Quarterback Battle: Chargers' Philip Rivers and Lions' Matthew Stafford (Photo : Reuters)
The Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers battle it out in a Sunday Night Football match at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California with both squads looking to start their season on the right foot.
These two sides are almost equal in strength on paper and the game would be too tough to call, although the team playing at home always had a slight advantage under the circumstances.
San Diego clearly has the upper hand when it comes to the quarterback battle between Matthew Stafford and Philip Rivers, even if we base it on their salaries alone.
However, the Lions have underrated offensive weapons such as wideout Calvin Johnson and running back Joique Bell that could prove to be the difference in the game.
ESPN noted that Bell's absence during the preseason may affect Detroit's offense while defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has not yet returned from a non-football injury to anchor their defense.
The Chargers also have their share of missing players as tight end Antonio Gates is still serving his suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, as per Bleacher Report.
It would be a close game, but the Chargers will prevail mainly because of their home field advantage and, of course, Rivers.
Prediction: Chargers win, 24-21
Detroit Lions starting lineup
Offense: Stafford (QB), Bell (RB), Burton (FB), Johnson (WR1), Tate (WR2), Ebron (TE), Reiff (LT), Tomlinson (LG), Ramirez (C), Warford (RG), Waddle (RT)
Defense: Tapp (DE), Ngata (DT), Walker (DT), Ansah (DE), Whitehead (OLB), Tulloch (MLB), Levy (OLB), Slay (CB1), Mathis (CB2), Ihedigbo (SS), Quin (FS)
San Diego Chargers starting lineup
Offense: Rivers (QB), Gordon (RB), Johnson (FB), Allen (WR1), Floyd (WR2), Green (TE), Dunlap (LT), Franklin (LG), Watt (C), Troutman (RG), Fluker (RT)
Defense: Reyes (DE), Lissemore (NT), Liuget (DE), Ingram (OLB), Te'o (ILB), Butler (ILB), Attaochu (OLB), Flowers (CB1), Verrett (CB2), Addae (SS), Weddle (FS)
