Chargers at Bengals
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 28.9 | Spread: LAC -3 (43)
What to watch for: All eyes will be on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who will be starting in his NFL debut. He'll have to contend with Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa, Burrow's former teammate at Ohio State, and a very stout Chargers defense. -- Ben Baby
Bold prediction: The Chargers' defense will pick off Burrow at least two times. The Chargers' secondary might be down star safety Derwin James for the season, but watch for their defensive backs, led by Chris Harris Jr. and Casey Hayward Jr., to take advantage of the rookie. -- Lindsey Thiry
Stat to know: The Bengals went 2-14 last season in their first year under coach Zac Taylor, tied for the worst record in team history. But Burrow hasn't lost a game since November 24, 2018. On the other side of the field, Tyrod Taylor isn't debuting, but he will be the first QB to start a game for the Chargers not named Philip Rivers since the 2005 season finale, when Drew Brees started for San Diego. Taylor last started in 2018 when he was under center for three games with the Browns (1-1-1).
What to know for fantasy: Only three times did a quarterback score more than 16.5 fantasy points against the Chargers last season, so while Burrow deserves the hype, counting on him breaking Cam Newton's record for QB points in a debut (30.7 in 2011) isn't wise. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Chargers have covered the spread in each of their last five season openers. Read more.
Thiry's pick: Chargers 24, Bengals 14
Baby's pick: Chargers 20, Bengals 14
FPI prediction: LAC, 57.9% (by an average of 2.9 points)
Matchup must-reads: Another James injury sizable setback to Chargers' defensive harmony ... Like he's been there before': What Bengals are saying about Burrow ... Zoom calls, isolated meetings, no preseason: Burrow's NFL education during a pandemic