NFL Tips - Cardinals @ Chargers

Expectations are high in Los Angeles this year with the Chargers the biggest favourite of Week 1 when they host the Cardinals.

Best Bet

Cardinals +9.5

Line

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$1.90

Week 1 underdogs of 6.5 points or more are 32-13-1 against the number since 2013, better than 71%, and Arizona are getting nine and a half.

They also fit the rebound spot. Teams coming off a decline of five wins or more are 26-13 against the line in the opening week, and the Cardinals dropped from a competitive season to 3-14 in 2025.

Los Angeles are the better team. Jim Harbaugh is 6-0 straight up and against the number in Week 1 as an NFL head coach, and the Chargers went 4-1 both ways in their last five at home with a defence conceding 20 points a game.

But they are breaking in two new co-ordinators, a rookie second-rounder starts at centre after Tyler Biadasz tore an ACL, and Rashawn Slater plays his first football since January 2025. Arizona still have Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr and Michael Wilson, so the floor for the offence is higher than the market suggests.n

Expect Los Angeles to win and Arizona to at least stay competitive.

Same Game Multi

Cardinals +9.5, McBride 60+ Receiving Yards, Hampton TD

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$6.00

McBride set the single-season record for catches by a tight end last year and should be the focal point of the offence once again.

Hampton starts in a scheme built around outside zone, which is what he ran in college, and takes the goal line work.

Value Bet

Jeremiyah Love

Away First TD Scorer

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$5.00

The Cardinals selected running back Love third overall. It is a big premium for that position and the Cardinals will be desperate to show that it was a worthwhile investment.

Editor in Chief

Frankie McDonald

Frankie has spent more than two decades working in the Australian wagering industry and is widely regarded for his expertise in AFL, NRL and horse racing tips.