NFL Week 1: 5 Underdogs that could win this week
By Randy Gurzi
4. Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
One matchup on the 2020 NFL Week 1 slate that could be very intriguing is the Cincinnati Bengals playing host to the Los Angeles Chargers. It could have been even more interesting if both teams were starting their rookie quarterbacks since they each had a top-10 signal-caller join them this past spring.
For the Bengals, it was No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow who will be a starter right away. Head coach Zac Taylor is looking for a spark in his offense and he believes the LSU product can deliver that. As for the Chargers, they’re going to start Tyrod Taylor despite using the No. 6 overall pick on Oregon’s Justin Herbert.
For Taylor, this is a familiar situation as he was the starter for the Cleveland Browns in 2018 after they took Baker Mayfield. Taylor lasted just two and a half weeks and while the Bolts are expecting him to be the bridge guy longer, they might get their hand forced if Taylor plays the way he did with the Browns.
It could also help the Bengals start this season out with a 1-0 record, which would be huge for the young squad — especially the head coach who had a forgetful rookie campaign.