Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
Both teams have started hot, but I like what I've seen from the Rams a touch more, particularly with Todd Gurley and the defense. Phillip Rivers can get flustered and knocked off his game when pressured, and though the Rams may not be able to do that the entire game, they will get to him enough to eventually pick up one or two key turnovers and cover the spread.
The best bet in this game is for Philip Rivers to make a couple critical turnovers, prompted by the Rams' swarming defense. Back the Rams to cover their third straight to open the season.
The Rams should dominate on both sides of the ball. Philip Rivers is a statue in the pocket. The Rams are just clearly superior. Lay the points.
This will be the Rams' first real test of the year after beating up on two of the NFL's worst teams so far. With a key Thursday game against Minnesota next on their schedule, I think the Rams could get caught off guard in this matchup. The Chargers offense has been just as good as that of the Rams, with Philip Rivers completing 73 percent of his passes despite dealing with key drops in the opener. He's capable of getting us the backdoor cover if we need it.
This intra-city tussle offers a potential Super Bowl preview. Anytime the underdog in such a scenario is spotted a full touchdown, the opportunity to seize it cannot be passed up. The Chargers would be 2-0 if not for a slew of dropped passes in the opener against Kansas City. They could have bounced Buffalo by a wider margin but lost interest with a healthy lead. QB Philip Rivers has been Brady-like in his twilight years. Keep in mind that, while the Chargers are the visitors, they need not board a plane -- or even a bus -- for the commute.