Cardinals vs. Chargers Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest NFL Odds for Sunday, September 13th
The Arizona Cardinals begin the Mike LaFleur era against a Los Angeles Chargers team coming off consecutive 11-win seasons. Jacoby Brissett, Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. give Arizona enough proven offensive pieces to test a large spread, while Justin Herbert debuts in Mike McDaniel's new offense. Check out this Cardinals vs. Chargers prediction and best bet for Sunday, September 13.
Peter Alexis - September 13, 2026, 3:40 PM EDT
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Arizona visits SoFi Stadium for a 4:25 PM ET kickoff on CBS. The Chargers are 9.5-point favorites on the current board, with the total at 47.5.
Los Angeles owns the stronger roster and enters with legitimate AFC expectations, but both teams are introducing meaningful offensive changes. Arizona is starting over after a 3-14 season, while McDaniel takes control of an already talented Chargers offense built around Herbert.
Cardinals vs. Chargers Recent Results
Arizona went 3-14 and allowed 28.7 points per game, leading to the hiring of LaFleur. Brissett threw for 3,366 yards last season, while McBride produced 1,239 receiving yards and remains the most established piece of the Cardinals' passing game.
Los Angeles went 11-6 and reached the postseason for a second straight season under Jim Harbaugh. The next step is finding more offensive explosiveness, which led to McDaniel taking over a system that now pairs his motion-heavy concepts with Herbert's arm talent.
Cardinals vs. Chargers Head to Head
- October 21, 2024: Arizona Cardinals 17, Los Angeles Chargers 15
- November 27, 2022: Los Angeles Chargers 25, Arizona Cardinals 24
- November 25, 2018: Los Angeles Chargers 45, Arizona Cardinals 10
- September 8, 2014: Arizona Cardinals 18, Los Angeles Chargers 17
Three of the last four regular-season meetings were decided by three points or fewer. Arizona won the most recent matchup 17-15 despite Herbert throwing for 349 yards.
Cardinals vs. Chargers Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Sunday, September 13th, 2026
- Time: 4:25 PM ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- How to Watch: CBS
Cardinals vs. Chargers Odds
- Spread: Arizona Cardinals +9.5, Los Angeles Chargers -9.5
- Total Points: Over 47.5, Under 47.5
- Moneyline: Arizona Cardinals +390, Los Angeles Chargers -520
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Cardinals vs. Chargers Line Movement and Betting Splits
Los Angeles opened as roughly a 10.5-point favorite before the market moved toward Arizona and brought the spread below double digits. The total has moved upward from the mid-40s to 47.5.
The split is striking. Arizona has only 39% of spread bets but 75% of the handle, while Los Angeles has 61% of tickets and only 25% of the money. At the same time, 96% of moneyline bets are on the Chargers, showing a market that overwhelmingly expects Los Angeles to win but is far less convinced it will cover a large number.
Cardinals vs. Chargers Prediction
That distinction is the foundation of the handicap. The Chargers should win this game, but asking them to win by double digits in their first regular-season game under a new offensive coordinator creates a much higher standard.
Herbert is an excellent fit for McDaniel, but timing-heavy motion systems can require adjustment. Los Angeles may generate several explosive plays without immediately operating at peak efficiency in the red zone or on third down.
Arizona also has enough veteran offensive structure to avoid disappearing. Brissett has experience managing games, McBride is one of the league's better tight ends and Harrison gives the Cardinals a legitimate red-zone target.
The Cardinals do not need to match Herbert score for score. A methodical offense that reaches 17 to 20 points dramatically improves the chances of staying within this number, particularly if Los Angeles settles for field goals on a few early drives.
Arizona's defense remains the concern, but +10 changes the calculation. It opens several common outcomes where the Chargers lead comfortably for much of the afternoon but a late Cardinals touchdown turns a 14-point margin into seven.
The market is already telling a similar story. Los Angeles is attracting nearly every moneyline ticket, yet the spread has moved toward Arizona and the Cardinals hold a huge majority of spread handle despite receiving fewer tickets.
Cardinals vs. Chargers Best Bet
- Pick: Cardinals +10 (-120) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
The current board is showing +9.5, so this recommendation is specifically tied to finding the full +10. The difference matters on a large underdog because it adds protection against a 27-17 or 30-20 final.
Los Angeles is much more likely to win outright, but that does not make a double-digit cover automatic. Arizona has enough competent offensive pieces to score late and stay inside the number.
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