Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys: Who has the edge?

COWBOYS (0-1) AT CHARGERS (1-0)

When: Sunday, 1:25 p.m.

Where: SoFi Stadium

TV/Radio: CBS (Ch. 2); 98.7 FM; 105.5 FM/94.3 FM (Spanish); Sirius 82

Line: Chargers by 3½ points

Notable wounded designations: Chargers: RT Bryan Bulaga (back; injured reserve), CB Chris Harris Jr. (shoulder; out), S Nasir Adderley (groin; questionable), DT Justin Jones (calf; doubtful)

Cowboys: DE DeMarcus Lawrence (foot; injured reserve), S Damontae Kazee (thigh; questionable), S Donovan Wilson (groin; questionable), OT Ty Nsekhe (illness, out)

What’s astatine stake? The Chargers person an accidental to amusement they’re 1 of the champion offenses successful the NFL if they tin support gait with Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. Last week, the Chargers didn’t airy up the scoreboard, but Justin Herbert and his playmakers amassed 424 full yards against Washington. Herbert picked isolated Washington’s defence with intermediate throws to determination the chains and termination the clock. Look for Herbert to agelong the tract against a fishy Cowboys defense.

Who’s better? This matchup had the imaginable of being a back-and-forth shootout, but the Cowboys mightiness beryllium hamstrung due to the fact that of injuries to cardinal starters. Chargers borderline rusher Joey Bosa volition astir apt feast connected backup violative tackle Terence Steele, who is expected to commencement astatine close tackle due to the fact that La’el Collins was suspended 5 games for missing 7 cause tests. The Cowboys could besides conflict with applying unit connected Herbert due to the fact that antiaircraft extremity DeMarcus Lawrence broke his ft successful signifier this week.

The Chargers person astir of their cardinal players disposable too close tackle Bryan Bulaga and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and person the luxury of playing astatine home. The Cowboys had to unfastened the play astatine Tampa Bay and are present connected the different broadside of the state for Week 2.

Matchup to watch: Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb versus Chargers rookie cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. Lamb volition apt play connected the extracurricular often due to the fact that of the wounded to Michael Gallup. Prescott volition astir apt propulsion successful Samuel’s absorption often to spot what the rookie tin bash against his apical playmakers. Samuel had a rocky debut, but helium finished beardown successful the triumph against Washington.

Chargers triumph if: … Their discourtesy ends agelong drives with touchdowns alternatively of tract goals. Herbert and the discourtesy cruised to an opening-drive touchdown past week against Washington, but they were besides forced to settee for 2 tract goals and committed 2 red-zone turnovers. The Chargers didn’t find the extremity portion again until the 4th fourth erstwhile Herbert connected with Mike Williams for the eventual winning score. The Chargers volition request to people much than 20 points to bushed the Cowboys.

Fantasy sleeper: Chargers choky extremity Jared Cook volition apt spot much targets this week due to the fact that the Dallas walk unreserved isn’t arsenic bully arsenic Washington’s. Cook and the different Chargers choky ends were asked to assistance connected the violative enactment much against Chase Young and Montez Sweat past week. With 1 crippled of chemistry, expect Herbert to look successful Cook’s absorption much successful Week 2. Cook had 8 targets, 5 catches and 56 yards past week.

Prediction: Herbert and the Chargers won’t request a comeback thrust successful the 4th fourth similar past week. The Chargers volition people aboriginal to physique a pb against the Cowboys. Prescott and moving backmost Ezekiel Elliott volition marque a precocious surge, but it won’t beryllium capable against Derwin James and Bosa. The Chargers triumph the location opener, 34-24.