Chargers vs. Jaguars matchups, how you can watch and prediction

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Breaking down how the Chargers (1-1) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) match up heading into their recreation at 1:05 p.m. PDT Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The sport can be proven on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ and NFL+.

When Chargers have the ball: The tenor of this block of textual content is totally depending on the supply of Justin Herbert. The Chargers’ Professional Bowl quarterback is formally questionable due to fractured rib cartilage. The Chargers went from seven-point favorites Thursday to three-point favorites Friday after it was reported that Herbert wasn’t throwing in observe. The Chargers’ potential offensive points aren’t restricted to Herbert’s unsure standing. Professional Bowl middle Corey Linsley (knee) is uncertain and Professional Bowl large receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring) has a “50-50” likelihood being prepared, coach Brandon Staley mentioned. Beginning proper sort out Trey Pipkins III (foot) is also questionable. If Herbert can’t play, veteran backup Chase Daniel will begin, Staley mentioned. Whoever is at quarterback, the Chargers’ plan in all probability will embody an emphasis on shorter, faster passes. That strategy would restrict Herbert’s vulnerability or make the most of what Daniel possible goes to be most comfy doing. The Chargers additionally may attempt to flip to a working recreation that has lacked consistency. They’re tied for twenty eighth within the league with a per-game tempo of 75.5 yards speeding and have averaged solely 2.7 yards in 55 carries. A potential drawback: Jacksonville’s entrance seven is taken into account a power. The Jaguars rank third in speeding protection.

When Jaguars have the ball: When these groups most not too long ago met — on Oct. 25, 2020 — Jacksonville’s quarterback was Gardner Minshew II. The Chargers opened an early 16-0 lead that day at SoFi Stadium, fell behind within the third quarter and got here again for a 39-29 win. That very same weekend, Trevor Lawrence threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns to steer Clemson to a win over Syracuse. On Sunday, Lawrence, the highest total choose of the 2021 draft, will make his first look towards the Chargers. He threw for 510 yards and three touchdowns with one interception because the Jaguars break up their two video games to open the season. “This guy was as good as it gets in college football,” Staley mentioned. “… I think that they have done a nice job of building the offense around him.” Jacksonville’s record-setting offseason spending spree included signing receiver Christian Kirk to a four-year deal price as much as $72 million. The Jaguars additionally added proper guard Brandon Scherff, tight finish Evan Engram and large receiver Zay Jones. Lawrence and the offense haven’t blossomed but, however most NFL observers agree Jacksonville is on course after a season of turmoil.

Once they kick: The Chargers’ Dustin Hopkins has made all six of his extra-point makes an attempt and two of three field-goal tries. His miss got here from 49 yards towards Las Vegas in Week 1. Jacksonville’s kicker is Riley Patterson, who hung out with Detroit final yr and is in his second NFL season. Patterson is 4 for 4 on further factors and 4 for 5 on field-goal makes an attempt with an extended of 52 yards.

Jeff Miller’s prediction: Even when Herbert doesn’t play, the Chargers look like the higher group. However don’t low cost the absence of Linsley, if he’s out. Relying on who performs, this actually might be a wrestle.

CHARGERS 20, JAGUARS 14