Sunday's matchup against the Lions could be the final opener for the Chargers in San Diego, as the organization's negotiations with the city have seemed to hit an impasse. But Philip Rivers and his teammates will aim to block out the noise, and make the playoffs for only the second time in six seasons.
Lions vs. Chargers 2015 picks and predictions: San Diego favored in opener
It might be the final opener for the Chargers in San Diego, and six of our eight experts have them defeating the playoff-aspiring Lions Sunday.
Rivers inked a four-year, $84 million contract with $65 million guaranteed last month, and has solidified himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Last season, Rivers completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 4,286 yards, 31 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
He'll be facing a stout Lions defense Sunday, which ranked in the top three in points, yards and rushing yards allowed per game last season. Detroit did lose Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in free agency over the offseason, but acquired nose tackle Haloti Ngata from the Ravens. The Lions could have a hole at linebacker, though -- DeAndre Levy will likely miss the opener with a hip injury.
Star tight end Antonio Gates will be sidelined for the Chargers, too. He's serving a four-game performance-enhancing drug suspension. On the other side of the field, Matthew Stafford will have all of his weapons, including arguably the best wideout in the game, Calvin Johnson. Golden Tate, who led Detroit with 99 receptions last year, will be on the field as well. It could be a long day for the San Diego secondary.
Though the Lions went 11-5 and made the playoffs last year, they bowed out early once again. Detroit hasn’t won a playoff game in 23 years. If the Lions want to make the playoffs again this season, it seems as if they’d have an uphill battle to climb.
Most experts think they’ll come up short this Sunday, too. Only Keyshawn Johnson at ESPN picked the Lions on the road, while all eight panelists at CBS Sports went with the Chargers.
The Lions got slightly more support here at SB Nation, but six of our eight experts still have them falling to the Chargers in this one.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark Computer | |
| DET @ SD | SD | DET | DET | SD | SD | SD | SD | SD |
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