Chargers Starting Quarterback Week 1 Odds

After 16 years with the franchise and 14 seasons at the helm of the Chargers offense, quarterback and gunslinger Philip Rivers has now moved on to be a member of the Indianapolis Colts. As the starting quarterback for San Diego (and Los Angeles), Rivers led them to a .500 record or better 10 times while starting at QB1 for the Chargers, all while starting 224 consecutive games for the team. While they were never able to make it to a Super Bowl, the Rivers-era is one that will be reflected upon positively by Chargers fans.

There are new times in L.A. and without Rivers, there are some quarterback controversy for their 2020 season. The Chargers made it known they were looking for their new franchise quarterback by taking Oregon product Justin Herbert with the 5^th overall pick in this years draft. However, despite the high pick, oddsmakers don’t think Herbert will be under center for the Bolts to kick-off the 2020 season:

The Favorite: Tyrod Taylor (-400) to be Chargers Starting QB Week 1

Despite Herbert being in town, veteran Tyrod Taylor is the odds-on favorite to be the Chargers starting quarterback in Week 1. While Taylor may not be a household name around the NFL, he is far from an incapable quarterback. As you may recall, Taylor is just three years removed from starting a playoff game for the Buffalo Bills, so Taylor has the experience and talent to be the Chargers starting quarterback.

Taylor spent four seasons backing up Joe Flacco in Baltimore after being drafted by the Ravens in 2011 before becoming the starting quarterback for the Bills in 2015. There, Taylor became a Pro Bowl quarterback, tossing 20 touchdowns and running for another four on just over 3,000 passing yards and almost 600 rushing yards. In 2017, Taylor took the team to their first postseason appearance since 1999.

However, things quickly changed for Taylor. Despite the playoff appearance, Taylor was outed as QB1 in 2018. He started three games for the Browns in 2018 before Baker Mayfield took over, finally landing in L.A. to backup Rivers last year.

For the short-term, the Chargers starting Taylor Week 1 is the safe play. He has the experience and proven himself in the NFL already, so it seems likely he will be the starter in L.A., which oddsmakers agree with based on making him the heavy-favorite.

The Underdog: Justin Herbert (+250) to be Chargers Starting QB Week 1

Los Angeles other option is starting top-5 pick Justin Herbert. While he may be new to the NFL, he is not new to being near the center of the football universe. Herbert became the first true freshman to start a game for Oregon in almost 30 years back in 2016, a year where he later led the Ducks to a come-back victory over then #11 Utah by throwing four touchdowns in the final 16 minutes of the game.

After being injured for his sophomore season, Herbert returned in 2018 as a favorite to take home the Heisman. However, the Ducks struggled as a team under their third head coach in three years and only went 9-4 despite Herbert throwing over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. Despite being a top prospect for the 2019 draft, Herbert returned to Oregon for his senior season. Herbert then established himself worthy of his selection, leading the team to a 12-2 record and a Rose Bowl win after posting almost 3,500 passing yards and 32 touchdowns with only five interceptions.

What Herbert lacks in NFL experience he makes up for in potential. Herbert has a great arm, is a good decision-maker, and has incredible intangibles. Despite being a rookie, he is only +250 to be QB1 in Week 1 for L.A. He may be the underdog to Taylor, but oddsmakers are definitely giving him a shot.