Los Angeles Chargers fans are in for a treat today as the franchise is set to deliver a bonus, early preseason showdown to kick off the preseason. The Chargers will be facing the Detroit Lions, letting fans get an early glimpse of two potential playoff teams in July with kickoff slated for 8:00 p.m. EST (5:00 p.m. PST).
Of course, for the most part, Los Angeles won’t be featuring their starters.
That said, Jim Harbaugh is expected to face off against Dan Campbell. Plus, the game will feature some familiar players to every fan base, including quarterback Trey Lance.
NBC will be pulling out every stop, using its A-team of commentators. With the entire football world watching, it will be an early pressure-filled test for those eager to make their case for a roster spot.
Here’s a look at three bold predictions for the contest.
Chargers QB Trey Lance Throws Touchdown On First Pass
Lance has received plenty of hype from Harbaugh in the lead-up to the game, with the Chargers head coach declaring Lance to have had “a heck of a camp,” per Chargers media on July 29.
Well, for the former FCS Swiss Army Knife, he won’t have a better stage and opponent lined up for him for quite some time. Lance will take advantage, riding his momentum in the first quarter, hitting a strike to open the game 7-0.
Omarion Hampton Averages Six Yards Per Carry
Omarion Hampton is expected to get some snaps in the game, perhaps to the surprise of many. The rookie is seemingly in the driver’s seat to start in Week 1 due to Najee Harris’ absence, but Hampton will get some extra time before August.
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The new Chargers running back will take advantage of the stage, ripping off yardage at a high clip. It will be a highlight reel-filled night. Hampton’s night will continue at the same pace he left in college, in which he earned 5.9 yards per attempt in each of his final two seasons.
Brenden Rice Reintroduces Himself In Spectacular Fashion
As Tre Harris has soaked up much of the attention in training camp in the wake of Mike Williams’ sudden retirement, Brenden Rice has quietly sat back, biding his time, waiting for a moment to remind fans who he is.
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The son of the legendary Jerry Rice, Brenden has the stage and the perfect situation to get some passes thrown his way with Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston not expected to play.
As such, the wide receiver has every reason to dominate, crossing the 100-yard mark, albeit on fewer than five catches. He will also find the endzone at least once, looking like he did in his final year at USC, in which he logged 12 receiving touchdowns.