AFC West 2020 Week 4 predictions: Raiders try to keep pace with Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
The Los Angeles Chargers are a bad decision on fourth down by head coach Anthony Lynn or a terrible gamble by Justin Herbert away from being 2-1. They are also a missed field goal by Randy Bullock away from being 0-3 but such is life in the NFL.
They beat the upstart Bengals and hung tough with the Kansas City Chiefs behind some inspired play from Herbert on his unexpected start but the rookie came back to earth with two turnovers against Carolina in Week 3. Next up he faces a Tampa Bay team that may be gelling after a tough start to the season.
The Buccaneers are still finding their way on offense as Tom Brady learns a new system and familiarizes himself with his new teammates but they are formidable on defense. They are third in the NFL in rushing yards allowed so Herbert may have to go out and win this one on his own without much help from his running backs.
In a normal season this would be a rookie quarterback going in to a hostile road environment for the first time, but with limited fans in the stadium, it may just be another game for Herbert. This may still be a bridge too far the youngster as he finds his feet in the NFL and the Chargers’ injuries will be too much for them to overcome.
Tom Brady and the Bucs win by a touchdown but it is more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.
Prediction: Buccaneers win 24-17