Chargers open up 2021 season as slight underdogs to Washington Football Team

With Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Washington Football Team awaiting them, the Los Angeles Chargers have opened up as slight underdogs in Week 1.

The Los Angeles Chargers (0-0) open up the 2021 regular season with a matchup against the Washington Football Team (0-0) at FedExField.

Per Tipico Sportsbook, the Football Team is favored -108 on the money line (bet $108 to win $100). The Chargers, however, come in at -112, so oddsmakers believe this will be a close contest.

The Washington Football Team will look to repeat as NFC East champions, with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. Fitzpatrick will have a decent offensive line and a few play-makers at his disposal, most notably running back Antonio Gibson and wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

On the other side of the ball is where the team is at its best, which will  provide a tough test for reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, Justin Herbert, who shattered a multitude of records in 2020.

Herbert could be in for an even bigger season, even with new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi calling the shots, given the fact that he will have all key skill players from last year returning, along with the additions of tight end Jared Cook and wide receiver Josh Palmer.

Most importantly, Herbert should have plenty of time to distribute the wealth to those guys, with a revamped offensive line that features All-Pro center Corey Linsley, guards Matt Feiler, Oday Aboushi and first-round pick Rashawn Slater.

Los Angeles will look to make a deep run under head coach Brandon Staley after finishing under .500 the past two seasons, and it all starts on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 10:00 am PT.