 1 preview: What are the best non-Chiefs games to watch?
By Grant Tuttle
As the rest of Week 1 approaches, we are kicking off the season by taking a look around the league to identify the best non-Chiefs matchups. After the season-opening game against the Lions, Chiefs Kingdom will need to be prepared for the many hours of football that follow Thursday night.
Luckily, there are some big-time matchups with major implications already for us to keep an eye on. Which games should you watch? We discuss!
1. Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Chargers
Game time: Sunday, September 10, 3:25 pm CT
Odds Via DraftKings Sportsbook: Chargers -3
TV: CBS/NFL Sunday Ticket
We can look at any number of games this weekend and gain some kind of knowledge about how the season may go. In Los Angeles, however, this game already has serious playoff implications. Beyond that, it's really just going to be a very fun game.
On one hand, Justin Herbert and the Chargers are looking to exorcise the demons of the past. After a big playoff lead last season, the Chargers fell victim to a hot Jacksonville team that destroyed them in the second half. Now, after being the offseason darlings for what seems like the last decade, the Chargers are on a quest to prove it. With a hire-powered offense led by new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the Chargers have the potential to put up points quickly. This week, they are met with a similarly structured team.
The Dolphins, like the Chargers have very talented offense. With Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill in their arsenal, Miami has the potential to move down the field in a hurry. Like the Chargers, the Dolphins hired a new coordinator of their own, adding former long-time defensive coordinator and head coach Vic Fangio to their defensive coordinator position. This year, the Dolphins look to finish the deal by getting to the playoffs by starting and finishing strong.
The bottom line: This one could truly go either way. Every year, it is difficult to pick against the Chargers in Week 1. They have a tremendous roster that on paper should beat anyone. That being said, the Chargers have to contend with a team that was the hottest in football to start the season a year ago. Miami could come out with some interesting looks and make enough plays to come out of L.A. with a victory.
I tend to believe that the Chargers can win in a close one at home on the back of some tremendous late-game heroics from Justin Herbert.
Prediction: Chargers 30, Dolphins 27