Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game
Two of the most explosive offenses in the NFL will battle it out to start the season as the Miami Dolphins head west to face the Los Angeles Chargers.
Miami started off as one of the hottest teams in the league last season, but injuries to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa halted that momentum and they ended the year with six losses in their last seven games, including a playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. Tagovailoa is back and learning how to protect his body, and with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins could once again begin the year with a fast start.
The Chargers will try to shake off their epic collapse against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wild card round, and they enter the year as a dark-horse candidate for a Super Bowl run. Los Angeles made Justin Herbert the highest-paid player in the NFL, and were able to bring back do-it-all running back Austin Ekeler after he asked for a trade. The Chargers got the best of Miami when these teams faced off last season, can they repeat it to start off 1-0?
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Dolphins vs. Chargers odds, moneyline, over/under
The Chargers are favorites to defeat the Dolphins, according to BetMGM NFL odds. The game is among the best bets for NFL Week 1 games at the top NFL betting apps.
Spread: Chargers (-3)
Moneyline: Chargers (-160); Dolphins (+135)
Over/under: 51
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NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks
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Lorenzo Reyes: Dolphins 27, Chargers 24
In theory, the Chargers should be much better this season. Their offensive line is as solid as it has been in recent seasons, Kellen Moore is an upgrade at offensive coordinator and the defense should still be stout. But L.A. has a history of failing to live up to expectations, and I think Miami adding Vic Fangio to lead its defense has the makings of an upset.
Tyler Dragon: Chargers 28, Dolphins 24
This is one of the best games of Week 1. The Chargers are motivated after last year’s playoff debacle in Jacksonville. Miami wants revenge after the Chargers shut them down at SoFi Stadium last season. The Chargers (for a change) will be healthy in Week 1, so they get the slight edge.
Victoria Hernandez: Chargers 31, Dolphins 20
Justin Herbert will be playing confidently as the highest-paid player in the league and Austin Ekeler is helping show the value of the running back position. Tua Tagovailoa will be playing hungry to redeem his injury-riddled 2022 season, but fans finally get to see the dynamic duo of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack at full strength. So the Chargers will play a well-rounded game en route to victory.
Jordan Mendoza: Chargers 36, Dolphins 31
Two of the most electric offenses in the NFL will light up the scoreboard inside SoFi Stadium Sunday. While this game could come down to whoever has the ball last, the Chargers defense has just enough to put the pressure on Tua Tagovailoa and seal a victory in a high scoring contest.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers: Game predictions, picks, odds
