NFL Week 1: Why the Chargers may 'Luck Out'

By: Dan Orlando

The Chargers are set to enter Week 1 as the favorites against a team that some felt could challenge for the AFC Title in 2019. The projection is due in part to the development of a “high ankle problem” that has star QB Andrew Luck’s status for yet another season opener shrouded in mystery.

It’s worth noting that the Chargers, who enter the season with strong expectations as well and are listed as a favorite to win the Super Bowl by USA Today- are still not heavy favorites over Indy, despite hosting a Colts team that may not even field it’s biggest star.

With the line hovering around 3, Los Angeles has some concerns of their own.

Star running back Melvin Gordon has still not shown for camp despite sustaining $30K per day in fines. He hasn't even been rattled by additionally losing about $330K per preseason game, which suggests he could be inclined to go the route of current Jet, Le’Veon Bel, and leave the Chargers without his services when the games count.

Gordon played in a career-low 12 games last season, notching just under 900 yards and 10 TDs. He finished 17th in total rushing yards.

Despite the middle-of-the-pack ranking, going without Gordon would certainly temper expectations for a Chargers team that expects to compete for Phillip Rivers’ first Super Bowl appearance, let alone title.

Top contender to take over the feature back mantle, Austin Ekeler, will be entering his third season. In 2018 he found the end zone three times and barely broke 550 yards. A relatively unproven entity, it stands to reason that early lines could shift backwards on San Diego if Gordon has yet to take the practice field come September.

But for now, LAC are looking like a strong play against a Luck-less Colts. Stay tuned.