San Diego Chargers vs. Arizona Cardinals
In the second game of the ESPN Monday Night Football doubleheader, Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers travel to the University of Phoenix Stadium to take on Carson Palmer and the Arizona Cardinals. The teams have been granted the final game of Week 1, so expect a great game to close out the NFL’s opening weekend.
Details for Sunday’s game are below:
Date: Monday, September 8th
Start Time: 10:20 PM ET/ 7:20 PM MST
Location: Glendale, Arizona
Stadium: University of Phoenix Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Chargers: Rock 103.5 FM Cardinals: 92.3 KTAR FM
Ticket information: For Arizona Cardinals ticket info click here. For San Diego Chargers ticket info click here.
Keys to Victory
Both the Cardinals and the Chargers will need big games from their respective quarterbacks in order to win this game. Both Carson Palmer and Philip Rivers threw for over 4,000 yards last season, and they will be gunning for that mark once again this year. Expect Palmer to be looking for Larry Fitzgerald and Malcolm Floyd, while Rivers keeps his eyes on the up and coming Keenan Allen. Considering that the Cardinals have one of the best cornerbacks in the league in Patrick Peterson, it may be a tough night for Allen and Rivers.
For the defense, both sides will need to disrupt the quarterbacks in order to avoid either Palmer or Rivers from getting in a rhythm. Hurrying the passer can lead to errant throws which ultimately lead to turnovers.
Let’s not forget that while the NFL is a passing league, both teams have solid running backs that could eclipse 1,000 rushing yards this season. The Cardinals’ Andre Ellington is getting his first shot at carrying the majority of the load for the team, so expect him to have breakout performance in Week 1.
Ryan Matthews is no slouch for the Chargers either, as he ran for 1,255 yards last season. If the Chargers offensive line can give Matthews holes, he could be carving up the Cardinals defense all night.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: +3 -3 SD: -105 ARI: -115
Moneyline: SD: 145 ARI: -165
O/U: 45 O/U SD: o: -110 ARI: u: -110
Prediction
The Chargers ended last season on a roll, winning their last four games to make a surprise trip to the NFL playoffs. Although the are the away team, Philip Rivers just has a way of pulling out tough and gritty wins, and I think that is exactly what will happen on Monday night.
In a back and forth game, Palmer and the Cardinals will be the team to make the critical mistakes and give up a victory at home in the first game of the season.
Final Score: Arizona Cardinals: 21, San Diego Chargers: 24