PHX Reporter

The Arizona Cardinals are preparing to face the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium on Monday at 6 p.m. The Cardinals, who are underdogs with a +3 line, will look to capitalize on key matchups as they aim for a victory.

Trey McBride, the Cardinals' tight end, remains a crucial component of their offensive strategy. Despite missing one game due to injury, McBride leads the team in receptions. "In the win over the 49ers, McBride was targeted in six of the team's nine possessions," noted Dani Sureck. The Chargers' defense ranks low in receptions and average receiving yards allowed per game to tight ends, offering an opportunity for McBride.

Arizona's offense has seen its top receivers come from positions other than wide receiver recently. In Green Bay, a tight end and two running backs led in receptions. With defenses focusing on stopping Arizona's ground game featuring James Conner and Kyler Murray, passing plays could become essential. Paul Calvisi highlighted that "the Chargers figure to be missing their top four cornerbacks," which might allow Arizona's wide receivers more opportunities.

On the defensive side, Justin Herbert's recovery from an ankle injury has bolstered the Chargers' performance. Last week against Denver, Herbert excelled on third downs with significant passing yards. Conversely, Arizona struggled defensively against Green Bay on third downs. Zach Gershman pointed out that "with Bilal Nichols done for the remainder of the season," pressure is mounting on players like Roy Lopez to step up defensively.

As both teams prepare for this matchup, each will focus on exploiting their strengths and addressing weaknesses observed in recent games.