On Saturday, the Los Angeles Chargers will host the Seattle Seahawks as both teams kick off their three-game preseason slate. There’s intrigue on the field with these two squads, but a lot of focus will be on the sidelines as each organization has a new head coach this year.
Here’s everything you need to know about this Week 1 preseason matchup between the Seahawks and Chargers, including how to watch, how to listen, the start time, and more.
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Chargers
- Start time: Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, 7:05 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
- Live stream options: NFL+
- Radio stations: Seahawks Radio Network, ALT 98.7 Los Angeles
- Starting QBs: Sam Howell, Easton Stick
- Betting lines:
- Spread: SEA -1.5
- Total: 35
- Moneyline: SEA -135, LAC +114
After a surprising resurgence under QB Geno Smith in 2022, the Seahawks fell short of expectations last year, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs.
The offense looks pretty similar, with RB Kenneth Walker III and WRs DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba all assuming their roles from 2023.
TE Noah Fant may see an expanded role with Will Dissly’s departure, but aside from signing center Connor Williams and Laken Tomlinson in the offseason, the offense remains virtually unchanged. The more significant questions come from the coaching and defense.
After 14 seasons as head coach of the Seahawks, Pete Carroll agreed to step down following the 2023 NFL season to take an executive position with the team. Seattle brought in rookie head coach and former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to take over head coaching duties.
A defensive-minded coach, the new skipper saw some roster transition as Macdonald prepped to install his scheme. Safeties Quandree Diggs and Jamal Adams were cut from the team in the offseason. Seattle resigned DL Leonard Williams to a three-year, $64.5 million contract while drafting DT Byron Murphy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to finish building the defensive line along with Jarran Reed.
With additional signings like LB Jerome Baker, DT Johnathan Hankins, and safety K’Von Wallace, to name a few, it’s clear the Seahawks are looking to strengthen their defense quickly to make another postseason run with Smith at QB. Will the investments pay off for first-year HC Macdonald?