Cardinals Defeat Chargers in NFL Showdown
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 4:25 PM ET · SoFi Stadium
Arizona Cardinals 26, Los Angeles Chargers 14, final. Our NFL picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Arizona Cardinals beat Los Angeles Chargers 26-14 at SoFi Stadium on September 13, 2026.
Who was favored in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -485 (about 83% implied). The underdog won.
In an intriguing NFL matchup, the Arizona Cardinals secured a 26-14 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. This game featured contrasting recent forms, with the Chargers having lost their last two games and the Cardinals coming off a win, marking their first victory of the season after starting with a record of 1-0.
The Chargers entered the game with a home record of 0-1, while the Cardinals were 1-0 on the road. Over their last ten games, the Chargers had a record of 7-3, but their recent performance showed a decline, averaging 18.2 points scored and 17.6 points allowed in their last five games. In stark contrast, the Cardinals struggled significantly, holding a dismal record of 1-9 over their last ten outings, with an average of 20.2 points scored and a staggering 33.4 points allowed.
At home, the Chargers had a solid record of 4-1, but their recent losses have raised concerns. The Cardinals, meanwhile, had been winless in their last four away games before this match. The Chargers had previously faced the Cardinals, but the specifics of those encounters were not detailed in the provided information.
In terms of injuries, the Chargers had several players listed as questionable, including KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Ladd McConkey, both dealing with hamstring and chest issues, respectively. Elijah Molden was also questionable with a hamstring injury. Additionally, Logan Taylor and RJ Mickens were ruled out due to coach's decisions. For the Cardinals, Kitan Crawford was questionable with an ankle injury, while Carson Beck, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Reggie Virgil, and Garrett Williams were all out due to various reasons, including coach's decisions and injuries.
The betting market reflected the Chargers as significant favorites, with odds from DraftKings showing them at -8.5 on the spread and a moneyline of -485. The total for the game was set at 47.5, with the over at -102 and the under at -118. The conditions at SoFi Stadium were not specified, but the venue typically provides a modern setting for NFL games.
Viewers were encouraged to watch for the Chargers' offensive struggles, particularly in light of their recent scoring averages and the impact of their injuries. The Cardinals, buoyed by their recent win, aimed to capitalize on the Chargers' vulnerabilities and continue their momentum.
What we said beforehand
The Los Angeles Chargers will face the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on September 13, 2026, in a matchup that marks the beginning of the NFL season for both teams, each entering with a record of 0-0. The Chargers are currently favored by 8.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 47.5 for the game.
Recent form reveals that the Chargers have struggled in their last five games, losing four of them. Their most recent outing was a defeat against the Denver Broncos, where they fell 19-3. Prior to that, they lost to the New England Patriots 16-3. However, they did secure a win against the Houston Texans, winning 27-7. Over their last five games, the Chargers have averaged 18.2 points scored while allowing 17.6 points per game. At home, they have a solid record of 4-1 over their last ten games, averaging 21.7 points scored and allowing 17.7 points.
On the other side, the Cardinals have had a tumultuous stretch, losing nine consecutive games, with their last victory coming against the Dallas Cowboys, where they won 27-17. Their most recent game ended in a 42-38 loss to the Green Bay Packers. In their last five games, the Cardinals have averaged 18.0 points scored but have allowed a staggering 37.0 points per game. Their away record is particularly concerning, with only one win in their last ten games.
In terms of injuries, the Chargers will be without several players, including Logan Taylor, RJ Mickens, Trevor Penning, Alex Harkey, and Deane Leonard, who is out due to an abdomen issue. The Cardinals will also be missing key players, including Carson Beck, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ribs), Reggie Virgil, Garrett Williams (Achilles), and Isaiah Adams (knee). The absence of these players could significantly impact both teams' strategies and performance on the field.
Weather conditions for the game are expected to be warm, with a temperature of 79°F and no precipitation, along with wind gusts up to 12 mph. These conditions may favor an offensive game plan, allowing both teams to utilize their passing games effectively.
