Seahawks vs. Chargers NFL Preseason Week 1 Picks: Los Angeles Will Find a Way to Win at Home

Seahawks Enter Rebuilding Phase

The Seahawks barely missed the playoffs last season, but that didn’t stop them from moving on from Pete Carroll. Now, the team is entering a rebuilding phase, as they currently don’t have the roster to compete with teams like the 49ers in the near future.

Geno Smith, who revitalized his career in 2022, went from being a journeyman backup to a capable starter for Seattle. However, there are concerns about whether he can sustain his success.

Smith is surrounded by a talented group of receivers. D.K. Metcalf, one of the NFL’s most physically imposing wideouts, is entering his prime and could be poised for his best season yet.

Tyler Lockett has been an exceptional No. 2 option for several years, but his role may decrease with the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The second-year receiver had a solid rookie campaign and is expected to take on a bigger role this season.

Smith also benefits from a strong backfield. Kenneth Walker has rushed for nearly 2,000 yards over his first two seasons in the league, despite never carrying the ball more than 228 times in a single year. He’s also scored 17 touchdowns in his career.

Meanwhile, 2023 second-round pick Zach Charbonnet has shown promise as a versatile weapon, particularly in the passing game.

Will Seattle’s Defense Improve?

Given their defensive struggles, it’s no surprise that the Seahawks focused on bolstering their defense in the 2024 NFL Draft. Their defense allowed the highest Expected Points Added (EPA) per play (0.03) and was the second-worst in the league against the run.

They used their first pick on Byron Murphy, a highly talented defensive tackle who is expected to make an immediate impact, especially given the mediocre performances from Jarren Reed and Dre’Mont Jones last season.

While the Seahawks are unlikely to completely bottom out this year, there are legitimate concerns about their outlook. The team has lost several key figures, including their head coach, all three starting interior offensive linemen, both starting safeties, and their top three linebackers. Meanwhile, their division rivals appear to have strengthened their rosters.

Herbert Will Have New Weapons

The Chargers were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL last season. Injuries and poor coaching derailed their season, but the roster still holds plenty of talent.

Justin Herbert began the 2023 season with a full array of offensive weapons, but they quickly dwindled due to injuries. Austin Ekeler suffered an injury after a standout Week 1 performance against the Dolphins, and a few games later, Mike Williams tore his ACL.

Keenan Allen initially stayed healthy, but he too eventually succumbed to injury. By the end of the season, Herbert was left with a severely depleted supporting cast.

Heading into this season, Herbert won’t have to worry about the same core of players getting hurt again—they’ve all moved on. Ekeler signed with the Commanders, while Williams and Allen joined the Jets and Bears, respectively.

Quentin Johnston, last year’s first-round pick, is expected to take on a bigger role this season, though his rookie struggles are a concern. Rookie Ladd McConkey has been building good chemistry with Herbert during OTAs, and returning veteran Joshua Palmer has shown flashes of potential in the past.

As for the running game, it’s uncertain who will handle the majority of the workload. The Chargers brought in Baltimore’s J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, both of whom are familiar with new offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s system.

Dobbins has shown talent but has been hampered by injuries over the past two seasons. Edwards has also dealt with injuries and doesn’t have the same level of ability as Dobbins.

The Chargers were expected to address the running back position earlier in the 2024 NFL Draft but didn’t do so until selecting Kimani Vidal in the sixth round.

Can Mack and Bosa Deliver?

On defense, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa remain the team’s standout players, with Mack coming off an outstanding season. Bosa, however, was plagued by injuries, which has been a recurring issue throughout his career.

If Bosa can stay healthy and Mack continues to perform at an All-Pro level, despite turning 33 this offseason, the Chargers could have one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league.

Another bright spot on defense is cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who is coming off his best season yet. However, the Chargers have struggled to find consistency in their secondary, particularly at the position opposite Samuel.

The Chargers have long been hindered by poor coaching, but with Jim Harbaugh now leading the team, there is hope for a turnaround. However, given their significant weaknesses at wide receiver, interior offensive line, and defensive front, it may take some time before the Chargers can realize their full potential.

The Pick

Preseason games are often about evaluating talent rather than winning, which means the Chargers might be more motivated to showcase their depth, particularly among rookies and undrafted free agents. With players like Quentin Johnston looking to solidify their roles, they could have an edge in effort and intensity in this game.

With Jim Harbaugh taking over as head coach, he’ll want to establish a winning culture from the start, even in the preseason. Harbaugh has a reputation for being a disciplined coach who values strong preseason performances, especially in his first year with a new team.

The small spread indicates that the game is expected to be close, giving the Chargers a slight advantage at home. Even in limited snaps, if Samuel and the pass rush duo of Mack and Bosa see the field, they could disrupt the Seahawks enough to give the Chargers an advantage.

NFL Pick: Chargers ML (+110) at Bovada

Chargers ML (+110)

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