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Detroit Lions vs San Diego Chargers preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Jack Crosby

Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) leads the huddle during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) leads the huddle during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Lions vs. San Diego Chargers

The opening weekend of the 2015 NFL season is finally here, and on Sunday afternoon, we’ll be treated to a match up of two teams expected to contend for playoff spots in their respective conferences. Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions will head out west to take on Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.

Details for Sunday’s game are below.

Date: Sep. 13
Start Time: 4:05 PM ET
Location: San Diego, CA
Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket
Radio: For Chargers affiliates, click here. For Lions affiliates, click here.
Ticket Information: For Chargers ticket info, click here. For Lions ticket info, click here.

Keys to Victory

Detroit Lions

While the easy answer here would be to say that the key is big outings from Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate in the passing game, the hidden key for the Lions is getting Philip Rivers on the ground. In the last five seasons, Rivers has been sacked at least 30 times per campaign, which is a good reason why the Chargers just can’t seem to get over that hump. Of course, with the departure of Ndamukong Suh this off-season, this is a lot easier said than done.

Therefore, the prized acquisition they brought in to replace Suh, Haloti Ngata, will need to make his presence felt early and often. If he can be the disruption that he was in Baltimore, they’ll be in pretty good shape. Ziggy Ansah should also be looking for a stellar performance as well. Bottom line, though, is that they need to get Rivers on the ground.

San Diego Chargers

For the Chargers, the wide receivers need to step up for Rivers in a major way in the passing game. With Antonio Gates suspended the first four games of the season for a performance-enhancing substance violation, the rhythm of this passing offense may be a little off. It’s up to the receiving crew, especially Keenan Allen, to be the leader against that Lions secondary.

Also, speaking of the passing game, we need to see that rookie running back Melvin Gordon is going to be everything this team expected him to be when they drafted him. If he begins to live up to the hype, then this could be one of the more dangerous offenses in the NFL, especially when Gates makes his way back.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Chargers (-2.5)
Moneyline: Lions +130, Chargers -150
O/U: 45.5

Prediction

On paper, this has the opportunity to be one of the better games of the opening weekend, and this could very well turn into a shootout in San Diego with two experienced quarterbacks leading the charge with some talent on the offensive side of the ball. Expect big days from the wide receivers, especially Calvin Johnson and Keenan Allen who, again, needs to put out a little more effort with Gates not there as an outlet.

In the end, though, the Lions have just a little too much for San Diego on Sunday afternoon against their secondary and Stafford has a monster day to start the year once again.

Final Score: Lions 42, Chargers 38

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