The Jim Harbaugh era is off to a positive start for the Los Angeles Chargers. Balanced during a win over the Raiders in Week 1, Los Angeles hopes to stay unbeaten when they travel to face the reeling Carolina Panthers. The Chargers are favorites over the Panthers.
The emergence of J.K. Dobbins as a playmaking back is a positive development for the previously pass-heavy Chargers. Dobbins rushed for 135 yards and a TD against Las Vegas after playing only eight games the previous three seasons in Baltimore due to injury. Big-play ability from Dobbins eases the burden on quarterback Justin Herbert. It also allows the Chargers’ new-look receiving corps to ease into the season.
Points could come in bunches for Los Angeles against a woeful Carolina defense. New Orleans rang up 30 first-half points and scored on its first nine possessions against the Panthers defense during Week 1’s blowout.
Carolina’s offense needs to limit turnovers and protect Bryce Young to stay in games. The second-year quarterback threw two picks, and the new offensive line allowed four sacks of Young in the opener. Efficiency for Young is paramount if the Panthers are to extend drives and put up points.
Limited to only 58 rushing yards and 2.9 yards per carry against the Saints, Carolina also must demand more from its offensive line and the running back duo of Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard. It could be another long day for Young if the Chargers can generate pressure. Los Angeles had four sacks in Week 1, with pass-rush specialists Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack each getting one. (Bosa was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Thursday’s injury report.)
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Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers odds
How to watch Chargers vs. Panthers
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium — Charlotte
- Time: 1 p.m. ET, Sunday
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Try Fubo for free
Expert picks for Chargers vs. Panthers
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(Photo of J.K. Dobbins: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)