Dolphins at Chargers Preview: Schematics and Storylines | Week 1

Sunday | 4:25 ET

This game should be circled on everyone NFL fan’s calendar. Even though it’s only week 1, this game could have playoff implications considering the tough divisions that these teams play in. Both teams are star studded on both sides of the ball, including WR Tyreek Hill, RB Austin Ekeler, CB Xavien Howard, EDGE Khalil Mack, EDGE Joey Bosa, and S Derwin James. This will be the Dolphins’ first Sunday with Vic Fangio helming the defense, who will play a massive factor in this season. He is faced with a tough test in the Justin Herbert-led Chargers offense. The battle of new Chargers OC Kellen Moore and new Dolphins DC Vic Fangio will be exciting to watch unfold.

This season, Kellen Moore will look to expand the offensive playbook and use Justin Herbert to the height of his abilities. However, this may not be the week to air it out. The Dolphins will likely adopt a two-high-safety defense and focus on preventing deep passes and creating interceptions. If they are able to force turnovers (unlike 2022), they could take over. The Chargers will have to move down the field methodically, using the running game in addition to quick passes. They have the perfect weapons to do this in Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Mike Willams, and Quentin Johnston.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins will have to worry about a fully healthy Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack on the other side of the ball. As long as Tua avoids getting knocked out by one of the Chargers edges, he should be able to find Hill and Waddle for some nice gains. Still, the Chargers will pull through in a tight contest.

Score Prediction: Chargers 31 Dolphins 28

Read my other week 1 previews here!