As the Buffalo Bills aim to start their season 3-0, they encounter what seems, on the surface, to be a layup. Tragically, the 0-2 Los Angeles Chargers are anything but an easy win. Week 3 is another unsettling one in a tough opening stretch for the Bills but, as iron sharpens iron, Buffalo becomes very sharp indeed.
Still, the Chargers are a threat, despite their 0-2 record. Justin Herbert's crew were lauded before the season as giants in their own right. But, what happens when a mis-prophesied contender off to a rocky start encounters an actual giant exiting an enormous primetime victory? We're here to predict just that.
Prediction #1 - Justin Herbert takes 3+ sacks
The L.A. Chargers have had 60 dropbacks this season so far, and 6 of those have resulted in a QB sack. A 10% sack rate on offense is dismal, 6th-worst in the NFL so far, and it won't improve on Sunday.
Justin Herbert is averaging 3 sacks taken per game, and he has yet to face a defense with the pass-rush production of the 2026 Buffalo Bills. OLB Greg Rousseau leads the NFL in sacks with 4 through Week 2.
Buffalo has been a juggernaut on offense, and the Chargers' own 4.35% sack rate isn't likely to stop them. This is, on paper, a one-sided affair.
One could discuss the nuance having former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel calling the plays on offense to be an advantage. This is not the Bills defense of the past half-decade; That knowledge is outdated and ineffective against the current scheme.
Prediction #2 - Bills rely on passing game
One a the L.A. Chargers have been consistent in is their run defense. The unit is allowing only 86.5 rushing yards per game at the moment, 6th-best in the league. The Bills themselves have one of the best rushing attacks in football, thanks to the dual-threat combo of Josh Allen and James Cook.
The Bills offense simply must struggle eventually, and the Chargers are the team to do it. L.A. won't be able to contain the Buffalo ground game all the time, but the Bills resort to passing when they absolutely need yards. With Josh Allen, that's a safe bet.
The combination of L.A's low sack rate and limited rushing yards allowed sets up a passing bonanza for the Bills. The Chargers allow high completion rates and 8 yards per completion, which bodes ill for the away team.
Prediction #3 - Final score
The Buffalo Bills can air this out, attacking the L.A. Chargers' corners and safeties with plenty of time in the pocket. The only thing scarier than Josh Allen when he has no time is Josh Allen with time. The Chargers find that out on Sunday, but the Bills' defense keeps it close.
Prediction: Bills beat the Chargers, 35 - 27
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