Cardinals Stun Chargers in Week 1 Upset
Arizona, an 8.5-point underdog, beat Los Angeles 26-14. Jacoby Brissett passed for 277 yards and a touchdown, while rookie Jeremiyah Love scored his first NFL touchdown. The Chargers committed multiple turnovers and had a blocked punt that led to Arizona points.
Brissett completed 27 of 37 passes for 277 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions, orchestrating a balanced attack that included rookie Jeremiyah Love's first career touchdown on the opening drive. Trey McBride led receivers with nine catches for 95 yards and a score.
The Chargers' self-inflicted wounds proved decisive. Los Angeles lost a fumble, had a punt blocked, turned the ball over on downs twice, and Herbert threw an interception. Mike LaFleur's debut as Cardinals head coach produced a statement win for a franchise in transition, while the Chargers, favored by 8.5 points, left with questions about their Super Bowl aspirations.
This upset could reshape early-season expectations for both franchises. For Cardinals fans, the win may validate the rebuilding direction and LaFleur's leadership, potentially boosting local engagement and optimism. For Chargers supporters, the loss may raise concerns about consistency and discipline, possibly influencing how the team is covered and perceived nationally. The result could also affect betting markets and fantasy football decisions, as Brissett's strong outing may elevate his value while Herbert's turnover-prone day could temper expectations.