Chargers vs. Bengals 2015 picks and predictions: Defense gives Cincinnati the edge
The Chargers had arguably the best offensive performance across the league in Week 1, and they go against the Bengals Sunday, who had one of the best defensive performances.
San Diego torched Detroit last week even without tight end Antonio Gates, who is serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. Philip Rivers, fresh off a four-year, $84 million contract extension, threw for 404 yards and two touchdowns. He rallied the Chargers back from a 21-3 second-quarter deficit, with San Diego scoring 30 straight points to take the lead. Keenan Allen led all receivers with 15 catches and 166 yards.
Allen is a tough cover for any secondary, but if any team can handle him, it's Cincinnati. Leon Hall, Adam Jones and Darqueze Dennard are all capable corners, and they're backed up by two of the best safeties in the game, Reggie Nelson and George Iloka. The Bengals are physical up front as well, with Michael Johnson and Geno Atkins making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict is healthy this season, too.
On the other side of the field, the Chargers will likely exert a lot of attention toward stopping A.J. Green, who will probably be covered by Brandon Flowers. But perhaps the toughest matchup for San Diego will be tight end Tyler Eifert. The former first-round pick had a coming-out party of sorts against the Raiders in Week 1, catching nine balls for 104 yards and two touchdowns.
It was a nice performance overall for Andy Dalton, who went 25-of-34 for 269 yards and two touchdown passes in the win. But the Bengals were able to dominate play against the Raiders last week, which probably won't be the case Sunday when the Chargers visit.
Both of these teams have high expectations, and see openings at the tops of their respective divisions. Both Pittsburgh and Baltimore lost last week, and though the Broncos won, Peyton Manning played poorly.
It should be a tight contest, but most experts expect defense to beat offense. CBS says the Bengals are overwhelming favorites, as does the ESPN panel.
Here at SB Nation, our team gives the slight edge to Cincinnati, 5-3:
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark Computer | |
| SD @ CIN | SD | CIN | SD | CIN | SD | CIN | CIN | CIN |
