Chargers vs. Seahawks preview: 0-3 L.A. faces huge test

Dustin Judge
Chargers vs. Seahawks preview: Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in 2025

In this Chargers vs. Seahawks preview, the winless Los Angeles Chargers (0-3) try to avoid an 0-4 start Sunday, Oct. 4, against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks (2-1). Kickoff is 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 p.m. PT) at Lumen Field in Seattle, and the game is on CBS, according to Seahawks.com.

Chargers vs. Seahawks preview: game information

Date: Sunday, Oct. 4. Time: 4:25 p.m. ET. Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle. TV: CBS. Seattle was favored by 6.5 to 7 points, per Respect My Region, though lines move. It will be the first meeting between Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald and Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh.

Can the Chargers’ offense find a rhythm?

Los Angeles lost 24-16 at Buffalo last week after falling to Arizona in Week 1 and Las Vegas 26-14 in Week 2. The offense averages 14.7 points and 308.7 yards per game, Bleacher Report reported. Justin Herbert has 627 passing yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions.

Harbaugh has backed offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. “We trust Mike. We believe in Mike,” he said. Our report on McDaniel taking the blame for the 0-3 Chargers has more.

Seattle’s challenge after a shootout loss

Seattle’s side of the Chargers vs. Seahawks preview starts with a bounce-back spot. The Seahawks lost 33-31 at Washington last week. Sam Darnold threw for a career-high 379 yards and four touchdowns but also had two interceptions, one a pick-six. Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has 27 catches for 405 yards and six touchdowns through three games.

Injuries to watch

Thursday’s practice report showed Chargers receivers Ladd McConkey (foot) and Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) and safety Derwin James Jr. (hamstring/rest) did not practice. Cornerback Donte Jackson (concussion) and quarterback Trey Lance (groin) were limited, per the Chargers. McConkey has 12 catches for 183 yards this season.

For Seattle, running backs Zach Charbonnet (knee), George Holani (rib) and Jadarian Price (chest), and safeties Julian Love (calf) and Ty Okada (hamstring), were limited. Final statuses come later in the week.

Key matchup

The Chargers’ defense forced five turnovers against Buffalo, led by rookie safety Genesis Smith’s first two career interceptions. Seattle must protect the ball. If it does, the Chargers vs. Seahawks preview points to a Seattle edge. The teams last met on Oct. 23, 2022, when Seattle won 37-23, per Chargers.com.

Also see our pieces on Herbert’s NFL Top 100 ranking and Derwin James’ Top 100 spot.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.