The Chargers are preparing to open up the 2020 season with a matchup on the road against the Bengals, and are seen as favorites to win the contest.
Despite being on the road, Los Angeles is opening the week as three-point favorites over Cincinnati, per BetMGM.
The Chargers won’t have Phillip Rivers for the first time in years, which makes journeyman Tyrod Taylor the Week 1 starter.
While there’s some reason to be skeptical of the quarterback play, Taylor will have playmakers to distribute to wealth to with running back Austin Ekeler and receivers Keenan Allen, (possibly) Mike Williams and Hunter Henry.
Defensively, Los Angeles is stacked at all three levels, despite not having Derwin James, who was placed on the injured reserve.
For the Bengals, they begin a new era with rookie Joe Burrow under center. Burrow has the weapons to thrive, led by A.J. Green and Joe Mixon.
On the other side of the ball, Cincinnati went out and grabbed D.J. Reader, Mackensie Alexander, Trae Wayne, Josh Bynes and Vonn Bell in hopes of improving what was a brutal defense last year.
Sunday’s matchup begins at 1:00 p.m. PT and will be televised on CBS.
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