Overall, this matchup presents an intriguing start to the season, with the Chargers looking to capitalize on their home advantage and the Cardinals aiming to break their losing streak. Fans will be watching closely to see how both teams adapt to their injury situations and whether the Chargers can bounce back from their recent struggles.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LAC -8.5 | 47.5 o -102 / u -118 | Arizona Cardinals +370 · Los Angeles Chargers -485 |
Injury report
- KeAndre Lambert-SmithQuestionableHamstringLos Angeles Chargers
- Ladd McConkeyQuestionableChestLos Angeles Chargers
- Elijah MoldenQuestionableHamstringLos Angeles Chargers
- Logan TaylorOutCoach's DecisionLos Angeles Chargers
- RJ MickensOutCoach's DecisionLos Angeles Chargers
- Kitan CrawfordQuestionableAnkleArizona Cardinals
- Carson BeckOutCoach's DecisionArizona Cardinals
- Dadrion Taylor-DemersonOutRibsArizona Cardinals
- Reggie VirgilOutCoach's DecisionArizona Cardinals
- Garrett WilliamsOutAchillesArizona Cardinals
Leaders
- Passing yardsJustin Herbert17/27, 209 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INTLos Angeles Chargers
- Rushing yardsOmarion Hampton12 CAR, 43 YDS, 1 TDLos Angeles Chargers
- Receiving yardsLadd McConkey5 REC, 82 YDS, 1 TDLos Angeles Chargers
- Passing yardsJacoby Brissett27/37, 277 YDS, 1 TDArizona Cardinals
- Rushing yardsTyler Allgeier17 CAR, 61 YDSArizona Cardinals
- Receiving yardsTrey McBride9 REC, 95 YDS, 1 TDArizona Cardinals
Recent form
Los Angeles Chargers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L221.7 scored · 17.7 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L3-19at Denver BroncosJan 4
- L16-20vs Houston TexansDec 27
- W34-17at Dallas CowboysDec 21
- W16-13at Kansas City ChiefsDec 14
- W22-19vs Philadelphia EaglesDec 9
- W31-14vs Las Vegas RaidersNov 30
- L6-35at Jacksonville JaguarsNov 16
- W25-10vs Pittsburgh SteelersNov 10
- W27-20at Tennessee TitansNov 2
- W37-10vs Minnesota VikingsOct 24
Arizona Cardinals
Last 10: 1-9Streak L920.2 scored · 33.4 allowed per game1-5 away
- L20-37at Los Angeles RamsJan 4
- L14-37at Cincinnati BengalsDec 28
- L19-26vs Atlanta FalconsDec 21
- L20-40at Houston TexansDec 14
- L17-45vs Los Angeles RamsDec 7
- L17-20at Tampa Bay BuccaneersNov 30
- L24-27vs Jacksonville JaguarsNov 23
- L22-41vs San Francisco 49ersNov 16
- L22-44at Seattle SeahawksNov 9
- W27-17at Dallas CowboysNov 4
Standings
| Team | Lost | Points against | Points for | Tied | Win % | Won | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | 0 | 7 | 27 | 0 | 1.000 | 1 | 1-0 |
| Arizona | 0 | 14 | 26 | 0 | 1.000 | 1 | 1-0 |
| Seattle | 0 | 10 | 13 | 0 | 1.000 | 1 | 1-0 |
| Los Angeles | 1 | 27 | 7 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-1 |
| Denver | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-0 |
| Kansas City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-0 |
| Las Vegas | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-0 |
| Los Angeles | 1 | 26 | 14 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-1 |
Box score
| Stat | Arizona Cardinals | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 23 | 17 |
| First downs passing | 15 | 9 |
| First downs rushing | 7 | 6 |
| First downs by penalty | 1 | 2 |
| Third downs | 6-14 | 2-8 |
| Fourth downs | 0-0 | 0-3 |
| Offensive plays | 72 | 51 |
| Total yards | 393 | 268 |
| Yards per play | 5.5 | 5.3 |
| Drives | 11 | 10 |
| Net passing yards | 277 | 187 |
| Completions | 27/37 | 17/27 |
| Yards per pass | 7.3 | 6.2 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 1 |
| Sacks allowed | 1-0 | 3-22 |
| Rushing yards | 116 | 81 |
| Rushing attempts | 34 | 21 |
| Yards per rush | 3.4 | 3.9 |
| Red zone trips | 2-5 | 2-3 |
| Penalties | 8-111 | 7-64 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 1 |
| Defensive touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 37:31 | 22:29 |
Win probability
Above the line favours Los Angeles Chargers, below favours Arizona Cardinals.
Venue
- SoFi StadiumInglewood, CA
- Attendance70540
- OfficialsBarry Anderson, Ronald Torbert, Keith Washington, Ryan Dickson, Tripp Sutter, Frank LeBlanc, Courtney Brown
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