Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions: 3 Bold predictions in Week 2

The Los Angeles Chargers take a long road trip in Week 2 to face off with the Detroit Lions. Let’s make some bold predictions for this matchup on Sunday.

Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season saw both the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions head into overtime to try and reach a decisive finish. In the case of the former, the Bolts were able to protect home field as they picked up a walk-off victory over the Colts in the extra frame. The Lions, however, were not so lucky as their season-opener finished as a tie with the Cardinals.

The Chargers will now make a semi-cross-country trip to Ford Field on Sunday for a Week 2 matchup against the Lions. Both teams would certainly love to avoid overtime in this matchup and pick up a strong win in this matchup. Of course, they each have to go out and execute behind Philip Rivers and Matthew Stafford for the Chargers and Lions, respectively.

As far as expectations go, though, the Chargers entered 2019 as a dark-horse Super Bowl pick. Injuries in the secondary and now throughout the offense, though, have somewhat lessened the buzz around them. Matt Patricia’s Lions, meanwhile, are just trying to show positive things for the future as they compete in a loaded NFC North.

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For this matchup in Week 2, though, it’s an early prove-it game for both teams. So then, let’s make a trio of bold predictions for the Detroit Lions hosting the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

3. Ekeler torches the Lions defense for career day

No Melvin Gordon, no problem for the Bolts with Austin Ekeler there to help carry the load. The backup running back in Los Angeles was a monster against Indianapolis last week. Ekeler took 12 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown while also catching six passes for 96 yards and two more touchdowns. And while that may be a career day in its own right, expect even more in Week 2.

Detroit’s linebackers leave a lot to be desired and Ekeler has the juice to make them pay for that as David Johnson did with 137 total yards last week. Moreover, with injuries in the Chargers offense, Ekeler is likely to see a heavier workload, particularly in the passing game. He’s going off against the Lions and will finish with over 100 receiving yards and close to 100 rushing yards as well.

2. Hockenson’s follow-up goes for 100+ yards again

Making his NFL debut last week, Detroit Lions first-round rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson looked the part of a dynamic offensive weapon. The Iowa product was tied for second on the team in targets with nine and hauled in six of those for a team-high 131 yards and a touchdown. He was a beast against the lowly Cardinals secondary and could hurt the Chargers as well.

Los Angeles will be without Derwin James and two other key secondary pieces in this game. With that and a weak linebacker group, the middle of the field should be open for Hockenson to exploit. Matthew Stafford is clearly going to look his way this season if Week 1 is any indication and he should do so here to give Hockenson his second 100-yard game in as many NFL games played in his career.

1. Allen registers 200+ receiving yards

Not shockingly, a healthy Keenan Allen was a weapon for the Los Angeles Chargers in their opening win over the Colts. The wide receiver hauled in eight of his 10 targets for 123 yards and a touchdown in the victory. Now, with Mike Williams dealing with an injury and Hunter Henry out, he’s going to be targeted heavily and should feast against this Lions secondary.

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Detroit let an aging Larry Fitzgerald burn them, particularly in the fourth quarter, as the veteran finished with eight catches for 113 yards and a touchdown last week. Allen is in his prime and that bodes well for what he should be able to accomplish in this matchup. The Chargers’ biggest weapon will ultimately toast Detroit from start to finish in this game with a monster 200-yard day to his credit.

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