On Saturday, the Los Angeles Chargers will host the Seattle Seahawks as both teams kick off their three-game preseason slate. There’s intrigue on the field with these two squads, but a lot of focus will be on the sidelines as each organization has a new head coach this year.
Here’s everything you need to know about this Week 1 preseason matchup between the Seahawks and Chargers, including how to watch, how to listen, the start time, and more.
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Chargers
- Start time: Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, 7:05 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
- Live stream options: NFL+
- Radio stations: Seahawks Radio Network, ALT 98.7 Los Angeles
- Starting QBs: Sam Howell, Easton Stick
- Betting lines:
- Spread: SEA -1.5
- Total: 35
- Moneyline: SEA -135, LAC +114
While not a first-year head coach, the Chargers welcome a new head man to town as Brandon Staley finally got the axe after another disappointing finish. After much speculation, the Chargers were able to agree with former Michigan Wolverines head coach John Harbaugh to be the next head coach.
Harbuagh’s hiring is by far the most notable offseason addition, as it changes the outlook of the Chargers franchise. While Staley’s gutsy fourth-down decisions were admirable, the team’s overall success was not great despite those moments. The Chargers finished 5-12 and last in the AFC West; not a great look when Justin Herbert is your quarterback.
While the coaching might have improved, the help on the offense took a hit with roster reconstruction. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, two receivers who have been with Herbert their whole careers, are with new teams. The new receiving core is led by Johsua Palmer, rookie Ladd McConkey, and DJ Chark Jr.
It’s not all bad, though. TE Will Dissly signed in free agency, and former Ravens RBs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins replaced Austin Ekeler. With the offensive line bookended by tackles Rashawn Slater and rookie Joe Alt, Harbaugh, and Herbert have a solid base to build a worthy contender.
Unfortunately for Chargers fans, 2024 might be rough before things turn around.
After a surprising resurgence under QB Geno Smith in 2022, the Seahawks fell short of expectations last year, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs.
The offense looks pretty similar, with RB Kenneth Walker III and WRs DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba all assuming their roles from 2023.
TE Noah Fant may see an expanded role with Will Dissly’s departure, but aside from signing center Connor Williams and Laken Tomlinson in the offseason, the offense remains virtually unchanged. The more significant questions come from the coaching and defense.
After 14 seasons as head coach of the Seahawks, Pete Carroll agreed to step down following the 2023 NFL season to take an executive position with the team. Seattle brought in rookie head coach and former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to take over head coaching duties.
A defensive-minded coach, the new skipper saw some roster transition as Macdonald prepped to install his scheme. Safeties Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams were cut from the team in the offseason. Seattle resigned DL Leonard Williams to a three-year, $64.5 million contract while drafting DT Byron Murphy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to finish building the defensive line along with Jarran Reed.
With additional signings like LB Jerome Baker, DT Johnathan Hankins, and safety K’Von Wallace, to name a few, it’s clear the Seahawks are looking to strengthen their defense quickly to make another postseason run with Smith at QB. Will the investments pay off for first-year HC Macdonald?
Chargers vs. Seahawks Betting Preview
The Seattle Seahawks brought in Sam Howell this offseason, and he has a lot to prove. In Howell and PJ Walker, the Seahawks have a really nice backup pairing to play these games. There is also a lot of competition for roles behind the starters on this offense, and the OL may want some time to gel.
With Justin Herbert injured, the Los Angeles Chargers have some intriguing decisions to make. Do they protect Easton Stick a little, or is this a competition between Stick and Max Duggan? The Chargers’ offensive weapons also have a lot to scrap over, with roles available at WR and RB.
The intriguing subplot here is the John Harbaugh connection. Does Ben Macdonald believe in his mentor’s preseason philosophy? Does Jim Harbaugh view preseason the same way as his brother? This game could be quite interesting on Saturday night.
For more betting analysis, make sure to check out PFN’s Week 1 preseason picks and predictions.
Fantasy Players to Watch
Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins
The fact that J.K. Dobbins is at practice at all coming off a torn Achilles, his second serious lower-body injury, is impressive in its own right. It’s been a long time since Dobbins was truly healthy. But when he was, this was an incredibly talented runner who averaged 6.0 yards per carry as a rookie.
There’s a very real chance Dobbins never gets back to the player he was. In fact, it’s more likely than not. It’s also something we’ll be able to effectively evaluate when we see him on the field.
Dobbins hasn’t taken a preseason snap since the one he tore his ACL on two years ago. Given that the Chargers backfield is an open competition, fantasy managers should keep a keen eye on how Dobbins looks. If the explosiveness is back, he’ll be someone rapidly climbing up draft boards in late August.
Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
It’s unclear if the new coaching staff will play veterans in the preseason. If they do, we definitely want to note how sophomore WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is being used.
Last year, JSN underwhelmed despite his first-round draft capital due to being trapped behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Will new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb allow Smith-Njigba to run more downfield routes rather than be limited to underneath stuff like last year? If so, JSN might be a tremendous value in fantasy this year.
For more fantasy analysis, make sure to check out PFN’s fantasy players to watch during the NFL preseason.
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